Toffee Apple Killer: Book 11 in The INNcredibly Sweet Series Page 6

  “I hear ya, honey. Give me a minute and I’ll join you.”

  “Where’s Echo this morning? I haven’t seen her in ages,” Izzy commented.

  Missy filled her in on the hospital stay and scare, bringing a platter of coffee and cupcakes out and setting them in the center of one of the bistro tables in the front of the shop.

  “Wow, I’m so glad that she was okay.”

  “Yeah, me too. We’ve been planning our Thanksgiving feast—I hope you’ll be there. We’re going to decorate the inn and have dinner in the Wedgwood parlor, because it’ll be a small, intimate group this year. Ben and Cheryl are going to spend time with their friends in California, and Grayson and Sarah will be staying in Louisiana this year,” Missy explained.

  Ben, Cheryl, Grayson, and Sarah were like Missy’s adopted kids. Ben, Cheryl, and Grayson had all worked for her when she owned two cupcake shops in Louisiana, and had stayed as close as family ever since. Sarah had been found wandering into the ocean behind the inn, lost in despair, and had been rescued by Spencer. She met Grayson at last year’s Thanksgiving dinner, and the two had fallen deeply in love. Their wedding at the inn a few weeks ago had been warm and precious. Grayson’s mother, Petaluma, had come to Florida for the wedding, and as far as anyone knew, was still playing house with an annoying man, “Loud Steve,” Echo’s former neighbor.

  “Oh, uh… well, I…” Izzy hesitated.

  “Come on my lovable, introverted friend, it’ll be fun,” Missy grinned.

  “I’m sure it would be, it’s just… well… will Spencer be there?” she asked, the question seeming almost painful.

  “Oh! I’m sorry, honey. I’d forgotten about your… situation. Well, I’m sure he’ll be there, but I can make sure that you’re seated at different ends of the table, and I know he’ll be kind, that’s just who he is, and…”

  Izzy put up a hand to stop her right there.

  “I’m not ready, Missy. I just can’t even be in the same room with him, knowing that we can’t be together. I miss him every day, you know?” she said, her eyes filling.

  “I know, sweetie. I’m so sorry that things didn’t work out between you two,” she took Izzy’s hand and patted it. “I really want you to think about dinner, though. The two of you are both good people whom I love, and I want things to be okay between you eventually.”

  “I don’t know if things will ever be okay between us. I feel like I’m always going to care about him, but I messed everything up, so now I can’t be with him,” her lower lip trembled and she caught it between her teeth.

  “You’re an amazing young woman with your whole life ahead of you. If things didn’t work out with Spence, I can only believe that it’s because there’s someone else who’ll be a perfect match for you, just waiting out there,” Missy encouraged. “How’s the online dating thing going? I was waiting to hear about your first date when you told me that you left early.”

  Izzy told her about the date, leaving out the minor stalking that had occurred afterwards.

  “Well, it’s just like riding a bike, darlin, when you fall off, you just have to get back on and try again.”

  “With a new bike,” Izzy chuckled ruefully.

  “That’s the spirit,” Missy exclaimed.

  “Well, I’d better get going. I have four chapters to knock out today. I just wanted to come see someone who still likes me.”

  “And always will,” Missy promised. “Here, let me box up some cupcakes for the road, in case you have a craving later.”

  ***

  Izzy typed in her password for the dating site and held her breath without realizing it, as her messages loaded. Apparently there were several potential dates just waiting to hear from her. Frowning with concentration, she pored over the profiles, finding something wrong with each and every one.

  “I’m not good at this,” she sighed, dropping her chin into her hand.

  She kept scrolling, taking an occasional sip of wine as she went. She’d written five chapters, surpassing her goal for the day, and didn’t feel a bit guilty for wasting her time looking at pictures and profiles of guys in whom she wasn’t remotely interested. She saw a profile headline that caught her eye, and clicked on it to find out more.

  I’m as ordinary as they come!

