Daley Buzz Cozy Mystery Boxed Set

by Meredith Potts

  “Are you listening to yourselves? A waitress at a comfort food restaurant and a personal trainer. You two make for an odd couple,” I said.

  “True. But we make it work,” Julie replied.

  Wally smiled. “We sure do.”

  “Even if we do have a few hiccups every now and then,” Julie said.

  I watched them beam at each other.

  “I have to say, you two make a really cute couple,” I replied.

  “Thank you,” Wally replied. “I haven’t been this happy in a long time.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Julie said.

  “If you two are this happy now, wait until you get to Shannon’s party tonight. It’ll be a delight for your taste buds,” I said. I focused on Wally. “Even you won’t be able to resist her desserts.”

  He put his hands on his hips. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”

  “Fine. Julie’s taste buds will be happy, then. You, meanwhile, can hover around the tray of carrot and celery sticks,” I said.

  “Joke all you want, but it has taken a lot of work to turn my life around. The last thing I want to do is backslide by bingeing on holiday desserts,” Wally replied.

  “More for us, then,” Julie said.

  I gave Julie a high-five.

  “Besides, I’m a personal trainer. How would it look if people saw me chowing down on cake?” he asked.

  “Human,” I said. “If you can’t indulge at the holidays, when can you?”

  “Talk about enabling,” Wally said.

  “What you call enabling, I call selling. After all, I am in the peppermint latte business,” I replied.

  Julie held her cup up. “And business is booming.”

  Realizing that he wouldn’t be able to change our minds, Wally threw up a figurative white flag. “Maybe I should hang out in the car.”

  “Look. I know we joke with you. But I respect your restraint. You’re an inspiration,” I said.

  The sound of a phone ringtone was then heard.

  Julie instantly recognized the tone and reached into her purse. She pulled out her phone and glanced at her caller identification screen.

  “I need to take this,” Julie said.

  “Who is it?” Wally asked.

  “The law firm handling my aunt’s inheritance,” Julie said.

  I grimaced. “Does that mean your aunt passed away? If so, I’m sorry.”

  “Thanks for the support, but she was a distant aunt. We weren’t close at all. My brother and I only met her once. Which makes it all the more generous of her to include us in her will. Especially since it’s a fairly significant amount of money we’re talking about,” Julie said.

  Julie walked away to take the call in private.

  That left Wally and me alone at the counter of the shop.

  I grinned as I glanced at Wally.

  He scrunched his nose. “What are you smiling at?”

  “I was just thinking about the past,” I said.

  “What about it?” he asked.

  “When you and I used to be a couple”

  “This isn’t awkward for you, is it? Seeing Julie and me together?”

  I shook my head. “No. Not at all. I’m really happy for you two. Besides, I love David.”

  “Okay. Good.” His forehead wrinkled. “Then why were you thinking about when you and I used to be a couple?”

  “Because you’ve come so far. I mean, when I think about how you used to be, how much you used to drink—”

  “How terrible I used to behave,” he said.

  “Those are your words, not mine.”

  “It’s not easy to admit it, but it’s the truth. I wasn’t a good boyfriend. Or even a good man back then.”

  “Which just makes your transformation even more stunning. Look at you now. You haven’t just cleaned up your act. You have reinvented yourself.”

  He smiled. “When you put it that way, it is kind of remarkable.”

  “Try incredible. A few years ago, you had no willpower. Now, you’re clean, sober, and so disciplined that you can resist cake at a holiday party,” I said.

  “It turns out that resisting alcohol is a little harder than resisting cake.”

  “Tell my stomach that.”

  “Everyone’s journey is different.”

  “You don’t have to tell me. You are proof of that. I mean, if you would have asked me a few years ago what you’d be doing now, I would have never said personal training,” I replied.

  Wally shrugged. “What can I tell you? I got tired of being a cautionary tale.”

  “I’ll say. You’re a success story. With a wonderful girlfriend to show for it.”

  A spark was in his eyes. “Julie is pretty fantastic.”

  “You take care of her.”

  He nodded. “I will.”

  Chapter Three

  “Oh no. This can’t be,” Shannon Smith said.

  My petite thirty-year-old redheaded friend was beside herself.

  Her freckled face was so filled with concern that I found myself fearing the worst.

  Instinctually, my muscles tensed up. I had walked into Shannon’s kitchen to check up on her. Apparently, I had come at a terrible time.

  My thoughts raced.

  What kind of trouble was she in? I braced myself for some seriously bad news.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “I can’t believe it,” Shannon said.

  “Shannon, tell me what’s wrong.”

  “We’re all out of Christmas cookies, and the party is only an hour old.”

  I put my hand over my chest. Sweet relief washed over me. It turned out I had gotten all worked up for nothing.

  How refreshing.

  Typically, the opposite was the case. After all, Treasure Cove was no stranger to trouble. At least when it came to recent history. Nefarious activities hadn’t always been so common in my hometown.

  For example, just a few years ago, going sixty days without a homicide taking place within the city limits wouldn’t seem like much reason for excitement. Especially considering that Treasure Cove was a picturesque coastal Northern California town of only twenty-five-thousand residents. Unfortunately, a lot had changed around here. Most notably, a number of disturbing murders.

