Page 88 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

"I thought you’d like them."

She reached into the basket, rolling a lemon between her hands and admiring its bright yellow skin.

It was hard to miss the heaviness around her.

"How have you been?" I asked.

"I'm okay." She answered a bit too quickly.

"I mean..." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm trying not to let all this get to me."

I leaned against the kitchen island.

"That was strange. Any old friends you may have fallen out with?"

She shook her head and let out a dry laugh. "All my friends are here."

"What does your husband have to say?"

“At first, he thought it was strange, but after the flowers, he’s convinced it’s a man from my past. I’ve never been unfaithful, so I don’t know why he’d say that.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure. I’m sorry to hear that. Do you think your husband is cheating?” I whispered. Camille smoothed her blouse and smiled.

“He knows better,” she said with a smirk. I bet he does, I thought. She shook her head at herself.

"I sound crazy."

"No, you sound like a concerned wife who’s just trying to figure all this out."

"I am."

She lowered her voice.

"I keep thinking someone's watching me."

I glanced at the big kitchen windows that looked out over the backyard.

"I can only imagine. I hope this all gets sorted out soon. You’ll have peace again before long." I smiled at her.

"I hope so."

She picked up another lemon.

"They're beautiful."

"I'm glad you like them."

"I love them, thank you for thinking of me."

"That's what neighbors do. Guess I'll see you at the Lemon Pound Cake meeting Thursday. Call me if you need anything."

“I definitely will.” I leaned in and gave Camille a quick hug. I caught a hint of her favorite perfume, the one she always wore. Then I hurried back across the street, feeling like I had done what I set out to do.

Bernice looked up from dusting the foyer as I stepped inside.

"Did she like them?"

I slipped off my sandals by the door and nodded.