Death Over Spilt Chowder
Page 9
“Friendship,” Olivia replied, then shook her head with a small smile.
“What’s wrong?”
“I – well, Jake, frankly, I’ve been an idiot. I’ve been keeping you at arm’s length because I was afraid of anything interfering with how things were here, but you’re so a part of Chester and my life that I regret it when you say we’re just friends.”
Jake’s cheeks reddened. “Olivia, you know how I feel about you. Actually, you know what? This isn’t the place to discuss our feelings. Will you go out with me tonight? To a restaurant? On a proper date?”
“Yes, I will,” Olivia replied. “And this time I’m not going to ruin it by being scared or closed off, I swear.”
Jake took the liberty of reaching across and brushing the back of her hand with his fingertips. “You could never ruin anything. I – uh, I’d better get back to work. I’ve had a case come through the door this morning.”
“Oh? Not a murder.”
“No, not a murder, you can breathe easy,” he replied, his eyes twinkling mirth. “Someone’s cat has been stolen and they’ve asked me to track it down. I’ll tell ya, it’s not all glamorous, this investigation business. Sometimes, it’s more fur balls and fleas than it is champagne.”
“Since when is it ever champagne?” Olivia asked.
“Point taken,” Jake replied. “I’ll see you tonight.” He winked then hurried back the way he came, still smiling, though it was that much broader this time.
“What was that about?” Alvira popped up beside Olivia, carrying another tray of chocs for the front. After all, the crowds of lunch customers would be here any second.
“Oh nothing. Nothing bad, I mean. All good.”
Alvira nudged her arm. “Olivia, you’re blushing. What’s going on?”
“Nothing. I guess I’ve just realized how important people are. I mean, I’ve always known they were important, but not like this – I just – what I’m trying to say is…”
“What?” Alvira asked as she slid open the back of the glass counter and slipped the tray inside.
“That you should never take anyone for granted. If the past few months have taught me anything, it’s that life is fleeting, and we never know how much time we have left to tell the people we love that we do actually, you know, love them.”
Alvira straightened and shut the sliding glass door at the back of the counter. She slung her arm around Olivia’s shoulders and jostled her from side to side. “Well,” she said, “I’m glad you and Jake are finally working things out.”
“Me too,” Olivia said.
Just then, the front door burst inward and the steady flow of lunch time snack enthusiasts entered, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, all ready for a chocolate fix.
Life in Chester had never been better. And Olivia would never, ever take her time here in the store for granted again.
Dear Reader,
Hi there. Thank you for reading.
I hope you’ll leave a review and/or rating at the retail website where you purchased it, I appreciate you and your feedback.
Thanks again,
Wendy Meadows
Be the First to Know
Sign up to be the first to know about new book releases!
Click or visit the link below.
www.wendymeadows.com/cozy
About the Author
Wendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling author of cozy mysteries. She lives in “The Granite State” with her husband, two sons, two cats and lovable Labradoodle.
When she isn’t working on her stories she likes to tend to her flowers, relax with her pets and play video games with her family.
Get in Touch with Wendy
www.wendymeadows.com
Also by Wendy Meadows
Maple Hills Cozy Mystery Series
Nether Edge Mystery Series
Chocolate Cozy Mystery Series
Alaska Cozy Mystery Series
Sweet Peach Bakery Cozy Series
Sweetfern Harbor Mystery Series
Candy Shop Mysteries
Pineville Gazette Mystery Series