  Hi! I’m Stan, and I’m never the guy that all the girls rave about, but I’m kind and responsible and know how to give you your space. I don’t have very many hobbies, and honestly, I don’t get out much, but I love good conversation, and I’ll try anything once. If you’d like to spend a pleasant date with a regular guy, who’s not terribly interesting but is a great listener, send me an email. They say that vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor… which keeps me optimistic!

  Izzy chuckled.

  “He sounds so much like me that it’s eerie,” she commented to herself.

  Impulsively, she dashed off an introductory email to him, then hit Send and closed her laptop before she could get herself into any more trouble. Her email tone sounded on her phone roughly ten minutes later, and when she glanced at it, she saw a notice from the dating site. Taking a deep breath, she opened the email.

  Brave girl, thanks for responding to my profile! If this is real, and you’re not an internet troll, I’d love to meet for a drink, or coffee, or a walk on the beach, or whatever you feel safe and happy doing. I’ll try to be good company, and will make no demands of you, aside from a supportive smile or two, if you would. Hope to hear from you soon!

  Izzy was delighted. While it was true that Stan was a perfectly ordinary-looking man, he sounded like someone who might be a good friend to have, even if she had no romantic interest in him.

  How about Vietnamese noodles at Miss Saigon on Saturday? I can meet you at 11:30, that way we’ll be able to get a seat before the lunch crowd comes in. Let me know –Izzy.

  She held her breath and hit Send. Moments later, the response came. I’ve never tried Vietnamese noodles, it’ll be an adventure!

  She’d have to text Missy and let her know.

  “

  CHAPTER TEN

  * * *

  Echo, honey, I just don’t think that it’s wise,” Missy shook her head and sipped her coffee. “Why would you even consider doing something that could just cause more stress in your life?”

  “I don’t think it’s going to be any more stressful. Rodney seems like a nice person who just got caught in a bad situation and made a bad decision. He doesn’t seem evil or dangerous to me, and I hate that people are judging him when they don’t even know what happened.”

  “You do realize that there are at least two sides to every story, and that the only side that you’ve heard so far is his side, right?” Missy pointed out.

  “I know. Something just tells me that he’s a nice guy,” Echo shrugged.

  “What does Kel have to say about all of this?”

  “He doesn’t like the idea, but he’s leaving the decision up to me,” she admitted.

  “If everyone that you talk to is saying the same thing, are we all wrong?” Missy asked gently.

  “Point taken. It’s a non-issue at the moment anyway, I don’t have any work for him.”

  “I know you, young lady. You’re looking for something for him to do. He’s not a stray puppy, darlin.”

  “I’m aware, Mama Hen,” Echo chuckled. “So, what’s on the menu for Thanksgiving, and who all is on the guest list?” she changed the subject.

  Missy knew what her friend was doing, but decided to let it go for the moment.

  “That’s something I wanted to talk to you about too. I spoke with Izzy yesterday and invited her, but she doesn’t want to come if Spencer is going to be there, which of course he is, because it’s too painful for her to see him without being with him. I just hate the thought of that poor little gal being alone on the holiday, but I can understand how she’d be uncomfortable, so I don’t know what to do,” she lamented.

  “Oh dear, it may actually be worse than that,” Echo sighed
.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, I don’t know how Spencer feels, but Joyce has made it more than clear that she’s interested in him, and he’s been spending a lot more time around the shop lately.”

  “Oh no, they’re both invited to Thanksgiving. Poor Izzy would be devastated,” Missy frowned. “Yikes, what a pickle.”

  “I think it’s time for Izzy to move past this,” Echo suggested. “They’re both young, and there are plenty of fish in the sea.”

  “I agree, but I have to be considerate of her feelings.”

  “You’ve let her know that you want her to come, it’s her decision at this point.”

  “Maybe she’ll have a really good first date on Saturday and we won’t have to worry about it.”

  “New guy from the dating site?” Echo asked, sipping her herbal tea.

  “Yep, she said he seems perfectly ordinary, which will be a welcome respite.”

  “Sounds like she’s settling.”

  “Izzy doesn’t strike me as a woman who would ever settle,” Missy mused.

