“Of course you would.” I couldn’t help but smile. Over the last couple of years, I’d learned a lot about my dad.
He stepped forward and wrapped me in a warm hug. “It’s good to see you, Buttercup.”
“You too, Dad.”
He stepped back, took Laura’s hand, and together, they left Death by Coffee.
“I can’t believe Mom and Dad would do that,” Vicki said. “Why do they always feel like they have to have the last say? A wedding planner? Now?” She shook her head in wonderment.
“I’m sure they mean well,” I said. In their own way, they truly did, even if they didn’t know how best to show it.
Vicki sighed and rubbed at her temples. “This is going to be a long week.”
“You’ll get through it.” I gently took her hands in my own. “Remember. You’re getting married!”
That brought a smile to her face. “I am.”
“And I’ll make sure nothing goes wrong,” I said. “This is going to be the best wedding ever.”
“Thanks.” A horn honked outside. “I’d better go. Mom will want more than just a tour of the house.” She stepped back and looked around. “I’d better lock up first.”
“I can do that,” I said. “Go ahead and go.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
Vicki gave me a quick hug. “Thank you.” She started for the door.
“Good luck,” I told her as she left.
I took a deep breath and let it out in a huff. While things weren’t exactly going to plan, I thought the brief meeting had gone better than expected. No one had started yelling, so that was a win. I just hoped that by the time the wedding rolled around, Vicki and her mother wouldn’t be at each other’s throats.
Mason honked once more as the car pulled away. Even though they couldn’t see me, I waved anyway. And then, finally alone, I went about locking up Death by Coffee for the night.
3
“Good morning, Buttercup.”
I yawned and trudged my way into the kitchen, guided by the smell of coffee and eggs. Dad was at the stove, apron tied around his waist, spatula in hand. Laura was sitting at the counter, watching him with a smile full of pure adoration.
“Thanks for letting us use your room last night,” she said. “You didn’t have to put yourself out for our sake.”
“I’d be perfectly fine on the couch if you’d prefer it,” Dad said, stirring the scrambled eggs.
I’m not normally used to talking before my morning coffee, so I poured and took a sip before responding. “It’s no bother,” I said. Besides, I was the one who’d forced them to take the master bedroom while I slept in the spare room. Dad had tried to convince me to let him take the couch, acting as if he and Laura had never shared a bed. From the looks they’d given one another, I knew that not to be the case, and quite frankly, we were all adults here. It might be a bit strange to think of Dad sleeping next to someone other than Mom, but it wasn’t offensive.
“We can always find a hotel,” Dad said. He opened a cupboard, found the plates, and began shoveling eggs onto them. “You’ve got a lot on your mind with the wedding, and don’t need us getting in the way.”
“Dad, I’m good.” I leaned against the counter and closed my eyes. “I’ve got to work today anyway, so it’s not like I’ll be needing the space.” Though, I was worried about what awaited me at Death by Coffee. If Vicki and her mom got into another fight, it could make for another challenging day.
“Do you have time to eat?” Dad asked. “I made you a plate.”
I glanced at the clock. “Let me hop into the shower real quick. I should have a few minutes before I’ve got to go.”
I set my coffee down, the cookie already breaking apart into soft little chunks, and hurried to the shower. Most mornings, I tended to stand under the spray for an extended period to let the water wake me, but today, I rushed it. I not only wanted some of Dad’s cooking, but I also thought it might be good to sit down with Laura for a few minutes. I really wanted to get to know her better, especially since it was clear she really did care for my dad.
After toweling off and getting dressed, I returned to the kitchen. My long-haired, orange cat, Misfit, was sitting at Laura’s feet, paw in the air, begging for scraps. He knew better, but with someone new to beg from, he must have figured out he’d get pampered if he looked cute.
“You didn’t have to wait for me,” I said, noting their plates were still full. I snatched up my coffee, topped it off, and joined them at the table.
