Girls' Night Out Murder (Ryli Sinclair 2)

by Jenna St James

  We all looked at Paige to see her reaction. “I want to hold off on my opinions until the end. This way I don’t become biased toward one cake over the others,” Paige said.

  “Fair enough,” Susie said. “Next is the white cake with champagne filling and champagne frosting.”

  Same reaction for me…glorious.

  “Go ahead and drink some water. It helps to cleanse the palate.”

  The tinkling of the bell above the door announced a customer. We all turned to stare.

  Three women who looked to be in their early thirties came rushing through the door…stomping their feet and muttering about snow. They looked like triplets with their matching coats, trendy boots, and Coach purses. Well, except for the fact they all had different hair color.

  Susie excused herself and moved toward the display case. “Good afternoon, ladies. Welcome to my bakery. How can I help you today?”

  The leader—Brunette—pushed her way to the front and approached the display case. Her two lackeys—Blondie and Red—trailed closely behind.

  “This is your store?” Brunette said as she slowly looked around. “Well, girls, isn’t it…quaint.”

  The way she said quaint made my lips twitch. It was attitudes like these that made locals detest the tourists.

  Susie’s smiled never left her face. “Thank you. How may I help you?” she asked again.

  I had to give her props…she was definitely more professional than I was. I’d have jumped over the counter, slapped them all, then drop kicked their butts out the door.

  Which made me sound more and more like Aunt Shirley. I so needed a vacation from her.

  “What are those?” Brunette asked, pointing to what were obviously scones of some sort.

  I listened as Susie ran through the scones and the rest of her items in the display case. Once she was done, Brunette asked for a plain biscotti. As did Blondie.

  I barely refrained from rolling my eyes.

  Red was the only exception. I liked her. She bent down and pointed inside the display case. “I think I want the cupcake right there.”

  “The gingerbread cupcake with caramel molasses cream cheese frosting? Good choice,” Susie said.

  “Do you know how many calories that has in it?” Brunette demanded. “That’s like an hour longer on the elliptical.”

  Red smiled. “I don’t care. I want it.”

  I shook my head at their ridiculous discussion as Susie rang up the Trendies’ purchases and then sent them on their merry way. Being nice to people was definitely not something I could do every day.

  “Yikes,” Aunt Shirley said. “I’d never be able to do what you do. I wanted to drop kick them on their snotty butts the minute they opened their mouths.”

  That’s it…time to expand my friendship list! Aunt Shirley and I were suddenly sharing a brain.

  Susie smiled. “You get used to dealing with difficult people. Comes with the territory.”

  “Can I ask how you got the red and white icing to do that?” Paige asked, pointing to a cupcake in the display case.

  “You mean the swirl on the chocolate peppermint cupcakes? It’s actually very easy. You just run a strip of red colorant down two sides of your piping bag, then add the icing. You’ll need to pipe out a little before it starts to swirl, but that’s it.”

  Paige’s mouth dropped open. “I had no idea! It looks so difficult. It’s very pretty.”

  “Thanks. Creating things with my hands is something I love to do. Okay, how about we get back to tasting some wedding cakes.”

  “You bet,” I said.

  “This one is a black forest cake,” Susie said. “It’s one of my favorites.” She slapped her hand over her mouth. “Sorry.”

  Paige smiled at her and bit into the cake.

  I picked up the small cake. No need to waste utensils on this one…you could eat it with your fingers. It had real strawberries and blackberries on top of the ganache frosting. I bit into it and closed my eyes, savoring the taste that exploded onto my tongue. Hands down, this was the winner for me.

  “Agreed,” I said. “I love this one.”

  Paige hit me on my arm. “Don’t influence me!” she exclaimed.

  I looked over at Aunt Shirley. She was nodding her head vigorously. Guess it was a winner for her, too.

  “This last one is a chocolate cake with raspberry filling.”

  I bit into it. How in the world Paige was going to be able to choose was a mystery to me. I’d just order them all and have nothing but cake at my wedding.

  “So, what do you think?” Susie asked once we’d all eaten our fill.