  “Let’s hope not.”

  “Can I invite Rod to dinner?” Echo teased.

  Missy’s reply was a raised eyebrow.

  “How’s Scott doing? Did Kel ever find out who had bullied him?” she asked, handing Echo a vegan coconut cupcake, her favorite.

  “No, and he refuses to tell.”

  “Is he afraid that the bully will come after him?”

  “No, I think that he’s more afraid that he won’t have any friends if he’s known as a snitch,” Echo sighed.

  “I wish that there was something that we could do.”

  “Me too, but Scott is a strong kid, he’ll figure out how to make the best of it.”

  “Poor guy.”

  “Yeah,” Echo agreed, her mouth full.

  “I called Carla to see if she wanted to help with the decorating for Thanksgiving, but she’s out of town. I think she may be upset with me,” Missy confessed.

  “Really? Why?”

  “Well, when Chas and I announced that we were moving to New York, she was really excited to buy the inn. Now, we’re trying to figure out ways that he can still be active in his family’s business without having to move, and I think that we may have deflated her dreams of inn ownership.”

  “Well, do the two situations have to be mutually exclusive?” she asked, wiping a smear of frosting from her lips and licking her fingers.

  “What do you mean?” Missy was puzzled.

  “You could still sell the inn to Carla if it means that much to her, and stay here in Calgon,” Echo shrugged. “Problem solved.”

  “But I love the inn, and meeting new people. Plus, there’s the beach access and the pool…”

  Echo stared at her. “Missy, Chas has more money than the U.S. mint. If you want beach access in Calgon, with a beautiful pool in the back yard, you can certainly find it. You wouldn’t have to have the stress of operating the inn anymore, your holidays could be devoted to family and friends, and you could focus all of your energy on this place,” she opened her arms wide.

  Missy blinked at her best friend, speechless.

  “Honestly, I never even considered that, but you’re right,” she nodded. “It’s something to think about, because Chas has something that he’s been wrestling with making a decision on, and if we sell the inn, his decision might be much easier,” her look was pensive.

  “Okay now, you can’t just throw that out there and not tell me what it’s all about,” Echo warned, gesturing at Missy with her teacup.

  “I’m sorry, darlin, I’d tell you if I could, but I’m sworn to secrecy until he comes to a decision,” Missy lifted her hands up in a “what can I do?” gesture.

  “Seriously? This is gonna drive me crazy,” Echo pouted.

  “Well, that’ll be a short trip for ya,” her bestie teased.

  “Just for that, I’m having another cupcake.”

  “There’s more where those came from, darlin,” Missy dissolved into gales of laughter at her friend’s antics.

  The duo was surprised when the bells above the front door to Cupcakes in Paradise jangled and Chas walked in.

  “Hey sweetie,” he greeted Missy with a kiss.

  “What a wonderful surprise,” she exclaimed. “What are you doing here this time of day?”

  “Actually, I’m here to talk to Echo.”

  “Oh?” Echo asked, eyebrows raised.

  “Yep. How are you feeling these days?”

  “Fine,” she eyed him suspiciously. “But I’m guessing that you didn’t leave work to come and inquire about my health.”

  “No, I didn’t,” Chas took a seat across from her, his expression grave. “Can you confirm that you spoke with a man named Rodney Benton at your shop yesterday?”

  “Yes, why?” Echo was surprised.

  “He claimed that he’s been job hunting, and when he mentioned you specifically, I knew that it’d be easy enough to confirm or disprove his story.”

  “Why would you have reason to think that he was lying?” Echo asked, with a disapproving frown.

  “Because he’s a person of interest in a murder case.”

  “What?” she whispered, the color draining from her face. “Is there evidence? I mean, what makes you think that…?”

  Missy saw her friend’s distress and jumped in to ease her fears.

  “Chas said he was a person of interest, honey. If they had evidence, he’d be a suspect, wouldn’t he?” she gave her husband a pointed look.

