Page 75 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

The women looked at her.

"I know the last week has been unsettling."

A few heads nodded.

"But this club has survived heartbreak before."

"It'll survive fear too."

She smiled again. We bowed our heads while Miss Evelyn prayed.

"Lord, thank you for bringing us together once again. Thank you for protecting every woman sitting around this table. Continue giving us courage to ask for help, wisdom to know when someone else needs it, and grace to love one another well. Remind us that no woman should ever have to suffer alone. Amen."

"Amen," we echoed.

Plates of lemon pound cake went around the table. Slowly, people started talking again. For a while, the room sounded almost like it used to. Even laughter returned.

Then Camille quietly stood up again. She walked over to the bar and poured herself another drink. Simone watched her, then glanced at Nia. Nia looked at Danielle. No one said a word.

Camille returned to her chair as if nothing had happened.

In the middle of another talk about vacation rentals, Simone finally spoke up.

"Camille." She gave a gentle smile. "Can I ask you something?"

"Always."

"You've been drinking a lot lately."

The room grew quiet. Even the sound of forks on plates faded away.

Camille blinked.

"It's one drink."

Simone gave her a patient smile.

"It was one drink."

She looked at the glass.

"Now it's way more."

Camille laughed.

"Who's counting?"

No one answered.

Danielle finally spoke.

"We're just worried about you."

"I appreciate that."

"You've barely slept," Nia added softly.

"And you've been carrying this whole neighborhood on your shoulders."