I give a quick glance around the place for the other thorn in my side I enlisted to make a guest appearance, but Mackenzie Woods is nowhere to be found.
Figures. If I can count on Mack for anything, it’s to let me down in grand fashion.
“Camila.” I force a tight smile. “How is that kitchen remodel coming?” I’m beginning to wonder if it even exists. That’s the renovating malfeasance she cited for needing a place at the inn to begin with.
She belts out a biting laugh. You don’t hide anything, do you, Bizzy Baker? You no more want me at the inn than I want to be there. But then again, you are hiding something, aren’t you?
She clears her throat. “I’ll be just a few more weeks. Unless, of course, another thing goes wrong. With the way things have been going for me lately, I may as well change my name to Bad Luck Ryder.” She purses her lips as she looks to Jasper for sympathy.
I’ve got a couple of names I’d like to call her.
Jordy nods her way as if he were genuinely interested. “I’ll swing by your place and take a look at what’s going on. I’ll talk to the contractor with you if you want.”
“Oh, Jordy,” she coos as she takes up his hand. “I would love that. You have no idea how lucky I feel to have a big, strong man around for a change.”
For a change? Jasper sits up a notch. What the heck does she think I was?
I scowl over at her.
Great. Her ridiculous plan is working. And the fact Jasper isn’t onto her ego-inspired coo is worrisome to me.
Not that I care what she thinks about me. He takes up my hand and gives it a squeeze. I’m no stranger to Camila’s head games. She can have at the poor guy drooling next to her. I’m more than happy where I am. In fact, Camila better get an eyeful, because if I have my way, Bizzy and I aren’t going anywhere. I’m talking marriage, kids. He glances my way. Come to think of it, I wonder if Bizzy wants kids, or even likes kids?
“Jordy”— I perk to life—“remember when we were kids, how much fun we had when our parents drove us out to Pine Peak to throw snowballs at one another? I can’t wait to do that with my own children one day.”
Jasper shifts in his seat. I swear, sometimes it’s like she’s reading my mind.
Good Lord, not the direction I wanted to head in.
A nervous laugh titters from me. “Jordy and I grew up together,” I say to Camila. “So how about you, Camila? Kids? Marriage? Jordy’s been waiting to be a dad for as long as I can remember.”
Jordy shoots a look my way. Why do I get the feeling she’s trying to upsell me?
Camila gives a long blink. “I’m taking my time in that arena. I’ve always said two point five kids is the goal. Jasper wants an entire brood. I hope you’re ready for that, Bizzy. Have you had the big talk about kids and marriage?”
My lips part as I look to Jasper. “No, I guess we haven’t.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Camila chirps like an unwanted bird. “I guess I was assuming you were farther along in your relationship than you are. Well, once the two of you get serious, I’m sure you’ll cover all the bases. Jordy and I have already discussed those things.” She wrinkles her nose at Jasper. “You know me, I like to keep on top of all the important things. I spoke to your mother this morning, and she was just lamenting the fact she doesn’t have grandchildren yet. We’re going to the final fitting of her gown tomorrow afternoon. Ella is coming, too.” She nods to Jordy. “Ella is Jasper’s sister. We’re like family. Of course, you’ll be my guest at the wedding. Gwyn and Nathan have settled on the inn after all.”
Settled? I roll my eyes at that one.
Jordy shakes his head. “What do you think, Bizzy? Your dad and his mother? That’s pretty crazy, right?”
“Not as crazy as my mother and his brother.” I wince over at Jasper. “Or my sister and his other brothers. Sorry about that.”
Jordy laughs. “The two of you are practically family already.”
Camila’s expression sours just as the waitress comes by and we put in our orders.
Jordy and Jasper talk about the sheriff’s department and work in general until our meals come and we bask in a few brief minutes of silence while we do our best to inhale a surf and turf dinner that costs more than what we charge for a room at the inn for an entire week—or just about.