  “We don’t have any evidence as yet. It’s just the timing of Rodney moving into the victim’s neighborhood and the murder occurring shortly thereafter that has us checking into it. We have to track down every possible lead.”

  “Since when does theft translate into murder?” Echo demanded. “This poor guy can’t catch a break. He’s paid his debt to society, he’s learned his lesson, can’t we all just leave him alone?”

  “I don’t ask questions because I’m hoping to nail someone, Echo. I ask questions so that I can discover the truth, because the truth is the only thing that can keep us safe and bring the bad guys to justice. I don’t go into an investigation thinking that anyone in particular is guilty. I find facts and weigh them carefully. The facts right now are that Rodney Benton moved into the neighborhood, a young woman was killed, and he has no alibi.”

  “So you think he did it, just because he was a prisoner.”

  “No, I think he’s worth talking to. I haven’t formed an opinion on his innocence or guilt because at this point I don’t have all the facts,” Chas said firmly.

  “Is that all that you needed to ask, sweetie?” Missy squeezed her husband’s bicep to get his attention. He took the hint.

  “Ah, yes. That’s all I needed. Thanks, Echo. I’ll try my very best to get to the bottom of this. I hope you’re right about Rodney, I really do,” he patted her shoulder affectionately on his way to the door.

  “Forgive my crankiness, Chas,” she sighed. “I’m gonna blame the baby,” she smiled weakly.

  “I’ll be sure to give the baby a good talking to when it’s ready,” the detective grinned. “You gals stay out of trouble,” he directed on his way out the door.

  “Not a chance,” Missy said after he closed the door. “You look tired, darlin,” she observed, taking in the lines on her best friend’s face. “Want a ride home?”

  “Yeah, I think I need a nap,” Echo agreed.

  Missy helped her out of the chair and kept an arm around her waist, walking her to the car.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  * * *

  Izzy wasn’t nervous at all about meeting Stanley Bartles for noodles. She wasn’t really interested in starting a torrid romance, and he seemed to be the type of person that she’d enjoy having as a friend. In the few emails that they’d exchanged, he appeared to be funny, smart, and down to earth. The fact that she didn’t find him attractive in the least was just a bonus. Since she didn’t have any
investment or expectation of the outcome of their first meeting, she didn’t bother to get to Miss Saigon early, and Stan was waiting for her when she arrived.

  “Wow, you look really smart,” he grinned, standing to shake her hand when she approached his table.

  Izzy cracked up. “Thank you! I always wanted to look like a smart girl. You look quite clever, yourself.”

  “Disarming, witty, that’s me,” the ordinary man with the receding hairline replied. He was becoming more attractive by the minute. “I know nothing about Vietnamese food, however,” he confessed.

  “Do you like ramen noodles?” Izzy asked.

  “Doesn’t everyone who’s been to college?”

  “Good point. You’ll be fine. Just pick out which kind you want, you’ll love it. I like the beef and onion.”

  “Well, I’m a vegetarian, so I’ll skip the beef, but I’m definitely throw some onions in there. I’ve found them to be the perfect food on a date,” he teased.

  “I’ve always thought so,” Izzy played along. “Maybe that’s why we’re both still single,” she quipped.

  A disturbing look that was so fleeting that Izzy wondered if she’d imagined it, passed across Stan’s face before he chuckled along with her.

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving,” he gestured toward the line in front of the counter.

  “Me too,” Izzy smiled, but felt that the mood between them had changed.

  They ordered their food, slid their trays along the counter to pick up their food, and took it back to the table.

  “Smells so good,” Izzy breathed in deeply.

  “Mine too,” Stan agreed. “Have you always eaten meat?”

  She put her chopsticks down. “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry… am I offending you? Or grossing you out? I didn’t even think about that,” her cheeks flushed.

  “No, not really. I’m just always curious as to why people make the choices that they do. For instance, why would someone choose to eat animals?”

  Izzy considered his question.

  “Well, I don’t think that there was really a conscious choice made on my part. I mean, I just grew up eating what everyone else ate,” she shrugged. “It wasn’t something that I even really thought about.”