Dad merely smiled. “I added a little homemade seasoning to the eggs,” he said. “Laura showed it to me, and I think it improves the taste dramatically.”
“I hope you like them,” she said. “Some people believe it makes the eggs too spicy, especially for breakfast, but I like it.”
I took a bite, eyes widening as the heat hit my tongue.
“It’s too much?” Laura asked, half rising out of her seat, as if she might run to grab me some water.
I swallowed. “No. They’re really good. Just caught me off guard.”
“Are you sure? I could get you something else.” She eased slowly back down.
“Positive.” I glanced at the clock and took another couple of quick bites before pushing the plate away. “I’d eat more, but I really do have to go. I slept in later than I should have.”
“We might stop in to visit you later, if that’s okay,” Dad said.
“I’d like to try some of your coffee and browse the books,” Laura added.
“That’d be great.” And if Vicki was still down about her parents, she could use the positive vibes coming off the two of them.
I chugged the rest of my coffee, which had cooled during my shower. I would have liked to spoon up the remains of the cookie, but I hadn’t been kidding when I said I had to go. I was already going to be late.
With a quick good-bye to Dad and Laura, and a loving scratch behind Misfit’s ears, I headed in for work.
It was a bright and sunny summer day, and I found myself whistling by the time I walked through the door of Death by Coffee. Lena Allison was behind the counter, ringing up a sale. Her hair, which had been purple a week ago, was now neon pink, and cut short. She grinned and waved when she saw me. I returned the favor.
Upstairs, our other employee, Jeff Braun, was shelving books. We’d gotten a new shipment yesterday while I’d been picking up the wedding guests, or else I would have done it. He glanced down, saw me, and then redoubled his efforts. The guy was trying so hard, harder than he really needed to, truth be told. He was coming out of his shell more and more, and with it, his desire to impress increased.
I appreciated the both of them to no end, but was starting to wonder if we’d need to hire someone else to help fill in when one of them couldn’t make it in to work.
I’d just gone to the back, grabbed an apron, and returned to check the cookie and coffee levels when the door opened and the resident gossip, Rita Jablonski, walked in. Her eyes immediately suctioned to me and she started my way, already talking.
“Can you believe it?” she said. “Our little town is rife with celebrities! I was on my way here when I thought I saw a woman I remember seeing in The Robber Train.”
I had no idea who exactly she was talking about, nor had I ever seen The Robber Train, let alone heard of it, but I figured she’d come across one of the Pattersons or their friends since there were no other actresses hanging around Pine Hills as far as I knew.
“They’re here for Vicki’s wedding,” I said, checking the cookie case to find it fully stocked and fresh. The coffee was likewise full.
“That explains it then.” Rita leaned her bulky frame against the counter. “I considered stopping her and asking for an autograph, but she looked upset. She practically bristled when someone walked too closely to her.” She huffed. “I’ll never understand these Hollywood types. They never know how to relax! I mean, really! How hard would it be to treat other people with resp
ect? All actors are the same, let me tell you. They only care about themselves.”
I doubted she knew anyone who’d ever been in a movie or television show before, but held my tongue. Instead, in an attempt to change the subject, I said something even dumber.
“Dad’s here too.”
Rita’s eyes lit up and she practically floated from the floor. “James Hancock is here?” Her head jerked around as she scanned the store. “Where?”
Not only was Rita the town gossip and busybody, she was also my dad’s biggest fan, a fact she made sure to remind me of every chance she got.
“Not here, here. But in town. He said he might stop by later.” And then I added what was probably the second-dumbest thing I could have said right then. “He’ll be bringing his girlfriend.”
It was like watching a building implode. Rita’s eyes, which had been wide and excited, dulled, her mouth opening in a pained, shocked “O.” Her forehead crumpled, and I swear I saw a tear glimmer in her eye. Her entire demeanor seemed to crumble, as if I’d just destroyed every hope and dream she’d ever had with those five simple words.
“His girlfriend, dear?”
