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people do you know at this party?”
    â€œOnly a few,” said Victoria.
    â€œYou see the woman over there in the red halter top and jeans?The one talking a mile a minute and probably won’t come up for air?”
    â€œYes. She’s quite the social butterfly.”
    â€œThat’s James’s sister, Teresa. She’s probably drumming up business. They live down in Atlanta and, honey, she can plan weddings out of this world. She’s the go-to person if you want an elegant affair.”
    â€œDoes she do only weddings?”
    â€œThat’s her specialty, but she does it all. Even decorates cakes. Remember Toni Braxton’s wedding? Teresa did most of it.”
    â€œWhat about the guy who stood up when I walked in and asked me to marry him?”
    â€œThat’s my brother, Herbert. Ida’s been putting up with his roving eyes for years. But if she likes it, I love it. He lives in North Carolina, but my brother Walstine lives here in Indy. You can’t get away from the Stantons, baby.”
    Victoria chuckled at Maxine’s wit. “I’m sure the guy near the grill is James’s brother.”
    â€œYes, Lord. No one in that family will admit it, but those boys have a rift between them. I can sense it. Marvin, that’s his brother’s name, runs his mouth as much as Teresa. He has his own garage business. He said he’s putting Overhead Garage Doors out of business or will die trying. I thought he was talking trash until our last family trip, but he’s well respected in Atlanta. I think it riles James that Marvin, who’s his baby brother, is so successful.”
    â€œJames’s brother and sister are both business owners?”
    â€œGirl, yes. But don’t get me to lying about why they won’t help him.” Maxine turned her attention to the patio. “The fox that just stepped off the deck with the bowl of potato salad is my daughter, Darnella. That’s Aruba’s momma. Have you met her?”
    â€œI have. I love her peach cobbler. I begged her for the recipe the last time they were in town, but she wouldn’t budge.”
    â€œIt’s really my recipe. I’ll give it to you before we leave. I don’t believe in hoarding recipes from people. Even if I give it to you, ours won’t taste the same because each person puts their own love into cooking. Know what I mean?”
    â€œI would be forever grateful.”
    â€œSo if you know Darnella, you know my son-in-law, Lance?”
    â€œYes, ma’am. He insisted on washing my car last year. I think he just wanted to take my Mercedes for a spin.”
    â€œI’ve got a good son-in-law. They’ve been married thirty-five years and are still going strong. I think that’s why Aruba stays with James. She wants what her parents have. I want to tell her so badly to give up the ghost, but I know that’s not my place.”
    â€œYou know a lot about both sides of the families. What gives?”
    â€œVictoria, the Stantons and the Dixons are fellowshipping people! Every year, we all go on a trip together. James’s people and our folks pick out a location and spend a weekend together. The last time we went to Tom Joyner’s Black Family Reunion. I want to do the Fantastic Voyage cruise, but the older folks swear they can’t spare a week off to hang out. Like they’re doing so doggone much in retirement. I’ve got at least two bikinis I need to try out.”
    â€œMiss Maxine, you do not have bikinis!”
    â€œDon’t you?”
    â€œYou’re something else.”
    Maxine eased into the next subject. “I couldn’t help noticing you look lonely. You okay?”
    â€œYes, Miss Maxine . . . I’m fine.”
    â€œCall me Maxie. Why are you so sad?”
    Victoria clutched her cup. “Miss, Maxie, I’m wonderful, really. I have a good husband, a beautiful home, a lovely daughter, good