“Why are you whispering?” Yvette asked.
“I live down the road from a young man, and if I’m right, I think Melody used to go see him from time to time. I’m not sure if they were friends or if they were dating or what, but I saw Leslie at his house last night,” Stella explained.
Yvette wasn’t quite sure what her employee was getting at. “Was it Liam?”
“No. Not Liam. His name is Tyler. He’s young, seems nice. But I thought it was a little strange that Leslie was there. Now, this is all just speculation, but with Leslie running around blaming everyone and their mother for that poor girl’s death I suppose I just thought it was worth mentioning.”
“Leslie is blaming people?” Yvette asked, unaware.
“Oh, gosh, yes. I thought you knew.” Stella frowned.
“Why don’t you tell me?” Yvette asked.
She wasn’t sure what the significance was if Melody had been visiting Tyler and Leslie also being there recently, but if there was one, she wanted to find out.
“I guess she’s being more gossipy than accusatory. She must have asked me a dozen times why no one has heard from Vanessa. She thinks it’s odd that Vanessa just up and left right after everything.”
“She had a planned vacation,” Yvette pointed out.
“You don’t have to tell me. I told her that every time she mentioned it. Leslie didn’t stop there, though. She went so far as to say that it was odd that Vanessa got a call about her son and ran out. She suggested the call was a ruse, so she was able to leave the building after she killed Melody.”
“What?!” Yvette yelled a little too loudly.
Stella put her finger to her lips. “I tried saying something, but before I got the chance, she switched it up again and said that even if the call was real, how did she not see the body. That it didn’t make sense someone came in after she left. I guess I can sort of see that the amount of time that the murder could have happened is very small, but I just don’t like to see her running around saying things like that about her coworker. I’m not sure why she was at Tyler’s house, but she was. Maybe there’s a way we can figure out how she knows him?”
“I know you two are trying to whisper, but you aren’t exactly succeeding,” Joey said, sitting across from Yvette. “I might be able to help.”
Yvette had been so busy with Sundae Afternoon, the convention, and her new job offer that she really hadn’t been getting too involved with the murder. She bet Heath was happy about that. But now, with her employees seemingly having information, she couldn’t help but be a little curious.
“Whatcha got?” she asked Joey.
“Leslie has a nephew named Tyler. I don’t know where he lives or anything like that, though. A guy came in looking for her one day, but she was in the kitchen. I told her someone was here, and she asked me to get his name for her. It turns out it was her nephew, Tyler. If you can tell me what he looks like, maybe we can figure out if it’s the same person.”
“Tall, really tall. Light brown hair, and it’s really curly. I’d say he’s in his late twenties, maybe,” Stella offered.
“That’s him. Now, you say you saw Melody at Tyler’s?” Joey asked.
“Yes. I’m sorry I never mentioned it before. I guess I just never thought it was relevant.” Stella fidgeted in her chair.
“It’s okay. It wasn’t important until now. So, what are you thinking? Leslie knew Melody from somewhere other than here?” Yvette asked.
“I’m not sure,” Joey said, pursing his lips. “I just don’t see how Leslie has a right to blame Vanessa for anything.”
“Not to mention the fact that she was in the building the entire time. How did she not hear what was going on? Who’s to say that she didn’t plan the whole thing? She totally would have had the time and maybe even a motive,” Joey mused.
“Let’s not do that. We aren’t accusing anyone. That’s not what this is about. I think it’s normal for an aunt to visit her nephew. I think it’s interesting that Melody was visiting Tyler at all. If we can figure out their relationship, it may give us more information. After all, if they were dating, that gets Liam a little more involved,” Yvette reminded them.
“She had a boyfriend,” Stella commented.
“She did. And he lost his job to her. So, if she was seeing someone else…” Yvette began.
“Do we really have to work today? I kinda want to solve a murder.” Joey grinned.
“Why can’t we do both?” Stella asked.
Yvette shook her head. She knew that what they’d just figured out was likely relevant to the case. She didn’t believe that Vanessa had anything to do with Melody’s death, not even for a second. Truthfully, she didn’t want to believe it was Leslie either, but something felt a little too close for comfort.
“We have to work. If we happen to find out more about Leslie and her nephew, I wouldn’t complain,” Yvette said, teasing, but also very honestly.
Even though there was so much going on in her life, there was no way she’d be able to sit back and let it all unfold without getting involved. So long as her employees didn’t put themselves in danger, she’d love their help.
Chapter 15
Yvette and her best friend, Amelia, arrived at the Vermont shop a couple of hours before opening. Yvette was there to help set up and do anything she could to help Marilyn, the manager. Amelia had come along for support.
“So how do these things work?” Amelia asked.
“They are busy. Really, really busy. Nearly everyone who lives here comes in at some point throughout the day. We also get some tourists that love ice cream and have been coming to openings for years. We’ll go through a ton of ice cream. We give out samples of everything. Ice cream, waffle cones, sauces, literally everything,” Yvette explained.
“Whipped cream and chocolate-covered cherries?” Amelia grinned.
