“That’s a good idea. I wouldn’t mind stopping to holler at Lonnie,” Daddy replied. “We ain’t seen him and that shrew he married since her cousin’s funeral three years ago.”

“I hope him and Ellamae is up to having company today. The only thing is, I was raised to believe it’s rude to drop in unannounced on folks,” Mama said with her eyebrows furrowed.

“It sure is rude,” I agreed. “Last night Milton and Yvonne did just that. And we sure didn’t feel like having any company.”

“You shouldn’t have answered the door and let them jailbirds in,” Mama snarled. “I declare, this neighborhood ain’t been the same since they moved over here.”

“Ain’t it the truth. All them loud cars and trucks whizzing past our house to get to theirs seven days a week every evening is getting on my nerves,” Daddy grumbled as he snatched a biscuit off the platter in front of him. “I don’t remember the last time I got a good night’s sleep. I don’t know how you and Odell can tolerate them heathens, especially with them living just one house over.”

“I was annoyed with them when they showed up last night. I let them know right away that we didn’t want any company. They were gracious enough to leave after a few minutes,” I said.

“Humph. You mean to tell me they got some manners after all?” Mama sneered.

“Yeah, and they can be a lot of fun sometime. That’s why Odell and I visit them so often,” I admitted. “By the way, they want to treat me to supper one evening next month. They’re going to borrow somebody’s truck and take me to a real nice place in Mobile.”

“Oh? Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. I reckon it’s true that there ain’t a pot too crooked that a lid won’t fit. Even so, before you go gallivanting with folks that got such unsavory reputations, you better make sure you got enough money on you to pay for your supper, and enough bus fare to get back home in case their money comes up shy,” Daddy warned, shaking his fork in my face.

“Daddy, if they’re taking me to a restaurant, I’m sure they’ll bring enough money to cover the bill, and they’ll drive me back home. You sure are getting suspicious in your old age. I’m disappointed in you,” I teased.

“I ain’t done nothing for you to be disappointed about. Being suspicious is what helped me live this long. You remember that!” he fired back. He and Mama laughed.

“Joyce, what do you want to do? You want us to drive you out to Lonnie’s house or not?” Mama asked.