Sweets Shop Cozy Mysteries Boxset

by Maisy Morgan

Chapter Five

  Officer Preston turned out to make for some rather excellent company. Mary felt as though she could spend her entire day at the event just talking to him. He was warm and welcoming, and he talked to her all about the little town of Brooks. “It’s sort of a no-man’s land between Senoia and Griffin,” Preston was saying. “Blink, and you’ll miss it. I’m surprised someone wanted to open up a dessert shop around here.”

  “Yes, well, someone’s got to do it eventually, don’t they?” Mary asked. “I mean, this town could really grow if people would just take a chance on it.”

  “I agree with you,” Preston said with a nod. “It sure would be nice to have more than a tanning salon and a part-time library on the square.”

  Mary giggled. “There’s more than that. I’ve already met a few workers here and there at some of the other local businesses.”

  “Yeah, we have a few places I suppose. Nothing like a sweets shop though,” he said. “Heck, we don’t even have our own grocery store.”

  “Believe me, I’ve noticed,” Mary said with a huff. “It takes me fifteen minutes to get to the nearest one! What’s that about?”

  “That’s just Brooks. A convenient twenty minutes from literally everywhere,” Preston said, and she laughed.

  The event was now in full swing. Children were chasing each other around, playing games, and enjoying food. There were people placing bids on the silent auction, and currently, an awesome duo was up on the back of a trailer that was acting as the event stage. “This is turning out to be a lot of fun,” Mary said, as a couple stood on the opposite end of her table. They were sampling some of her treats and immediately purchased a box with a slice of her rainbow cake.

  Mary offered Preston a slice of rainbow cake and made sure to thank him for helping her not only for setting up, but more or less helping run the entire booth that day. He grinned, satisfied as he took a bite. “See, now you know why I was helping you out. Had to try out the new shop owner’s goods before the grand opening.”

  “Speaking of which,” Mary said as she quickly handed Preston a flier. “Make sure you stop by.”

  “I will,” he said just as Cindy came trotting up.

  “Well, hello there!” she exclaimed, all smiles. “Our kiddos are at the patio benches having some lunch, so I thought I’d come check in on your booth.”

  “It’s going really well,” Mary said. “Officer Preston here was really kind and helped me set up.”

  Cindy winked at Preston. “I bet he did,” she said and glanced over her shoulder.

  “How’ve you been, Cindy?” Preston asked.

  “Been all right,” she said and glanced over her shoulder a second time.

  “They’re fine, Cindy,” Mary said. “There is only so much trouble those two can get into while eating hot dogs.”

  Cindy shook her head. “It’s not the kids I’m worried about.”

  “Everything all right?” Preston asked.

  Cindy nibbled on her nails for a moment before answering. “Not really. I saw Hannah’s father earlier.”

  “Are you serious?” Preston asked, his voice becoming a bit more serious.

  “Yeah,” she said. “I just don’t want Hannah to feel uncomfortable.”

  “No one wants that,” Preston said, as an elderly couple came wandering up to the booth, evidently overhearing the conversation.

  “Ms. Cindy, how are you?” the elderly man said.

  “I’m all right Pastor Josiah,” Cindy said and quickly perked up and waved in Mary’s direction. “Josiah, this is Mary. She’s the one opening up the sweets shop. And, Mary, this is Josiah and his wife, Jenna. He’s the pastor who founded the church a few doors down from your shop.”

  “I met your successor earlier,” Mary said. “Pastor Michael?”

  “That would be him,” Pastor Josiah said with a beaming look about him. “Godly man. It was time for me to leave my church, and I’m glad it was him that took over. Now, I’m retired.”

  Jenna cleared her throat and put a hand on Cindy’s shoulder. “We couldn’t help but overhearing, but did you say that Lenny is here?”

  “Yeah, I spotted him over by the dunk tank earlier,” Cindy said.

  “Is he still giving you a bit of trouble, Cindy?” Pastor Josiah asked.

