Chapter 31

Joey shook her head and motioned for silence. She reminded Queenie, "Jacky's napping in the other room. Let's keep it down." Queenie realized her eagerness had blinded her to Jackson's absence from the living room. The sisters settled on the couch, and Joey finally said, "I need something to do. I can't just stay home anymore." "You've never talked like this before. What's going on?" Queenie knew her sister's usual resilience. Joey had always endured her husband's relentless money-related jabs and Lily's digs about being a freeloader without ever pushing back. So, what had changed this time? What was Joey really facing? "I just feel like I've been cooped up at home for too long. I'm starting to feel like I've lost touch with the world," Joey confessed urgently. "Queen, could you help me find a job?" Joey's sudden desire to work was unsettling. Sensing Joey's unease, Queenie didn't push. She glanced toward the bedroom. "Jacky's still so young. Are you sure about preschools? Even