The Joneses by Shelia M. Goss Page B

he’ll give me the friend discount.”
    I laughed. Shannon didn’t. She left me alone.

CHAPTER 16
Lexi
    T he family, minus Hope, was in Royce’s office. We were waiting on the reporter and her cameraman to set up in another part of the funeral home.
    â€œWhere is your sister? I told her not to be late.” I brushed the stray hair I saw in Charity’s head back with my hand.
    Charity looked at her cell phone and responded, “I just got a text from her. She’s on the way.”
    â€œWhy is she texting and driving? I’ve told her about that,” Royce said.
    â€œThat’s your daughter.” I sighed.
    Shannon knocked and then walked in. “Maxine said they’ll be ready to start filming in a few minutes.”
    â€œCome on, y’all.” I looked at Shannon. “When Hope gets here, escort her back. I hope she’s dressed appropriately. I don’t have time to inspect her.”
    Shannon went back to the front desk, and we all walked to the room where Royce sometimes met with families to discuss funeral plans. Maxine and her cameraman were all set up.
    Maxine looked at Royce and me. “We would like it if you two sat here.” She pointed to the other chairs. “And if we could have your children sitting behind you. Wait, we’re missing one, aren’t we?”
    â€œShe’ll be here any minute.”
    As if on cue, Hope burst through the door. “Sorry, I’m late.”
    Maxine greeted her with a smile. I rolled my eyes behind Maxine’sback. Hope avoided eye contact with me. At least she was dressed in something decent. I wanted us all to wear shades of purple. Purple looked good on camera.
    I looked at my family. Royce wore a pinstriped suit with a purple dress shirt and contrasting tie to match. My purple silk blouse matched his shirt; I made sure of it. Lovie left off his jacket and wore a light purple suit that complemented his Hershey-chocolate complexion well. Hope and Charity looked more like twins with the purple sleeveless dresses they wore. Hope’s dress was shorter but decent.
    Maxine said, “We’re not live, so we may have to do several takes and that’s okay. Don’t be nervous. I want you to look at me when you respond. Any questions?”
    We looked at each other. No one had any questions.
    â€œLet’s roll. On three,” Maxine said.
    The cameraman held out three fingers and counted down.
    â€œThis is Maxine Griffin, and tonight I have the pleasure of interviewing the owners of RJ Jones Funeral Home. They have been a pillar of the community for over fifty years. Royce, can you tell us a little bit about you and your family and how you’ve stayed in business so long?”
    Royce made me proud. In a clear, baritone voice, he looked directly at Maxine. “Maxine, it’s by the grace of God and the people we serve that we’re here today. We treat our customers like people and not just numbers.”
    Maxine interjected, “Losing someone can be devastating.”
    â€œExactly, and I feel it’s very important that we offer our customers compassion during the difficult time of burying their loved ones.”
    â€œMrs. Jones, can you tell me what your role is here at RJ Jones Funeral Home?”
    â€œI don’t have an official role, but I’m here just as much as any of his employees. I’m here to step in anywhere he needs me.”
    Royce stated, “Lexi has been very supportive over the years. If one of my employees is sick, she steps in. And, I can’t count the times she’s been there for grieving families.”
    I squeezed Royce’s hand.
    Maxine looked in Lovie’s direction. “Are any of your kids working here with you?”
    Royce responded, “Yes. I’m proud to announce that my son, Lovie, is working with me. He’s been doing his own thing, but now he’s working in the family business.”
    â€œLovie, how has it