There was nothing to do but plow forward. “Her name’s Laura,” I said. Beside me, Lena slunk away, as if afraid to get caught in Rita’s inevitable breakdown. “She’s nice.”
Rita blinked at me before her hand fluttered to her chest. “I . . . I think I need to sit down.”
A little worried, I hurried around the counter and took her elbow. I guided her to a chair and helped her down before saying, “Let me get you something to drink.” She looked pale, and maybe a little shell-shocked. The last time my dad was in town, she’d practically thrown herself at him, so I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised by how hard she was taking the news that he now had a girlfriend.
I filled a cup with water, and another with coffee, just in case. I carried them both to where Rita sat. She took them wordlessly and turned to stare blankly ahead.
Huh. Who would have thought anyone could say anything that would knock her speechless?
Damage done, I slunk back behind the counter, feeling like an insensitive jerk. I hadn’t meant to hurt her feelings. I hadn’t meant anything at all by it, really. It had just slipped out.
“She’ll be okay,” Lena said.
“I hope so.” With as bad as she looked, I was afraid Rita might wither away to nothing in her misery. Her infatuation with my dad was the closest thing to a relationship she had.
I didn’t have time to come up with some way to cheer her up, however. The door opened and Vicki entered, looking irritated. Mason was right behind her, as was his dad, Raymond Lawyer; Regina Harper; and both the Pattersons. I was surprised to see Regina, but I guess I shouldn’t have been. Before she started dating Raymond, her daughter, Heidi, had been married to his other son, Brendon. After Brendon’s untimely death, Regina and Raymond had been drawn together, and were now dating.
The door swung closed, and I thought that would be everyone until it opened again and Cathy Carr strode inside, mouth full of espresso beans. While everyone else found a table together, she made a beeline for the counter.
“Give me the strongest coffee you’ve got,” she said, looking as if she was already hopped up on enough caffeine to fly to the moon.
“Coming right up,” Lena said, hurrying back to fill the order.
“How’s everyone doing?” I asked, nodding toward where the others had sat. Vicki already had her arms crossed and was glaring at her mother, who’d shoved the necklace box across the table toward her. It looked like last night’s frustrations were boiling over again.
Cathy glanced at me, surprised, as if she hadn’t even noticed I was there. “Oh, fine, I suppose.” She gave a fluttery laugh. “I don’t get why there’s so much pushback. I’m going to make this wedding one to remember.”
Not in a good way, I thought, but kept it to myself. “Vicki was hoping for something small and simple.”
“Everyone says that,” Cathy said, popping a bean into her mouth. She chewed a moment before going on. “Weddings are a one-time deal for the bride and groom. People who go for small weddings always regret it. They look back and wish they would have taken the time to do it right. If you go small and forgettable, no one remembers it, and the memories are lessened by it.” She nodded once. “Trust me, we’ll make this the kind of wedding everyone will remember.”
While I was sure that was true, I had my doubts about her assessment. Mom and Dad had a simple wedding; they couldn’t afford much else. But I never once heard them complain. Dad always said it was the best moment of his life. They didn’t need a DJ or a five-tier cake or a fancy flower arrangement, not when they had each other.
But I doubted Cathy Carr understood that.
Lena returned and handed over the coffee. Cathy eyed her in a way that was just this side of condescending before dropping change onto the counter. She took a sip from her cup, sighed as if it had hit the spot, and then she turned and strode quickly away.
“She seems high strung,” Lena said, gathering the scattered coins. She counted it, frowned, telling me Cathy might have shorted us, and then put it into the register without another word.
“That she is,” I said, watching as she joined the others. Cathy was wearing a dark pantsuit that was as severe as her makeup and short hair. Even her nail polish didn’t do anything to soften her in any way. It made me wonder if she had any other clothes, or if this was how she looked all the time.
Almost as soon as she reached the table, Vicki stood, very nearly knocking over her chair as she did. She leveled a finger at her mother, then pointed to Cathy, who was so busy chugging her coffee she didn’t seem to notice.