  “No, he doesn’t speak to us. I was just surprised to see him out this way,” Cindy said. “I took your advice, Pastor Josiah. I’ve let myself forgive him, and it does make things a lot easier, but with that being said, I still feel like I have to protect Hannah from him. He really hurt us both after leaving the way he did.”

  “I know, dear,” Pastor Josiah said. “You know we’re always praying for you and that little girl of yours. If there is anything you ever need, just let us know.”

  “Believe me, I know,” Cindy assured him. “You and your family and the church have done so much for us already, and I truly appreciate it.”

  Pastor Josiah and Jenna wound up buying a box of chocolate chip cookies before leaving. Cindy sighed. “And, of course he would wait to come marching up to me until after the pastor walked off…” she grumbled and nodded.

  Mary looked up and spotted a younger man near Cindy’s age heading straight towards them. “He’s got some nerve, I’ll give him that,” Officer Preston said from where he stood next to Mary inside the booth.

  “Hey, Cindy,” the man said as he came close, and he looked at Preston like he thought the man was going to jump out from under the tent and sock him.

  “Lenny,” Cindy responded coldly. “What are you doing here? Don’t you usually work on Saturdays?”

  “Yeah, I’m off today,” he said, “so I decided to come here to the Brooks Day event.”

  Cindy shrugged, not offering any sympathy. “Don’t let Hannah see you,” she said after a moment’s silence.

  “Oh, come on, Cindy,” Lenny said. “What is that going to hurt?”

  “I’m sorry, Lenny, but you don’t get to disappear for a couple of years and expect your daughter to just bounce back,” Cindy hissed. “Especially when she knows you left because of her. Do you not realize what you did to her?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to talk to you about now, Cindy,” Lenny said. “I know it’s been two years…”

  “Save it,” Cindy said.

  “Cindy, look—”

  Preston took a step out of the tent and merely gave Lenny a serious, threatening glare. Lenny took a step back immediately and held up his hands defensively. “You’re acting like I’m going to hit her or something,” Lenny snarled. “I’ve never done nothing like that.”

  “Might as well have,” Preston said. “Why don’t you go home, Mr. Sharp?”

  This Lenny fellow looked like he had something he really wanted to say, and he was struggling a bit to decide whether or not he should. A few more moments went by before he finally just threw his arms down to his side. “Fine,” he said. “I’m out of here. I don’t stay where I’m not welcome.” He trudged off and out of sight.

  Mary looked to Cindy as Preston put a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “You okay, Cindy?” Preston asked.

  “I’m fine,” she said.

  “What was all that about anyways?” Mary questioned.

  “Lenny Sharp, my ex-husband,” Cindy said with a grunt. “After Hannah’s accident, he got very distant—especially towards Hannah. She was twelve years old. He had been the one driving, not that it was his fault, and we were in a hit-and-run. However, he couldn’t handle it, and he didn’t know how to support her. And he definitely couldn’t handle the medical side of things either. It got to be too much for him, so he just left—walked out on us. We didn’t hear hardly a peep out of him for two years, and then he just shows up here? I don’t think so. I don’t get it, really. I don’t get what type of father does that.”

  “I know,” Mary said. “My husband, well, he left me not too long after my daughter became pregnant with Tripp. She got into drugs, and when she started spiraling, he just opted out
.”

  “That’s exactly what Lenny did,” Cindy said.

  “I’m so sorry you had to go through that,” Mary said.

  “It’s over with now,” Cindy said with a hand wave. “It feels like a lifetime ago really. And, Hannah and I are doing good now. Thanks for chasing him off, Preston.”

  “Anytime, Cindy,” he said.

  Cindy spun around and handed Mary a wad of ones. “So, can I get a whole rainbow cake?”

  Chapter Six

  “Hey, Grandma!” Tripp called, darting towards Mary’s booth. Mary smiled; she felt like she was winning a small victory each time Tripp called her anything other than Mary. Officer Preston was still standing by the booth when he came hurrying up. “Grandma, Cindy saved you a seat by the patio benches. They’re about to show a short film that someone local filmed.”

  “Well, that’s really neat,” Mary said, smiling. “Tripp, this is Officer Preston by the way.”