  So even though it was only a small victory to go two months without a homicide occurring in town, it was much better than the grisly alternative.

  I couldn’t help but laugh as I thought about Shannon’s overreaction to running out of cookies.

  Shannon’s nose crinkled. “What’s so funny?”

  “It’s just that I thought you had a serious problem,” I said.

  Shannon was not amused by my statement. “Sabrina, this is serious. My Christmas cookies are always a huge hit. People are going to be asking for them all night. And I’m going to have to tell them that they are all gone.”

  “They’ll live.”

  “I know that. I mean, there are other desserts—”

  “Exactly. Your guests will be fine. Besides, coming up a few cookies short is a pretty small worry in the scope of things. Especially in this town.”

  “Well, yeah. Clearly,” she replied. “Some days I feel like we’re living in weirdo central.”

  “Too much of the time, recently. Which is why a Christmas party like this is so welcome. Fun is being had by all.”

  Shannon was still kicking herself. “I just thought that I had planned this better.”

  “Shannon, calm down. You don’t want to be the only one at your own party who isn’t having a ball, do you?”

  “Of course not. It’s not like I want to feel like this.”

  “Then don’t. You’re a great hostess.”

  Unfortunately, her mood did not improve. She continued to beat herself up.

  Shannon grimaced as she looked out into the distance. “I just hate to disappoint people.”

  I stared deep into her eyes. “We’re not talking about cookies anymore, are we?”

  “Is
it that obvious?”

  “Maybe it wouldn’t be if you were talking to one of your other friends. But it turns out I’m half decent at this whole sleuthing thing.”

  “Right. Of course. I don’t know how I expected to keep my feelings hidden from you.”

  “Why don’t you tell me what this is really about?”

  “My wedding.”

  “The one that’s six months away?” I asked.

  “I know you probably think I’m being silly, but if I can’t get everything just right for a Christmas party, then how can I expect to get all the details correct for my wedding?”

  “Shannon, you can’t even compare the two.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. My wedding is going to be so much bigger.”

  “Yes, but you also have a professional planner who is helping you with your wedding.”

  “I know. I’m just worried that I’ll mess something up.”

  “Shannon, your wedding is going to be amazing.”

  “Sabrina, you’re a great friend, and I thank you for saying that, but you don’t know what my wedding is really going to be like.”

  “Sure I do.”

  “How can you be so sure? Especially when I’m practically pulling my hair out over it.”

  “I know it’s going to be an amazing wedding because I’ll get to see my best friend tie the knot with the man of her dreams. And that’s what matters—the celebration of how much you and Joe love each other. Not what kind of wedding cake you have or the centerpieces at each table or whether you run out of cookies at the reception,” I said.

  “Sabrina, you’re so sweet, you know that?” Shannon replied.

  “I’m not just saying that to make you feel better. It’s the truth. You and Joe have a great love story,” I replied. “Speaking of which, go back out there and be with your fiancé. Enjoy yourself. Everyone else is.”

  Thankfully, she did just that.

  Chapter Four

  Christmas was my favorite time of year. And not just because of the presents. Although who doesn’t enjoy receiving gifts?

  The real reason I enjoyed the holiday season was because of what it represented. I loved birthdays, and there was no more important one in the history of the world than the birth of Christ. Being able to celebrate Jesus and all he stood for with my friends and family was something I looked forward to all year.

  That said, Christmas was still ten days away. A decade ago, it would have felt strange going to a holiday party this early in the season. I could still remember a time when all the parties I was invited to were held on the same night—Christmas Eve. Those days were long gone. Now, the party hosts and hostesses decided to spread things out throughout the season.

  That was fine by me. Shannon’s party was the first of three bashes that I was invited to. If that night was any indication of things to come, it had the makings of being an amazing holiday season.

  I exited Shannon’s kitchen and rejoined David in the crowded living room. Partygoers were all around, but David’s focus was solely on me.

  He gave me a smile. “There you are. I was wondering what happened to you.”

  “I got caught up talking to Shannon,” I said. “It turns out she really needed my help.”

  “I’m sure you gave it to her. You’re a great friend. And an even better girlfriend.”

  There was a glimmer in his eyes as he spoke.

  “Someone’s in a good mood,” I said.

  “Why wouldn’t I be? We’re at a great party. It’s the holidays. Life is good,” he replied. “Besides, look what is above us.”

  I looked up.

  David continued. “Mistletoe.” He gazed into my eyes. “You know what that means.”

  I chuckled. “Honey, if you want a kiss, all you have to do is ask. You don’t need to use mistletoe as an excuse.”

  He leaned in and gave me a kiss.

  “I know. I just thought it was interesting that we happened to end up standing under some mistletoe without realizing it,” he said.

  “Are you saying it was destiny? Because I thought you didn’t believe in stuff like that,” I said.

  “It’s a party. Why don’t we save the philosophical conversation for later?”

  “That’s fine with me. I’d rather kiss, anyway.”

  I gave him another kiss.