“Uh-oh,” I muttered, watching. Voices had yet to be raised, but it was clear it was coming.
Gina Patterson motioned toward Regina Harper, who nodded sagely at whatever was said. It was followed up by Raymond saying something that had Mason scowling and Cathy Carr nodding right along. Frederick looked content to let everyone else argue it out.
“Should I go over there, you think?” I asked, kind of hoping I’d be told no.
“If you don’t mind getting your face melted,” Lena said. When I glanced at her, she shrugged. “The atmosphere over there is toxic. I can feel it from here.”
Voices started rising then, though I still couldn’t make out what they were saying. Vicki looked as if she wanted to tear her hair out, as did Mason, while the four older people—Cathy excluded—looked calm and, quite frankly, acted as if they were in the right.
“I’d better go help,” I said, taking off my apron and tossing it on a shelf beneath the counter. I couldn’t let Vicki and Mason face off against all of them alone.
“Good luck.”
I walked across the store much like I would if I was heading for the gallows. Lena was right; you could feel the toxicity in the air. And I’m willingly walking toward it. Somehow, I knew I was going to regret it.
“I was thinking we could order from Elsie’s,” Cathy was saying through a mouthful of beans. She took a sip from her coffee to wash it down. “Their cakes are phenomenal.”
“I already have a cake ordered!” Vicki said. “Someone is putting a lot of time and care into it.”
“But, Victoria, it won’t be from Elsie’s,” Gina said.
“I don’t care!” Vicki was near shouting now. “And don’t call me that.”
“Vicki, please,” Frederick said. “You’re making a scene.”
Mason tried to put his arm around her shoulder, but Vicki shrugged him off. She looked hot, and rightfully so. “I don’t want your stupid cake. I don’t want new flowers.” She snatched up the box with the necklace inside. “And I don’t want this!” She threw it at her mother, who, though surprised by the outburst, caught it before it fell to the floor.
Before anyone could say anything, Vicki stormed past me, and up the stairs, into the bookstore, right past a startled Jeff. He looked at me, eyes wide an
d uncertain. All I could do was shrug.
“What was that all about?” Regina asked.
“Women,” grunted Raymond, as if that explained it all.
Mason started for the stairs, but I stopped him. “Let me see if I can calm her down,” I said. “You can deal with this.”
He grimaced, but nodded. “Thanks.”
I left him to it and went upstairs to find Vicki.
She was standing in the back corner, where no one could see her. There were tears in her eyes, and her fists were clenched so tightly her knuckles were popping white.
“Can you believe them?” she asked, gesturing toward where everyone was sitting.
“They’re trying to help in their own way,” I said, and before she could get angry, I added, “It doesn’t mean they’re right.”
“I just want a small wedding,” she said. “I don’t want some big production with fireworks and people I’ve never met watching on. Is that too much to ask?”
“No,” I said, wondering if someone had actually brought up fireworks. “We’ll make them understand.”
“I don’t know if we can.” She sighed and leaned against the wall. “What am I going to do?”
“Focus on your wedding, what you want. Just because they suggest something doesn’t mean they can change anything. It’s your decision.”
“Don’t sell my mother short.” A bitter smile played over her lips. “If she can find a way, she’ll do it. I wouldn’t put it past her to call the local businesses to cancel all my orders.”
“Well then, we’ll call them first to tell them not to listen to her.” I put an arm around Vicki’s shoulders and pulled her in close. “It’ll be okay,” I said. “You know they only want what’s best for you.”
“I know.” She sagged into me. “It’s just hard sometimes. I’m so stressed about everything, I feel like every time someone sneezes, it’s going to blow this whole thing over.”
“We just have to get through the next few days,” I said, “and then you’ll be married!”
Vicki smiled at that. “I will, won’t I?”
I squeezed. “Don’t let them ruin this for you. This is your time.”
Death by Espresso Page 3