  Tripp smiled, and Preston put his hand out to shake. “Nice to meet you young man.”

  Tripp shook the officer’s hand politely before turning back to Mary excitedly. “Hannah said Ms. Kristin, the woman who made the video, did a short film last year that was really good and that I should come get you to watch it.”

  “Oh, that sounds fun and all, but I really should watch my booth,” Mary said.

  “Why don’t you go ahead with your grandson?” Officer Preston said, smiling at her. “I’d be happy to watch the booth for you.”

  “Would you really?” Mary asked feeling unsure of his kindness.

  “Of course!” Preston replied.

  “Yeah, come on!” Tripp said.

  This was the first time Tripp had looked even remotely excited about something since first hearing that they would be moving across country to Georgia, so Mary struggled a bit deciding whether or not to take Preston up on his offer. “I insist,” he said. “They have a limit for five minutes on the short films they do during the Brooks Day events anyways. You’ll only be gone for a minute with your grandson.”

  Mary, upon hearing the brisk time allotment decided to follow Tripp. “Thanks, Preston. I’ll be back as soon as it’s over.” They were very close to the awning where the dance performers had been just moments ago and where the crew was getting to work on setting up the short film. They worked on setting up a large screen where the film was going to be projected in just a few moments. The film director, a woman named Kristin, was standing and talking with some of the event coordinators.

  Mary sat down next to Cindy. “You should have seen her film last year,” Cindy told Mary. “It was a post-apocalyptic short filmed right here at the ballpark. Kristin does a great job. She came in second place during a state competition last year.”

  “That’s really incredible,” Mary said, looking towards the woman, Kristin, who looked a bit nervous but also excited about the film they were about to show. She was an older lady with long, flowing gray hair. She was pacing slightly with this almost devilish grin about her.

  People were gathered all around, and Mary was thankful that they had saved her a seat as more and more people flocked towards the picnic awning. The film started, and Kristin herself appeared on the screen. “We all wear masks,” her voice began the narration as people fidgeted excitedly in their seats. “It’s true. We never are our true selves to the public. Everyone around you—people you think you know, are only presenting a facade of sorts. I hope you all enjoy my little surprise.” The video faded, and suddenly they were confronted by a picture of a younger Kristin and a man who looked suspiciously like a younger Pastor Josiah – she was kissing his cheek.

  Mary instinctually looked over to where Pastor Josiah and his wife Jenna were standing. Josiah had straightened himself up a bit, and he looked alarmed. Mary, distracted by the former pastor and his wife, had nearly missed the picture that caused the whole crowd to gasp. She whipped her head around in time to see a picture of a significantly younger-looking Kristin half dressed in a bedroom. “Oh my goodness, that’s Pastor Josiah’s house,” Cindy said, putting her hands over her mouth.

  A picture of what was clearly Pastor Josiah and Kristin on a trip together – a romantic dinner, perhaps? In a hotel room. On a beach. Images of emails between the two of them that had to date back at least a decade. Mary heard a scream, and she spun her head around again to see that Josiah’s wife, Jenna, had fainted. Pastor Michael was now darting across the lawn, and he unplugged the projector that had been playing the slideshow detailing an old affair from the former pastor’s youth. Kristin was laughing. People were shouting and arguing with one another in shock of what they had just saw. Pastor Michael was a bit flabbergasted as he spoke to Kristin. “Now, see here, Kristin…” he was saying frantically.

  “What’s wrong, Pastor Michael? Upset to find out that your mentor was a cheater?” she taunted as she began loading up her laptop.

  “You – you should have gone to Pastor Josiah and Jenna, not – not showcased this to the entire town!” Pastor Michael exclaimed.

  Kristin laughed. “And, why not?” she asked, already walking off. “Enjoy the rest of the celebration, Pastor Michael!” she sang as she trotted off.

  “Holy crap,” Hannah said.

  “Hannah, hush,” Cindy said frantically.

  “Um… I should probably get back to my booth so that Officer Preston can check in on Jenna,” Mary said, jumping up. Tripp followed her, and once she arrived back at her booth, she had to explain to Officer Preston what had caused all the surprised shouting a moment ago.

