Puffed, Stuffed, and Melted Murder

by Gretchen Allen

  “Better get going before it’s you she’s yelling at.”

  Yvette nodded her head and dashed back out front to see who she could help next. She wasn’t only serving plates of food but making sure everything was stocked and kept clean as well. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Julie chatting with an older couple, most likely her parents. Not too far from them, Yvette saw Carrie standing with her husband, Mitch. From what it looked like, the two of them were in a heated argument that they were both trying to keep quiet. Anyone watching could see that something was wrong, but they weren’t being loud enough to overhear. Unfortunately, Yvette needed to drop off one of the maple syrup pourers to the empty table right in front of Carrie and Mitch. Heading in their direction, she tried hard not to eavesdrop drop but it wasn’t easy.

  “I can’t believe you’re acting like this,” Mitch whispered.

  “Acting like what? I’m too busy to worry about why you’re mad at me today. I’ve got a room full of people to tend to,” Carrie huffed, showing her annoyance.

  “Right, because all of them are more important than me.”

  “I’m standing here with you, aren’t I?” Carrie crossed her arms and her voice grew louder.

  “I guess I’ll take what I can get. I’m surprised you aren’t in the kitchen with your new friend,” Mitch said with obvious disgust.

  Yvette wondered if he was referring to Nate. Certainly, if Mitch had overheard the way Carrie had been droning on about how wonderful Nate was, it would give her husband reason to be upset.

  “Oh, get over yourself. I feel awful and I have to stay here half the day.”

  “You could always come home with me. I’m leaving on my business trip later today, or did you forget?”

  “Molly can’t get by with both me and Chucky gone. I have no choice but to stay.” Carrie’s voice was back to a whisper.

  “I have an idea,” Mitch, taking a few steps forward.

  Yvette noticed and tried to make a run for it, just in case he was headed in her direction.

  “Yvette, hi. It’s been a while. I was hoping you could do my wife here a favor,” Mitch nodded at Carrie who was leaning against the wall with her eyes closed.

  “I can try,” Yvette said slowly, following Mitch.

  “She’s not feeling well, and I’m leaving for a week-long business trip this evening. I’d love the chance to spend some time with her before I go. Do you think you can take over?”

  “Oh. Wow, umm,” Yvette began, not really sure how to respond.

  “Mitch, this is ridiculous. Yvette cannot and probably does not want to take over. I’ll be fine here, and I’ll try to get home before you leave,” Carrie muttered.

  “Try? Now I’ve really had enough. Yvette, don’t you have anything to say?” Mitch demanded.

  “About what? I said I’d try to help. If you’d just tell me what to do, I’m sure we’ll all pull together and be fine.”

  “Not that.” Mitch rolled his eyes. “How about how my wife and your boyfriend have been entirely too friendly this morning.”

  She’d been right. Mitch was upset about Nate, but she didn’t want to engage him even further.

  “Boyfriend?” Carrie stammered. “The guy in the kitchen is your boyfriend?”

  “See, so you do know what I’m talking about,” Mitch glared at his wife.

  “Nate and I aren’t dating. But, I do think it’s a good idea for you two to go home. Like Mitch said, he’ll be leaving soon, and you should work out whatever this is before he goes. I’m more than happy to help out here. I’ll even stay until the very last task is complete,” Yvette promised.

  “Fine. I’m telling Molly though. I can’t trust you to explain properly why I’m leaving.” Carrie put her hand on her head and squinted. “I’ll meet you outside, Mitch. I hope you’re happy with yourself.”

  Chapter 6

  Yvette and Nate strolled along Main Street, making their way to the corner of Cottage and Main. Every year, Yvette would begin her walk through downtown in the same location. She’d start on the right side of the road and follow it down until she ended at the Police Department, then she’d cross the street and head back up the other side. She was a creature of habit and loved tradition, so having Nate along with her made it even better. Normally, she and Amelia would do their shopping together, but this year her friend would be enjoying her trip around town with her boyfriend, Mark. They’d recently reunited, and Yvette was more than happy for the both of them.

  “I have no idea what to get my parents,” Nate groaned.

  “What about something they can do together? Like, instead of getting them an actual physical item, give them an experience,” Yvette suggested, looking down at a piece of paper.

  “First of all, I don’t know what that even means. Second of all, please tell me you don’t have a list in your hand right now.”

  “What’s wrong with that? It’s totally a list, and it has every building listed, and what I want to get in each one. I can’t help it I like to be prepared.”

  “What if you find something that isn’t on the list?” Nate asked.

  “Then, I buy it?” Yvette replied, looking at Nate like he was crazy.

  Holding up his hands, Nate grinned. “So, what’s this about buying an experience?”

  “You get them a gift certificate or purchase them tickets to go and experience something. A show, or a weekend getaway or something like that.”

  “Hmmm.” Nate tilted his head. “I bet they could use a nice trip.”

  “See. There ya go. That’s the same thing I’m doing for my parents.” Yvette nodded

  “Where are you sending them?”

  “Actually, I was planning on seeing if Emma’s cabin was open in Vermont sometime after the first of the year. I know she’s busy in Florida getting the new shop open, so I’m assuming she won’t be there.”

  Emma had property near each of the Sundae Afternoon shops that she owned. The cabin in Vermont was stunning, and something that Yvette knew her parents would love.

  “You need to be my personal shopper,” Nate joked. “That’s an excellent idea. My parents would love that.”

  “Why don’t you do the same thing for them? They can all go together. There’s plenty of room at Emma’s.”

  “Really? Are you sure you don’t mind?” Nate asked.

