A skeptical look crossed her face. “Well, I hope it becomes more noticeable soon.” Her smile didn’t help me feel no better about her latest digs. I still managed to smile, and so did Yvonne. Joyce exhaled, squinted, and scanned the room. There was a mild frown on her face the whole time. “If I didn’t have so many chores to do at home, I’d stay longer.” She gave Yvonne a pitiful look and shook her head. “I could help you do some of the dusting and all that other housekeeping you haven’t been able to get to.”

“Joyce, that’s so neighborly of you. If you can come back before our guests start coming, I’ll have a broom and dust rag ready for you,” Yvonne said in a snippy tone. I could tell from the way she narrowed her eyes that she was offended by Joyce’s remarks. I wondered if this snooty ox would ever stop saying things that insulted us in some way.

“I won’t be back tonight. I don’t think I’ll be coming over to drink for the next couple of days,” Joyce said, trying to act apologetic.

“You going out with one of your friend-girls from work?” Yvonne asked.

“Uh-uh. My stomach has been acting up quite a bit lately. It started right after I ate some of those snacks you served last Friday. I gobbled up quite a few deviled duck eggs. Yvonne, I keep telling you not to be so heavy-handed with the salt. But the tea cakes you served the same night was pretty good. I’m glad you used my recipe.”

“I’ll remember to use less salt next time,” Yvonne said with a tight smile, but I could tell she was still feeling insulted.

When Joyce left, Yvonne waved her hands in the air in anger. “Ooh. When we knock her off that high horse she been riding way too long, her butt will hit the ground so hard, it’ll leave a foot-deep dent in it.”

Milton laughed. “I thought you was concerned about how hurt she’ll be when we spill the beans on Odell.”

“I was concerned about her . . . a little. But now I’m more concerned about how much more hurt we’ll suffer if we keep taking her verbal abuse. I can only hope she don’t say something that’ll make me snap before we get her to that restaurant.”

CHAPTER 25 - ODELL

CHAPTER 25

ODELL

ME AND BETTY JEAN WAS ON THE COUCH, HUGGING AND smooching like we did so often. Even after all these years, we still couldn’t keep our hands off each other. We had just come home from the afternoon church service a few minutes ago. The boys was in their room playing with some of the games and toys I had brung them this weekend.