  “I hope I can ask this question,” Paige said. “Is there a way for me to order the white cake with raspberry filling, but with the champagne frosting?”

  “Of course. You can order whatever you like. I just gave you the samples to experiment with. If you like the champagne frosting, I can do that.”

  I have to say, I was kind of disappointed. I really liked both the black forest cake and chocolate raspberry cake. A white cake? That would never happen at my wedding.

  “I think that’s what I want to go with,” Paige continued.

  I refrained from rolling my eyes…barely! But it was her wedding. I guess she could decide for herself.

  “White cake,” Aunt Shirley scoffed. “Never at my wedding!”

  God save me…I was never having a rhetorical thought again. It was like Aunt Shirley could read my mind and was toying with me. No way were we that much alike!

  “White cake with raspberry filling and champagne frosting. I can do that. I’ll start on it tonight,” Susie said. “I still have the design ideas you sent me. Since you decided on white frosting, are you still wanting to go with the dark pink ribbon outlining the base of the cake?”

  Paige’s face lit up. “Yes, please. Pink will be in the flowers, Ryli’s bridesmaid dress, and the ties the guys are wearing.”

  “And you’re still just wanting one round cake? Because I can do a small, two-tiered cake if you like. The base would be about eight inches and the next tier would be only five inches. It’s pretty small, but it can still feed about thirty people.”

  “Wow, I didn’t realize you could go that small down.” Paige looked at me. “I think that’s what I’d like. Makes it seems more traditional.”

  I nodded in agreement. Paige was wanting to stick to as much tradition as she could.

  “I was also thinking,” Susie continued. “I can add a little more sparkle to the ribbon if you like. What do you think about adding a cluster of snowflakes made from royal icing with silver dragées in the center, and then attaching them to the front portion of the ribbons? Since there are now going to be two tiers, I think it would look stunning.”

  Paige nodded her head and wiped tears from her eyes. “I don’t know what all that is, but I think it sounds wonderful. You are a life saver.”

  “I’m glad I could help. Now,” Susie said, clasping her hands in front of her, “what should I bring to the bachelorette party?”

  “Oh, nothing!” Paige said. “We didn’t invite you so you’d bring something.”

  Susie chuckled. “I know that. But before you say no, maybe you should know I make a mean Irish Car Bomb cupcake paired with bourbon and Rum Chata truffles. They’d be perfect for the bachelorette party.”

  Paige and I squealed in delight. “Oh, Susie, thank you so much,” Paige said. “You’re right, they’d be perfect.”

  Paige and Susie finished talking wedding cakes while Aunt Shirley and I walked over to the display case. Susie had the traditional things like chocolate chip cookies, plain and chocolate croissants, cherry turnovers, and different types of scones and biscotti. However, she added a little Christmas to the mix with her gingerbread men piped with Christmas colors, along with the gingerbread and caramel molasses cream cheese cupcakes and chocolate peppermint cupcakes with red and white cream cheese frosting topped with broken Andes peppermints.

  “Oh my gosh, are thos
e powdered donuts with a custard filling?” Aunt Shirley asked.

  Susie walked over to us. “Sure are. How about a little treat before you leave? I’d just finished baking it when you came in. It’s cooling in the back. Give me a minute.” She strode behind the curtain and Aunt Shirley and I practically salivated at the thought of what scrumptious treat she’d bring out for us.

  Susie returned seconds later carrying a tray of sliced bread. “I believe I have finally perfected this banana bread. Aunt Shirley, I especially hope you like it. I’m trying to get a market on the health conscious customers and the older population by offering healthy alternatives. This bread is grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free. There are no preservatives in it.” I could tell Susie was excited as she practically shoved a piece of the banana bread at us.

  Aunt Shirley poked at it with her finger. “Forget health food,” Aunt Shirley grumbled. “At my age, I need all the preservatives I can get!”

  Chapter 10

  “You made good time.” Paige hugged Megan hello while I took her suitcases.

  “I know. I can’t believe how clear the roads are.”

  “We have supper on the stove,” Bea said from the doorway.

  “And jello shots for dessert,” my aunt piped up from behind Bea.