  “I thought it had just been a horror film or something,” he said, darting off towards the crowd towards the elderly couple, Josiah and Jenna, who had just been humiliated rather publicly.

  “Small town drama, I guess,” Tripp said, as he stood by Mary, snickering a bit.

  “It’s really not funny, Tripp,” she said. “That was an extremely wrong way to handle that. It looked like poor Jenna didn’t even have a clue.”

  “Those were some old pictures,” Tripp said. “They had to be at least twenty years younger.”

  “If she wanted to come clean to Jenna about the affair, she should have done it privately,” Mary insisted. “That was just wrong.”

  “You don’t think it was even a little bit funny?” Tripp asked.

  “No, Tripp, I really don’t,” Mary insisted.

  Jenna was taken away in an ambulance. She apparently hit her head during her tumble, and the former pastor, Josiah, left with his wife. Mary got to witness small town gossip up close. It seemed like everyone who came over to her booth was whispering about what they had just seen. “Can you believe Pastor Josiah? He was supposed to be a moral teacher!”

  “Honestly, I feel terrible for Jenna.”

  “How could Jenna not have known?”

  “When do you think the affair ended? Do you think it was still going on?”

  “What made Kristin come out and show that all of a sudden?”

  “Honestly, she should have said something when he was still the pastor instead of waiting until now!”

  And, it went on and on and on. Tripp eventually got tired of listening to it and rejoined Hannah, trying to salvage the afternoon. Eventually, things started to calm down. There was only so much the town could talk about regarding Josiah and Kristin’s former affair with what little information they had gotten from the pictures before Pastor Michael had put a stop to the show. Once things had settled, Officer Preston made his way back over to Mary’s booth.

  “Well, that caused quite a commotion,” Preston said.

  “You’re telling me,” Mary said, shaking her head. “It was a little crazy. Good way to get introduced to the town.”

  “Yeah, not a good first impression of us, now was it?” Preston asked laughing slightly. “Maybe I should try to salvage our reputation. Don’t want you getting the wrong idea about us after all. What do you say we go to dinner?”

  Mary laughed. “That was a nice segue there, Officer Presto
n.”

  “I thought it was pretty good,” he said, laughing. “It was kind of lame though, wasn’t it,” he said.

  “Just a little, but it was sweet,” she said. “Honestly, I’m not so sure. Tripp and I just got here, and I don’t know about leaving Tripp at home alone right now. It’s just—”

  “I’ll watch him!” a voice from behind her tent said, and Mary spun around to see Cindy scurrying around the tent. She had on this big, excited grin as she gave Officer Preston a friendly shove. “I mean, why not? The kids get along. I could take the kiddos to the movies, so you can have a night out Mary.”

  Mary’s face turned bright red. “Oh,” she said.

  Officer Preston grinned. “Thanks for that, wingman, or should I say wingwoman,” he said as he winked at Cindy. He looked back at Mary with very hopeful eyes. “What do you think? Can I trouble you for a dinner out?”

  Mary looked into his pleasant eyes. “I suppose it would be nice to go out and see the town a little.”

  “Officer Preston, I do believe you got a yes from Mary,” Cindy said with a slight giggle. “Tonight, right? Pick her up around seven?”

  “Cindy!” Mary explained.

  “Oh, hush, you need me, clearly,” Cindy said, waving her off.

  Officer Preston smirked. “I can do seven.”

  Mary shook her head, surrendering. “Seven it is. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “And I promise to have her looking the part Preston,” Cindy said with a wink.

  He laughed, and, after exchanging information, he promised to pick Mary up later that evening. He left shortly afterwards, having some sort of duties he needed to fulfill elsewhere.

  As soon as he was gone, Mary turned on Cindy. “Are you serious?” she questioned. “I just moved here. I’m not really looking for a dating life at this time.”

  “That’s what everyone always says, but when someone as sweet and cute as Officer Preston is interested, you jump on it,” Cindy said.

  “I haven’t been on a date…” Mary frowned. “I haven’t been on a date since my husband left.”