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intervene, you’re going to lose everything. Big Daddy is probably turning over in his grave knowing that you’ve run his business into the ground.”
    â€œLovie, I got this under control. You just worry about getting yourself a real job.”
    I clenched my fists under the table. “I have a job. In fact, my clients are very happy because they always make money with the investments I make for them.”
    My mom asked, “What clients?”
    I ignored her question. “Dad, you need to put your pride aside and allow me to look over the books so we can figure out a way to get you out of this mess.”
    Charity tried to be a voice of reason. “Yes, Dad. Lovie is a CPA. I mean, it wouldn’t hurt, would it?”
    My mom rubbed his arm. “Come on, baby. If not for you, for the family. Think about what your dad would do.”
    My dad looked in Hope’s direction. “Hope, you’re awfully quiet. You have anything you want to add?”
    Hope shrugged her shoulders. “Whatever everyone else decides is okay with me. Lovie is good with numbers.”
    My dad sighed. “It looks like I’ve been outvoted. I hope I don’t live to regret this decision. Lovie, will you come work with me so we can get this business back on track?”
    I smiled. “Dad, I would be honored to. Let me let the guys at the club know they’ll need to find a new manager.”
    My mom poured herself a glass of wine. She passed the bottle around. “My two favorite men working together. This is a good day for the Joneses.”
    We each poured ourselves a glass. My mom held her glass up in the air. “To the Joneses.”
    We all joined in. “The Joneses.”
    My phone chirped alerting me to an incoming text. I glanced at the text. One of my customers needed me. “Mom, Dad. I hate to leave, but I have something I need to attend to.”
    â€œFine. I’ll see you first thing in the morning, right?” my dad asked.
    â€œSure. I’ll be there by ten.”
    â€œMake it nine.”
    â€œNine-thirty.”
    â€œJust get there before noon,” my dad finally gave up and said.
    My mom walked me out. “See, that wasn’t so bad. Now, you’ll be in position to implement my other plan.”
    I stopped walking. “What plan?”
    â€œGo ahead and handle your business. We got time to talk about my other plan later,” she assured me.
    I left, but I was curious to know what else my mom was up to. I pushed those thoughts out of my mind as I rushed to Bottoms Up to meet one of my clients.
    I found Slim sitting in the back with his normal entourage of people. Slim was far from slim. He reminded me of the deceased rapper, Big Pun. Slim looked up as I approached his table. “Hey, y’all move out of the way and let my man get in here. In fact, y’all need to bounce. Me and him got some business to discuss.”
    The crowd of women and men moved so fast you would have thought the police were in close proximity. “What it do?” I said, as I shook Slim’s hand before taking a seat.
    â€œMan, the Feds are on me and I need to make sure some of my money is cleaned. You did take care of that for me, didn’t you?”
    â€œThat’s what this is about? I got you. I don’t know about your other dealings, but the money I’ve been handling has been all legit. You don’t have to worry about that.”
    â€œYou sure? Because I’m going to need access to those funds to pay my lawyer.”
    â€œI’m a Jones, and all I got is my word. If I don’t have my word, I don’t have anything,” I said. That’s something my grandfather instilled in me before he died.
    â€œMy man. Now I can sleep a little easier.” Slim held up his hand to get a waiter’s attention. “Bring us over a bottle of your best champagne.”
    I held my hand out to signify no. “No, man. I’m on the job.