  We made our way toward the house as headlights veered off toward the Cleary house. It was too dark to see, but I figured with as high up as the headlights were, it must be Jim in his work truck.

  “I’ll be right back,” I told the girls and made my way across the yard. I’m not sure why I suddenly wanted to see him—maybe it was all the times his name was mentioned today—but I felt a need to just touch base.

  “Well, well…twice in two days. To what do I owe this surprise?”

  Laughing, I leaned against the truck bed and watched him unload some tools and take them inside his workshop. I’d never seen so many saws, compressors, nail guns, and cordless drills in my life.

  “What the hell is that?” I exclaimed as he pulled out a cordless drill with a two-foot spike.

  “This here’s an auger bit. Comes in handy when I’m drilling holes in a floor joist. Or when I just need to make some long-ass holes,” he chuckled.

  I laughed with him. I was hoping it would squelch the queasiness that rushed through my body. “That might hurt a little,” I said. Being proned to finding dead bodies and dead body parts will do that to a person. It took me a long time just to use a knife without breaking out into a cold sweat after Sharon chased me around and tried to kill me with one.

  Jim carried the drill and auger bit into his shop. “Hey, why don’t you come out of the cold and come in here?”

  “No, I really can’t stay. Paige’s cousin just got in and we’re gonna test out Aunt Shirley’s jello shooters tonight to see which ones we want for the bachelorette party.”

  Jim leaned against the doorjamb. “That’s awesome,” he smiled. “I’ll be finishing some cabinets tonight. I might have to open a window in the shop to get the dust out of the air. I promise not to listen in if I happen to hear you girls.”

  I laughed. “I appreciate that. The acoustics here make it impossible to keep a secret.”

  “Sure does,” he said, wiping his hands on a rag. “Well, stay warm. I hear we might get another inch tonight.”

  * * *

  “My favorite is the cranberry,” Aunt Shirley said. She ran her tongue against the inside of the plastic container, unpopping the jello from the side.

  Slurp!

  The red jello practically leapt down Aunt Shirley’s throat. “Yum!” she said, smacking her lips together.

  I shuddered. It was just too creepy watching her suck up a jello shot like a Hoover sucks up dirt.

  Paige sidled up to me and bumped my hip. “I’m kinda liking the peppermint,” she giggled.

  “How many have you had?” I asked her.

  Before she could answer, Megan stumbled into us. “About as many as I’ve had.”

  “Well, it doesn’t help your mom made these cute little matching martini drinks to go along with the shots,” Mindy said as she joined our group. She was holding a cranberry jello shot in one hand…and in the other a cranberry martini—or “crantini” as Mom called it. She’d even taken the time to dip cranberries in sugar and string them though toothpicks to add to the cranberry martinis.

  They were really good. I’d had three already. Which was why the room was practically spinning…or at least I assumed that was why.

  Plop! Plop!

  I reached into my jeans and took out my phone. It was a text message from Julie. Talked with Debbie. Her husband is good with watching the kids Friday night. She’ll be at the bachelorette party! Can’t wait! Here’s her number just in case.

  I added Debbie’s number to my contacts lists. “Good news,” I said to the group. “Julie just texted me that Debbie’s going to be able to come Friday night.”

  Paige let out a yelp. “I’m so glad. It’ll be just like old times!”

  “I came over to tell you the peppermint martinis were ready.” Mindy sucked down a cranberry jello shot and washed it down with a long drink of her cranberry martini. “This was an amazing idea. Aunt Shirley, you outdid yourself.”

  “I know,” she said, slurping down another red shot. “Wow, those Fireball ones are strong!”

  Great, now she’s mixing. I didn’t see this ending well for Aunt Shirley.

  “Maybe you should stick with one type for awhile,” I suggested.

  “Maybe you should stick with minding your own business,” she countered back. She reached over and picked up another shot from the tray. She stared me down as she sucked up the shot.

  Hiding a smile, I looped arms with Paige and Megan. “Let’s go try out these peppermint martinis.”

