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hand on top of mine. “Don’t worry about today’s meal. I got you.”
    I jerked my hand away. “Okay, somebody needs to tell me what’s going on.”
    Sylvia pulled out an excerpt from the newspaper and handed itto me. I scanned the page. It didn’t take me long to see my name in big, bold letters staring back at me from a gossip column in the Lifestyle section.
    The article read: Rumor has it that life for Lexi Jones might not be all that it’s cracked up to be. A source tells me that Mrs. Jones tried to pay with her credit card at said location and it was denied. Is there trouble in the Jones household? Will she become the ex-Mrs. Jones? Hmm. To stay in the know, check back next week.
    I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I knew exactly who leaked this to Ms. Gossip. I looked at the three sets of eyes staring back at me. The women were all quiet, waiting on my response.
    â€œHere, take this trash,” I said to Sylvia. I threw it in her hand.
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell us you and Royce were having problems?” Ruby asked.
    â€œBecause we’re not. You would think that you, of all people, wouldn’t believe everything you read in Ms. Gossip’s column.”
    â€œJackie said she heard that your credit card declined too,” Sylvia jumped in and said.
    I looked at Jackie.
    Jackie rolled her eyes at Sylvia. “Lexi, dear, I just happen to come to the country club shortly after you left on that day and heard the attendants talking.”
    â€œTalk.” I placed my hand on top of my heart. “Folks are jealous. Of course they are going to talk.”
    Ruby added, “If you are breaking up, just know that we are here for you. Nothing has to change. We can still have our monthly meetings.”
    â€œRead my lips.” I dragged my words as I spoke. “Royce and I are not breaking up. In fact, my marriage is stronger now than it’s ever been. So you all can tell whoever is concerned that all is well at the Jones house.”
    I looked each one of them in the eyes. They each averted their eyes looking everywhere but at me.
    Jackie said, “Nevertheless, lunch is on me today.”
    I held my hand up. The waiter stopped at the table. “Can you bring me an apple martini?” No matter how much I protested, these women were going to believe what they wanted to believe. I normally didn’t drink this early, but today was an exception.

CHAPTER 12
Royce
    I ’m still not convinced it was a good idea to have Lovie come work at the funeral home. He walked in my office as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
    I glanced at the clock and then at him. “I thought I asked you to be here at nine o’ clock? I had a twelve o’clock appointment, but they’re running late.”
    â€œWell, I’m right on time then, aren’t I?” Lovie responded. He walked up to the chair in front of my desk.
    â€œDon’t sit. I got you set up in your own office.”
    â€œI’m going to need access to your computer.”
    â€œThere’s a computer already set up in the office. I’m going to give you access to whatever you need.”
    â€œFine with me. By the way, since you’re my dad, I’ll give you the family discount.”
    I burst out laughing. “You got to be kidding.”
    â€œThis is business. Not personal. Time is money. You taught me that.”
    I threw my hand up in the air. “Fine. Bill me whatever you need to bil me.”
    I got up from behind my desk and led him to his office. “I can’t believe you’re charging me. Shoot, I should make you pay me back for all the money I’ve given you over the years.”
    â€œI’ll take all of that under consideration when I bill you,” Lovie said.
    I laughed. “You’re definitely my son.”
    I unlocked the office door and flipped on the light.
    â€œNice. Jones men know how to live it up,”