Camila leans my way. “A little birdie told me that you’ve got an uncanny way of reading people.” She cinches a dark smile. That’s right, Bizzy. I’m unafraid. Tonight is the night you tell Jasper that you’re not sure about a future with him. After all, you still have feelings for your ex-husband Jordy here. Her brows hike a notch. He bored me with the details of your Vegas shenanigans. Eloping while hopped up on hard liquor? How very original of you.
Jordy gives a wistful shake of the head. “You’re not kidding. Sometimes it feels as if Bizzy is prying right into my mind.”
Jasper nods. “She’s intuitive. That must be why hospitality is her calling.”
“That’s right.” I sit up, thrilled to have Jasper hand me an easy out. Heck, I think I can ride with that excuse for the next seventy years. Hey? I really am thinking about marriage with Jasper. “I’ve always been good at reading people.”
“Really?” Camila’s brows hike a notch. “What am I thinking now?” Don’t think for a minute that you’ve gotten away with something here. You might think you’ve bested me, but I have an ace up my sleeve you will never see coming.
I clear my throat. “You’re thinking how lucky you feel to be so welcomed in Cider Cove. Not only are you on good terms with your ex, but you have a new man by your side. And just in time for the holidays. There’s nothing like a little romance in time for Christmas Eve.” I give Jasper’s fingers a squeeze and he brings my hand to his lips and kisses the back of it.
Camila’s lips curl at the sight. My, my, you are about to break his heart something awful. I’ll make sure to have the rebound ready in the wings.
I grunt at the thought and Jasper lets go of my hand.
“I’m sorry.” He blinks back, surprised by my not-so-silent outburst.
“Believe me”—I don’t hesitate taking up his hand once again—“you did nothing wrong.”
He’s about to respond when something catches his eye and he lets out a heavy sigh instead.
And here he is.
I look up to see Mackenzie and Leo holding one another close as they sway to the music on the dance floor. And if I’m not mistaken, Mack is slowly leading them in this direction. I almost feel sorry for Leo getting pulled into his ex’s drama—almost being the operative word. None of us would be in this perilous predicament if it weren’t for Leo’s inability to keep a secret.
Mack pretends to do a double take our way before walking over with Leo trailing behind her like a naughty child. She’s donned the requisite little black dress, and I make a mental note to pay attention to Fish’s opinions when it comes to fashion next time.
Mack growls out a short-lived laugh. “Well, well, the gang’s all here.”
The entire lot of us exchanges polite hellos, with the exception of Camila who looks as if she just met up with a freight train while looking at her ex.
Leo takes a breath as he glances my way. Why do I get the feeling this is no accident, Bizzy?
Because you’re as intuitive as I am. I make a face. Mack wants Camila out of town as much as I do. But I think we both know I’ve got more at stake than she does.
He rocks back on his heels. Great. And you think the two of you can make this miracle happen? Godspeed because I’ll be the last person to stand in your way.
Mackenzie gives Jasper an approving once-over. “Detective Wilder, any updates on the latest homicide to rock Cider Cove?”
“Nothing new outside of what the media covered.”
“So it’s true?” Mackenzie looks mildly affronted. “We have another killer on the loose? I’m not liking the way the homicides are racking up, Detective. Please tell the sheriff I’m putting him on notice.”
/>
“Duly noted.” Jasper looks my way. “How about we hit the dance floor?” And then we hit the exit. His brows hike a notch.
“You just read my mind.”
We hit the dance floor as if escaping an inferno, and no sooner am I in the warmth of Jasper’s arms than I spot a woman with a long blonde ponytail dressed in a gold glittering dress heading to the door with an older gentleman who happens to be grinning from ear-to-ear. Just looking at her sends all sorts of alarm bells off inside me. I recognize her from the night of the murder.
That’s Trixie Jolly-Golightly, Lincoln Brooks’ girlfriend! And if I’m not mistaken, it looks as if she’s on a date.
I’m about to tell Jasper exactly who she is, but I’m half-afraid he’ll try to talk me out of what inevitably comes next.
“Jasper, I’ll be right back,” I say as I untangle myself from him, my eyes never leaving that glittering woman quickly heading to the exit.
Jasper steps in close. “Where are you headed?”
“Restroom,” I call out as I thread my way through the crowd, but no sooner do I get to the entry than it’s too late. They’ve disappeared into the night.