“Yes. Even your favorite things.” Yvette laughed. “If you want to help, you can get some gloves on and break up some waffle cones and bowls. You’ll portion them out into these little cups.”
“These are tiny!” Amelia said, holding up a small paper cup.
“They are, but you only need a little taste to decide if you like it or not. Plus, as I said, we have a lot of other samples.”
Amelia nodded. “I’m on it.”
“Cool. I’m gonna go find Marilyn. I’m sure there’s something I can help her with.”
Yvette walked around the dining room, checking everything out. The display that the staff had taken care of was great. Hopefully, since they were already finished with that, it was a sign of a good day ahead.
Gently knocking on Marilyn’s office door, Yvette heard two voices.
“Come on in!” Marilyn called.
Yvette pushed the door open, and her jaw dropped.
“Hey, girl!” Haley exclaimed,
“Hi,” Yvette said. “What are you doing here?”
“I just came to see if I could help. I read about the opening in your newsletter and thought it would be fun. It was a beautiful ride up here too. I’m glad I came.”
“Me, too,” Marilyn agreed. “The more, the merrier.”
Yvette was surprised to see Haley. Not that it mattered one way or another if she was there. Actually, it was pretty cool one of the board members had decided to show up. It could be a great benefit for Sundae Afternoon. Potential free advertising was never a bad thing. Haley had to have connections somewhere.
“Great! It’s good to see you again,” Yvette said. “I just came to see if there was anything else I could help with. My friend came with me and is getting some samples ready.”
“Fantastic! That was next on our list,” Marilyn said, getting up from her cushy office chair.
“I’ll help her,” Haley offered. “I’m betting it’s Amelia that came with you and I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to her since I’ve been back.”
“Sounds good. Yvette, do you want to help me work on the tent area outside?” Marilyn asked.
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“Let’s do it.”
The women filled their arms with boxes of things that would be on display outside under the tents. The building that housed Sundae Afternoon was a decent size, but not large enough for everyone at once. There’d be three large tents set up outside. Thankfully, they had a large parking lot.
“I heard about the fire at the Townsend shop. What a shame. I hope everything is okay now,” Marilyn said, unrolling one of the canopies.
“Everything is back to normal. They open next weekend.” Yvette lifted her side of the canopy, hooking it on the metal poles.
“Great! I love opening season. It feels so good to be back at real work. In the winter, I volunteer and stuff, but it’s just not the same. Sometimes I wish we didn’t have to close.”
“I’m really thankful we’re open all year.”
“Maybe I’ll get the courage to ask Emma about it one day. She’s always made me nervous.” Marilyn chuckled.
Yvette had never thought about what it was like for other people who worked for Emma. She’d been part of her life for so long that it never occurred to her to be nervous. Although, lately, it seemed like she was starting to feel the same way. She hadn’t talked to her much at all and was nervous to tell her about the job offer. Yvette made a promise to herself right then, the minute the opening was over, and she was on her way home, she’d call Emma, even if she had to call fifty times in a row to get her to answer. Amelia would be in the car, but maybe that was a good thing. She’d have someone to talk to once she told Emma, in case it didn’t go well.
“You should. The winters can be frigid, but people still enjoy ice cream.” Yvette laughed, tying a sign to one of the metal poles.
“Looks like we don’t have much more to do out here until it gets closer to opening time. Can you think of anything I forgot?” Marilyn asked.
“The inside looks great. Maybe we can help with the samples since that can be the biggest process.”
The women went inside the shop and found Haley and Amelia in the stock room, looking for more cups.
“Are there any more? What are we gonna do? How will people get samples? Won’t they be mad?” Amelia asked, looking frazzled.
“Goodness. I don’t know how you work such a high-profile and busy career,” Haley commented.
“Ha ha.” Amelia scrunched up her nose.
“We have more. They are in a box in my office. I’ll go grab them,” Marilyn said, heading toward the back of the shop.
“This seems like it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m so happy I came!” Haley looked around the room. “From what I hear, it’s going to be busy, and fast-paced. I love that. We don’t many have days like that at my job.”
“They are really fun. I’m glad you came too,” Yvette said honestly. Haley was kind to come and help out.
“Here we go,” Marilyn said, box in hand.
“What should we do next?” Amelia asked.
“How about toppings?” Haley suggested.
“Great idea! Chocolate-covered raisins, cheesecake bites, dried fruit pieces, nuts…” Yvette began.
“And the list goes on. This place is amazing!” Haley beamed, a little twinkle in her eye.
Chapter 16
Yvette had just walked in the door after a long shift at Sundae Afternoon, and she was eager for a night to relax and just enjoy the peace and quiet while she thought over the pros and cons of her new job offer. The position was a good one, that meant more money, but it also meant that she’d have to leave Sundae Afternoon, and, maybe even Heritage. She hadn’t been home for ten minutes when her phone rang, breaking her train of thought.
“Hello,” she said, picking up the phone.
“Hi,” Emma replied. “How was the opening?”
“It went great. Everyone loved it.” Yvette settled in her favorite chair, prepared to tell Emma about her job offer with the alliance, thrilled to finally be talking to her.