  “Delicious,” he said. “Speaking of, when is Shannon going to put out another tray of her delectable Christmas cookies?”

  I grimaced. “I have some bad news for you.”

  “Uh-oh. What’s wrong?”

  “Now don’t shoot the messenger.”

  “I’m really not going to like this, am I?” he asked.

  “Shannon is all out of cookies.”

  David winced. “That’s terrible news.”

  “How do you think I feel? I went into the kitchen with a craving and left with an empty stomach of disappointment.”

  He looked off into the distance. “I was really looking forward to another cookie. Or three.”

  “Look on the bright side. At least you got to have one. Some of the people here didn’t even get a taste of Shannon’s cookies.”

  “I suppose you’re right. It’s better to have savored one Christmas cookie than to have never savored at all.”

  “How poetic of you,” I joked.

  “Hey, that’s the best I can do when I’m in the middle of a craving.”

  “No judgment here. I just never thought you would wax poetic about cookies.”

  “It’s Shannon’s fault,” he joked. “If she wasn’t such a great baker, I wouldn’t care if she ran out of cookies.”

  “All hope is not lost. There are still some cupcakes left. Would you mind getting me one of those?” I asked.

  He nodded. “Sure thing.”

  I handed him my cup. “Some eggnog, too.”

  “Coming right up,” he said.

  Chapter Five

  As the party got into full swing, reverie was in the air. The sound of cheerful Christmas music playing was heard. Smiling faces were all around me. A good time was being had by all.

  That was especially true when I looked at my grandmother, Betsy Daley. The feisty eighty-three-year-old was parked in front of a table of desserts. She had never looked more at home.

  Betsy nibbled on sweets while speaking with my slender jet-black-haired mother, Elizabeth Daley, and my tall, pear-shaped stepfather, Luke Norton.

  “You guys look like you’re having a good time,” I said as I approached them.

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” Betsy replied. “It’s a party. If you aren’t enjoying yourself, you’re doing something wrong.”

  “That’s the spirit,” I said.

  “Although I like to think of life as just one big party,” Betsy replied.

  “And you are the guest of honor, right?” I joked.

  Betsy pointed at me. “Those are your words, not mine.”

  “I don’t hear you disagreeing,” Elizabeth said.

  Betsy shrugged. “Why would I? After all, a compliment is a terrible thing to waste. Especially when you’re eighty-three years young.”

  I chuckled. “Grandma, you’re a riot.”

  Betsy gave me a playful smile. “You could almost say I’m the life of the party.”

  “I won’t deny that,” I said.

  Betsy glanced around the room. “And what a party this is.” She then grabbed a cupcake from the table of food. “Christmas has come early for my taste buds.”

  Elizabeth put her hands on her hips. “Mom, you should save some for the rest of us.”

  Betsy shook her head. “That’s not likely.”

  Luke reached for a cupcake of his own. “In that case, I’ll take one before they are all gone.”

  I grabbed a cupcake as well. “Me too.”

  Elizabeth stared at Betsy. “Mom, you’re a bad influence.”

  Betsy scoffed. “Your daughter is a grown woman. She can make delicious decisions for herself.”

  I
took a bite of my cupcake. “And what a scrumptious decision this turned out to be.”

  Betsy finished off her cupcake then looked out at the festive partygoers having a great time. “What a great start to the holiday party season. Those other four parties I have been invited to sure have a lot to live up to.”

  My nose scrunched. “Did you just say four parties?”

  “Yeah. Why?” Betsy replied.

  “Because I’m only invited to two more,” I said.

  “Now Sabrina, life isn’t a competition. Besides, if it was, I’d be winning,” Betsy replied.

  I held my tongue and just laughed off Betsy’s boastful statement.

  Betsy continued. “I’m just kidding. I just happen to be a popular woman is all.”

  “What are these other two parties that you are invited to that I’m not?” I asked.

  “Well, one is taking place at the Treasure Cove Senior Center, and the other one is a bash being put on over at the retirement villas,” Betsy said.

  “That explains a lot,” Elizabeth replied.

  Betsy waggled her pointer finger at Elizabeth. “Don’t let the location fool you. Those retirement villa ladies are wild. They truly believe that growing older just gives them a license to be bolder.”

  “I’ll have to take your word for that,” Elizabeth said.

  “Grandma, do you ever worry that you might get partied out?” I asked.

  Betsy chuckled. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “You’re right. I’m asking the wrong eighty-three-year-old that question,” I said.

  “You sure are. I’m living the life without any strife.” Betsy looked at her empty cup on the table. “Speaking of, I could really go for some eggnog right now.”

  Betsy looked like she was about to move off with her cup, but she stopped dead in her tracks and stared at something that was behind me.

  She wasn’t alone. Elizabeth and Luke were also wide eyed as they looked over my shoulder.

  My eyebrows knitted. “What’s going on?”

  “Wally Tuttle is here,” Betsy said. “And he looks like he is in a panic.”

  Chapter Six

  I turned around and saw Wally craning his neck as his eyes scanned the room. There was a look of grave concern on my ex-boyfriend’s face, which made for both a troubling and curious sight, considering how everyone else at the party appeared to be having a great time.