What would Trixie be doing out painting the town red with another man while her boyfriend lies cold in the morgue?
My mind is filled with half-baked theories as I make my way back to Jasper, and just as I’m about to reach him, I spot another woman in his arms—a laughing Camila Ryder.
Mackenzie looks fit to kill as she bustles my way. “Would you explain to me how running away from the man you profess you’d like to keep helps the situation? Do you see what happens when you turn your back?”
Camila catches my eye. That’s right, Bizzy. It’s all over between you and Jasper tonight. Or else, phase two of Operation Get Rid of Bizzy Baker is set into motion.
Leo heads their way and taps Jasper on the shoulder, and soon he’s dancing with his disgruntled looking ex, whispering something into Camila’s ear that causes her to shoot daggers my way.
I bet he’s telling her he knows about her threats.
Wonderful. I’m sure that will make everything better.
Mack gives a silent huff. “Watch and learn.”
She takes off and evicts Camila from her man as if she were flicking a tick off of him. But I think we all know it’s not Leo’s blood she’s after.
It’s Jasper she wants to take a bite out of. And she’s willing to knock down any and everyone in her way—namely me.
Jasper plunks down a chunk of bills onto the table and we hightail it all the way back to my cottage and get straight to dessert.
Camila isn’t winning this war.
And Trixie Jolly-Golightly isn’t getting away with murder.
But for the next few hours, I wipe both of them out of my mind as I enjoy every delicious bite of what’s on my plate.
Chapter Ten
I didn’t do it.
Who in their right mind would have?
Of course, I didn’t break up with Jasper. The idea is beyond ridiculous. If anything, I’m breaking up with Camila and her crazy notion that she can control me via blackmail.
As if.
What did I think would come of that pricey steak and lobster dinner? And believe me when I say Jasper lost a month’s worth of paychecks over that fiasco. But in Jordy’s defense, by the time the bill arrived, he was trying his best to peel his ditzy date off of Leo.
I’m not sure why Mackenzie is convinced that Camila is after her man. I’m certainly not buying it. Nope. Camila the con artist is strictly after my man. And after those heated kisses Jasper and I exchanged back at my cottage, he officially qualifies as mine in every single way.
Long story short. I’m done with Crazy Camila.
After a long day at the inn, I decide to gather up my menagerie and head down to Candy Cane Lane. Of course, as soon as Georgie got wind that I was headed to see the holiday lights once again, she quickly dove into the passenger’s seat of my car. And since Macy was present at the time, she promptly followed us over in the event there would be handsome men schnockered off eggnog looking to have a little fun under the mistletoe—her words, not mine.
Outside, the wind is biting and it’s icy enough to snow right now if it wanted to. Good thing we’ve bundled up within an inch of our scarf-loving lives. If I weren’t wearing gloves, my fingers would freeze solid and break right off.
It takes almost ten minutes for Georgie and me to pull out the cat stroller and load Fish, Mistletoe, and Holly inside.
Fish makes herself at home in the center of the plush seat, while the younger kittens snuggle up on either side of her like a pair of fuzzy little bookends.
Bizzy—Fish yowls—make sure to spend extra time near the house with the giant dog. They have bushels of catnip out front.
“Giant dog?” I try to recall which house that might be just as Mistletoe yelps.
She means the wicked witch’s house. They had that giant moose milling around, chewing on the bushes.
“Oh!” I say as Georgie comes around the side of the car with Sherlock on a leash, his cumbersome cone bumping into any and everything. “You mean the reindeer at the Bronsons’ home.” I smile over at Georgie. “Fish is convinced the Bronsons are growing catnip.”
Georgie grunts out a laugh. “Oh, they’re growing something—murderous deceit. We’ll have to investigate, my furry little friend. We will have to investigate.” She gives Sherlock a quick pat on the back. “How long does this old guy have to wear the cone of shame? Other dogs are beginning to point and laugh. I saw a Pekingese at the inn turn his smushed little nose up at our favorite fuzzy pooch.” Sherlock moans and Georgie falls hook, line, and sinker for those big brown eyes. “Don’t you worry, big boy. I’ve got a pocket full of bacon for you, and ain’t nobody going to laugh and point while you have your fill of pork belly.”