  Paige squealed and the three of us sauntered over to where Mom and Bea were making martinis. I picked up the peppermint martini and almost didn’t want to drink it...it looked so breathtaking. They had crushed real peppermints into tiny, tiny pieces and rimmed the martini glass with the pieces.

  I took a tentative sip. The drink burned my nose and all the way down my throat…but in a good way.

  “Mom, Bea, these are amazing,” I said as I took another sip. This time I scraped a little of the pieces off in my mouth and chewed on them. Yep…perfect.

  “Thank you,” Bea said. “We concocted the idea watching Aunt Shirley pour the shots. Did the toppers while you girls were sampling wedding cakes today.”

  “Speaking of the cake,” Paige said, “I’m really glad Susie is able to work her magic for us. How perfect is that?”

  I turned to Mom. “I was afraid it would be awkward, what with us never speaking to her again after her terrible tragedy…but she really seems to be doing fine. Her bakery is beautiful. You have to see it before we leave.”

  “It really is amazing,” Paige agreed. “The way she makes the outside look like a delicious cupcake with her choice of colors…brilliant.”

  Bea took a drink of her peppermint martini. “I’m just so glad it’s working out for you guys. And the fact the girls are going to be coming on Friday night to the bachelorette party is really just the icing on the cake…pun intended!”

  We all laughed. I decided a person was declared officially drunk when she laughs at a pun.

  “I think I’m going to go sit out on the deck for a few minutes,” I announced. “I’m starting to feel a little too woozy.”

  Mom wrinkled her brow and looked out a window. “Do you think that’s such a good idea? It looks like there might still be some flurries.”

  “I’m going to bundle up real good,” I assured her. “Put on my jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, boots…the works. Don’t worry.”

  “Want me to join you?” Paige asked.

  I could tell by the pained look on her face she didn’t want me to say yes. “No, you stay in here where it’s nice and warm.”

  “Okay,” she chirped. “I’ll make sure this next batch of drinks are just
as delicious.”

  It only took me a few minutes to don my winter attire. Opening the French doors that led to the back deck, I quickly pulled the door shut behind me. I didn’t want to hear the girls inside griping about letting the cold in.

  The frigid air hit me like a ton of bricks. I breathed in the cold air and my expanding lungs all but froze. Even bundled up like I was, I knew I wouldn’t last more than twenty minutes outside.

  I walked over to one of the Adirondack chairs that overlooked the lake. This late at night you couldn’t see the lake, but I didn’t care. I mostly wanted to sober up a little. I slowly lowered my body into the chair, careful not to spill my drink. Obviously I didn’t want to sober up enough that I was willing to let go of my drink.

  I could hear Jim’s Shop-Vac in the distance. Guess he was finishing up with the cabinets and cleaning up.

  Taking out my phone I sent a text to Garrett. Girls’ night. Trying out Aunt Shirley’s jello shots. Fatal.

  His reply was instant. Fatal…just like she is!

  I laughed. Yep. Can’t wait to see you. Miss you.

  Back at ya, Sin.

  I stuffed my phone back inside my pocket and leaned back in the chair. I’d just begun to relax when a noise jolted me out of my daydream of Garrett. Looking behind me, I thought maybe Aunt Shirley or one of the others had joined me outside. There was no one there.

  I got up from the chair and walked over to the side of the deck that faced Jim’s workshop and house. There was still a light on in his workshop. Figuring that was the noise I heard, I turned back around to go inside the house.

  Crash!

  “I said…I meant…now!”

  I could only make out about every three words. Was Jim arguing with someone again on the phone? This late at night? I wasn’t sure what to do.

  Crash!

  What the heck was he doing over there? Wrapping my scarf tighter around my throat, I tiptoed through our yard and started toward the back of his workshop. Maybe tiptoed was a slight exaggeration, since I had on winter boots. But I tried to be as quiet as possible.

  Turning on the flashlight app on my cell phone, I made my way through the freshly fallen snow. I was about twenty yards from the workshop and could hear a little better through the open window. Not wanting to be seen, I crouched down. Dumb I know, since I was out in the open, but it seemed like the thing to do so I wouldn’t get caught.