Page 76 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

"I said I'm okay."

Regret crossed her face. She closed her eyes and let out a breath.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap."

She glanced around the table.

"I just…" Her voice cracked. "I haven't felt like myself since Monday."

No one rushed to fill the silence. Miss Evelyn stood and hugged Camille. Camille relaxed and leaned into her arms.

Watching her, I realized something. Fear wasn’t destroying Camille. It was stealing the part of herself she had fought to protect.

Miss Evelyn gently rubbed Camille’s back in slow circles, then sat back down.

"None of us expect you to carry this alone," she said gently.

"We've leaned on you long enough. It's okay to lean on us."

Everyone at the table nodded. Camille managed a small smile.

"I don't know what I'd do without y'all."

"You'll never have to find out," Danielle replied.

The tension in the room faded. Someone reached for another slice of cake. Nia refilled everyone’s drinks.

People started talking again, but their voices were softer, as if everyone was more aware of Camille at the head of the table.

I watched Camille. I didn’t see the person everyone else saw. I saw the side she tried to hide. She held onto her bourbon glass long after she stopped drinking.

She kept glancing at the front windows and the security monitor by the kitchen door. She was waiting for something.

I didn’t know what she was waiting for. Maybe she did.

I picked up my fork.

"Can I ask y'all something?"

The talking stopped. Camille was the first to look up.

"Of course."

I gave a polite smile.

"This might sound silly."

"I've only been here a few weeks, but I've been wondering."

I looked down at the cake on my plate.

"Why lemon pound cake?"

Some of the women smiled. Nia laughed.

"I knew she'd ask eventually."

"I was wondering how long it'd take," Simone added.