Hear that? Sherlock lets out a sharp bark. I get to fill my porky belly with bacon! But before I forget, I’d like the record to show, the cone of shame is nothing I’m interested in pursuing as a long-term goal.
A tiny laugh bubbles from me. “Sherlock, where did you learn such sophisticated language when it comes to goal setting?”
When Jasper talks to himself, I pay attention. You should hear the things he says about you.
“Oh, I do.” I give a little wink as the six of us start our stroll down Candy Cane Lane.
The sun has just set and every house is lit up like a jewel, shimmering in all of its holiday splendor. There are more wreathes, oversized toy soldiers, blowup snowmen and Grinches than should ever be legal in a one-mile vicinity. The carolers are out in full force, the carriage strung with twinkle lights is already making its way up the street, and every corner has a hot cocoa or cookie stand. Believe me when I say those fresh baked chocolate chip cookies smell divine.
Georgie smacks me as we come upon the Bronsons’ house. “Get a load of that.”
She points over to a familiar looking trio and we quickly make our way over.
It’s Macy, Emmie, and Jamison, Jasper’s brother who looks hauntingly like Jasper himself. I swear on all that is holy, Gwyneth had triplets years apart. Each Wilder brother looks like a carbon copy of the other. And, of course, their sister is another look-alike in female skin.
“Hey, Emmie.” I pull my best friend in. Her dark hair is up in a messy bun, she’s wearing a bright red wool coat that hugs her figure, and her eyes sparkle with approval at the man in our midst. I say a quick hello to Jamison and he flashes that all too familiar smile my way.
“Nice to see you, Bizzy,” he says. “I take it my brother is hard at work. That’s Jasper for you.”
I nod. “There’s a new case he’s working on.”
Macy looks over at him from over the steaming cup of cider in her hands. “Bizzy found the body. It’s a new game she likes to play called Find the Corpse. She’s thinking of going pro.”
“Very funny,” I flatline to my sister before shifting my attention to Jamis
on. “I plan on leaving all of the corpses to the pros—namely Jasper.”
Jamison chuckles. “Well, if he wasn’t dating you, I’m sure he’d arrest you. It’s odd that you’re always at ground zero when a body turns up.”
Macy leans in. “Bizzy is our resident serial killer.”
We all share a warm laugh—some laughing more than others—and my laugh sounds more like a threat.
Jamison nods my way. “I guess we’ll see you tomorrow night at Maximus.” A trace of a smile glides off his face. “Our parents seem dead set on going through with this thing.”
Georgie grunts, “This thing is called love, Jamison. Get with the program. You can be an ageist elitist all you want, but passion lives well past fifty.” She gives a little wink his way.
Emmie takes up his hand. “Speaking of passion, we’d better be going. This is our first official date.” She bites down on her lip as she makes wild eyes my way. “Wish me luck!”
Jamison laughs as he pulls her in close. “I think I’m the lucky one around here.”
Macy coos as they head on down the street.
“Was that weird?” I whisper her way once they leave.
“No.” She frowns over at me. “Why would that be weird?”
“Because you cycled through him.” I nod without extrapolating on the innuendo.
Macy is quick to wave me off. “Cycling through them is how I test them out. He’s a good one—just not the one for me.”
Georgie follows Sherlock as he leads her to the bushes in front of the Bronsons’ home.
The front lawn is layered with white batting, and underneath that there’s a layer of blue twinkle lights that gives it a magical appeal—and I can’t help but notice it looks exactly the way Lincoln’s front lawn looked on the night he was killed. It wasn’t this way the other night. I guess Lincoln was right when he said Dexter stole all his ideas.
And seated on the golden throne at the Bronsons’ is a well-dressed Santa, and there are only a few kids in line, seeing that it’s still early.
“Ooh.” Macy fluffs her short blonde mane. “I need to get a picture with Santa.”
Santa Claws Calamity (Country Cottage Mysteries Book 3) Page 8
