Page 90 of The Breakdown

“You can get the bacon out.”

Natalie opened the fridge and got out the bacon. Next she retrieved two frying pans. One for the eggs, one for the bacon. “Thank you, darlin’,” June said. “Why don’t you go check on Vaughn? She might like a refill on her coffee.”

“Where is she?”

“I’m in the living room,” Vaughn called. “And I can hear you, so don’t say anything bad about me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” June said, laughing.

Natalie disappeared into the living room as Vivian entered the kitchen.

“Need any help, Mama?”

“You can put that bacon on to fry.”

“How much?”

“Enough to feed an army. Benny and Greer will be here.”

“Say no more.” She got busy turning on the stovetop and frying up the bacon. “You call the doctor yet?” she asked softly. June stood next to her at the stove and readied the eggs for the pan.

“Too early still.”

“How are we gonna get her to go?”

“Knock her out if we have to. But she’s going.”

Vivian laughed. “I dread the fight already.” She shook her head. “She doesn’t look good, Mama. I think you’re right. She’s overwhelmed.”

“She is.”

“I should’ve come sooner.”

“What could you have done? She won’t listen to no one.”

Vivian turned to look behind them. “She seems to listen to Natalie pretty well.”

“That’s because she’s got a soft spot for her.”

“She likes her? I knew it!” she whispered.

“She just doesn’t know what to do about it yet. She’s fighting it some I think.”

“That’s Vaughn. Always the stubborn one.”

“Well, after Jeanie and that mess, I can’t say as I blame her.”

June waited while the bacon snapped and fried before she poured her egg mixture into her pan.

Vivian glanced over at her. “So, what’s Natalie’s story?”

June hesitated. “I’ll fill you in later.”

“Uh-oh. That bad?”

“It’s not her. It’s her ex-husband. Think Sissy all over again.”

“Oh, no. Poor thing.”