“I’m glad to hear it. There were a few things I wanted to talk to you about, and I’d hoped I could do it in person, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen right now.”
“Okay,” Yvette said, worried.
“It’s nothing bad. Well, at least I don’t think so.” Emma hesitated. “There have been a few changes in my life, and I wanted to make you aware of them. Now, before I begin, I want you to have an open mind.”
Yvette wanted to stop Emma. She wanted to say that she already knew that Emma was planning on making the trip to Florida more permanent, but she wasn’t going to lie, she also wanted Emma to have to say the words. Things had been so strange between them lately, and she just wanted Emma to be fair to her like she always had.
“Okay,” Yvette said again.
“Well, as you know, Drew and I have been getting closer. Things are going well between us. After a lot of consideration, we decided that a life here in Florida is what we both want. We want to live here, and work here, and raise a family here when the time comes. Drew has already set his plan in place and everyone up there already knows his plans to move. I was the only one left, and I was avoiding it. I didn’t want to feel like I was giving up on Sundae Afternoon. I didn’t want to leave the place I grew up. I was afraid to tell Mark, after everything we’ve been through. But this is what I want. Yvette, I’m moving to Florida. I’ll be up there to pack my things next month.”
“Okay,” Yvette said for the third time, knowing Emma wasn’t finished but wanted her to know she was still listening.
“I know it’s crazy. I love it here. It’s warm, and the people are so friendly. It feels like I’m starting over, but I still have that last little bit of a security blanket having a shop here.”
“That makes sense. And, if you’re happy there, it’s not crazy. It’s a big change, though,” Yvette replied.
“It is. It’s also one that involves a lot of details. I don’t plan on keeping all of my property. So, I have to sell the house in Connecticut at the very least. I’m not sure if I’ll keep the cabin in Vermont yet or not, but I’ll be keeping the house in Heritage. I plan on giving Mark my half of the farm, so he’ll be the sole owner. And I also need to figure out how to tell him, because I don’t know how he’ll react.”
Yvette wasn’t sure if Emma was avoiding the subject or not, but she wasn’t going to let that happen.
“That’s a lot to worry about. Now, what about the shops here? Are you giving those up as well?” Yvette asked.
“I’m not giving anything up. I hope it doesn’t seem that way. I’m making my life better and trying to do the same for my brother. As for the shops, I have no intention of giving them up.”
“So, what’s the plan?”
Yvette was feeling like accepting the VP job was a good one. If Emma wasn’t going to be around at all anymore, it was going to change everything, including the vibe of the shops.
“I was hoping you and I could work something out. Yvette, you’ve been by my side for as long as I can remember. I trust you, and I love you like family. I’d like to turn the shops over to you.”
Yvette jumped up from her chair, dropping the phone as she did.
“Hello? Sorry, I dropped the phone. What do you mean turn them over to me? I can’t be in all three places at once.”
“When I was there, I wasn’t in all three places at once, either. It would be similar to that. You would be more of a district manager. You’d run all three shops, travel when need be, oversee everything related to the business, and work even more closely with Mark as far as production goes.”
“I wouldn’t be the manager of the Heritage shop anymore?” Yvette asked.
“I know you think you’d miss it, and you probably will. But this is the best of both worlds. There’s quite a hefty pay raise that comes along with this as well.”
Was this for real? Yvette had considered the VP job because of the pay raise and the thought of changing things up in her life a little.
“Emma, I have to tell you something,” Yvette said, sitting
back down again.
“Please don’t say no before you give it some thought.”
“I’m not. Just listen.” Yvette explained everything that had been going on in Heritage and in her life. From the murder to the convention to the job offer and more. Then, she surprised herself. “I accept your offer. Please, let me tell everyone on my own time though. I told Glenn I needed a bit to think about his offer and I don’t want him finding out from someone else that I’m turning it down.”
“Holy cow, Yvette. That’s a big deal. Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Are you sure you don’t want more time to think about everything? We didn’t even discuss any details.”
“I don’t need any time. Sundae Afternoon is where my heart is. If I have an opportunity here, I’m taking it. We can talk details later.”
“I can’t even begin to thank you for this.”
“You don’t have to. I love Sundae Afternoon like it was my own.”
Chapter 17
Yvette knew that today would be an interesting one. She’d been up all night thinking about Emma and all the questions she had about what her new job would entail. Even though they agreed to worry about the details later, Yvette was feeling really good about her choice and wanted to make sure that she did everything perfectly. After thinking about how Artie had felt about her loyalty to Emma and the shop, she decided she’d just have to hope that Glenn felt the same. The VP job was a big deal, but working as a district manager for the Sundae Afternoon shops in New England was a much bigger deal for Yvette.
While her career choices were important and her first priority, Yvette still had to wonder about the murder of Melody Rooks. There were too many unanswered questions. She knew that she had to go to Heath with the news about her missing trophy and now that everything else in her life felt sorted, she knew it was time to go. She just had one thing she wanted to take care of first.
Two Scoops of Murder Page 6
