“Well, she is long in the tooth. A woman her age could have a stroke or heart attack and drop dead any day now. Then y’all wouldn’t have to worry about her no more.”

Joyce’s mouth dropped open. “Sweet Jesus, Milton. That’s not what I meant, and I hope she doesn’t pass on anytime soon. Odell told me she keeps threatening to get a divorce and move to Atlanta and live with one of her nieces. That’s what I’m hoping for.”

“Oh. Well, I’ll pray for things to work out for y’all with Lonnie. I’m sorry I brung up such a ghoulish subject.” I exhaled and went on. “Now before you leave, let me ask you one thing: When do you think we’ll be able to get that cash gift from y’all?”

“Huh?” I had no idea why she looked surprised. She was the one who had brung up them giving us some money. Now she was standing in front of me looking like a thunderbolt had hit her. “Oh! The hundred dollars? Don’t worry. Y’all will get it soon. I’ll make sure of that.”

I was so relieved. “And we’ll be glad to get it.” If Joyce hadn’t been such a fright to look at, I would have kissed her.

CHAPTER 17 - YVONNE

CHAPTER 17

YVONNE

THIS SUNDAY NIGHT HAD BEEN GOOD FOR US. WE’D MADE A DECENT amount of money and had a lot of fun. Nobody would guess that we’d been involved in so much turmoil lately.

After our guests left, me and Milton snuggled up on the couch. His arm was around my shoulder. It felt good, but I didn’t think I’d ever relax completely until we settled the score with Odell. “Baby, I don’t say it enough, but I want you to know that I really and truly love you,” I told him.

Milton chuckled. “I got a good memory. I hear that from you often enough. You don’t need to keep telling me.”

“I hope you still love me . . .”

Milton cocked his head to the side and looked at me with a curious expression on his face. “What’s wrong with you, girl? Why you talking out the side of your mouth?”

“Well, I just want to make sure you know where I stand with you. And that I ain’t never going to change.”

“Baby, you seem a little bothered. Did Prince Charming and Queen of Sheba say something to upset you tonight?” Milton asked. “Again,” he tacked on.

“Not really. The minute Joyce started bragging about Odell, I pretended I had to rush to the toilet.” I laughed.

Milton didn’t look the least bit amused. He looked preoccupied now. He took his arm from around my shoulder and let out a long, loud breath. “Things won’t be the same after we . . . uh . . . do our business with Odell.”