  “Not at all. I think it’ll be perfect, actually. We could even get them a gift card to do something cool while they’re there.”

  “Problem solved. I’m so glad I mentioned this to you or I’d have ended up buying my dad a tie and my mom some cookies.” Nate shrugged, and held the door open for Yvette at the first building on their journey.

  “I’ve known your dad all my life and I think I’ve seen him wear a tie three times. And cookies? Your mother just made like two-thousand cookies yesterday… I’m pretty sure you can do better than that.” Yvette laughed, entering the front door of the Senior Center.

  Yvette and Nate parted ways, each having something else in mind that they wanted to look for. Yvette paused at the table the local children’s group had set up, offering handmade trinkets.

  “Can I get ten of these little reindeer sleighs?” Yvette asked, pointing to the wooden pieces on the table in front of her.

  “Ten? You really mean it?” a little boy asked, popping his head up.

  “I really mean it.” Yvette chuckled at the boy’s excitement. “I think they’d be a great addition to my Christmas decorations at the ice cream shop.”

  “Evie, Evie! Come here. It’s that lady from the ice cream shop!” the boy shouted, waving over his best friend.

  “Hi, Miss Lockhart,” Evie said.

  “Hey, Evie! I was hoping I could buy some of these sleighs. Did the two of you happen to make them?”

  “Yup,” she said proudly. “Me and Eli made them ourselves.”

  “Then I’m even happier to buy them.” Yvette smiled. “How much will it be?”

  Evie looked up at Mrs. Morris, t
he leader of the group.

  “They are two dollars each. If she buys ten, how much is that?” Mrs. Morris asked.

  “Twenty!” the children shouted in unison.

  “Twenty dollars? Wow. Thanks, Miss Lockhart,” Evie said, high fiving Eli.

  “No, thank you, guys. These are going to look great in the shop. I’ll tell you what. The next time you come in, you can each have a free sundae,” Yvette offered.

  “Aww, this is the best day ever!” Eli jumped up and down.

  Passing a twenty-dollar bill to Mrs. Morris, Yvette grabbed her bag of goodies and moved on to the next table. This one was full of embroidered towels. All of them were so beautiful but she had more towels than she knew what to do with and ones that were handmade, just didn’t work well at Sundae Afternoon. She continued on, passing by a few more tables before she spotted Nate talking to a woman with her back to the crowd. If Yvette didn’t know better, she’d have sworn it was Emma. Weaving through the shoppers, Yvette finally found her way to Nate.

  “Emma?” she asked. “What are you doing here?”

  “Yvette! I was going to surprise you at the shop! I should have known I’d run into you here, though,” Emma said, hugging her.

  “How long are you back for?” Yvette asked.

  “I’m only here for the weekend. I couldn’t handle the thought of missing the Holiday Weekend, so I flew in for that and I’m leaving on a red eye Monday morning.”

  “I was just telling Emma we were talking about her a few minutes ago,” Nate said, joining the conversation.

  “Good things, I hope?” Emma giggled.

  “I actually wanted to ask you if we could rent your cabin in Vermont for a few days?” Yvette asked, feeling hopeful.

  “Rent? No. You can’t rent it. That’s silly. You are more than welcome to stay there whenever you want, though,” Emma replied.

  “It’s not for me,” Yvette explained. “It’s for my parents, and Nate’s parents too.”

  “Close enough. Just let me know when and I’ll make sure you get a key,” Emma said, looking around the room.

  “Thanks. This is really going to be a great gift,” Nate pointed out, breathing a sigh of relief.

  “Are you looking for someone?” Yvette asked.

  “Yeah. I was here with Drew, but I can’t find him now,” Emma answered.

  “Drew?” Yvette raised an eyebrow.

  “Yeah, Drew Ross.” Emma nodded. “I’m almost positive you know who he is.”

  “I know him, but why are you with him?” Yvette made a face, showing her thoughts on Drew.

  “What do you mean? Drew and I are friends. We’re going to the tree lighting later. Are you guys going? Maybe we can meet up?” Emma asked.

  “That sounds great, right Yvette? Do you want to go to the ceremony with me?” Nate asked, his face reddening a little.

  “I’d like that,” Yvette agreed.

  Going with Nate to the tree lighting ceremony sounded like the exact way Yvette wanted to spend her night. She was getting closer to Nate and if she was being honest, it was something she was really hoping would continue. However, something about spending any time at all with Drew Ross sounded terrible. Yvette adored her boss and wanted to join her later that night. If it meant Drew had to be there, then Yvette would put her dislike aside, and attend the ceremony right along with him.

  Chapter 7

  It’s getting really cold out,” Yvette said, wrapping her arms around herself.

  “Want to stop in at Stafford’s for a hot chocolate?” Nate suggested. “We have enough time.”

  “I really do. I need something to help warm me up.” Yvette shivered.

  Yvette and Nate weren’t too far from Stafford's Country Store, so they made the quick trip down the street that had already been closed off for the ceremony. Every year, Main Street was blocked off, and people milled around for about an hour before the tree lighting. It was the perfect time to chat with folks you hadn’t seen in a while since nearly every member of the town came to celebrate.

  “This place is a mad house.” Nate’s eyes went wide.

  “Isn’t it always? Are you sure we have enough time before we meet up with Emma?” Yvette asked.

  Nate pulled up his coat sleeve and checked his watch. “Yes. We’re fine. Now, let’s get in line.”

  The line at Stafford’s was already so long that it was outside the door. There had to be about twenty people in front of them.

  “Hopefully it goes quick. I’m not sure how I live through the winter every year.” Yvette adjusted her hood.

  “We’ll be inside before you know it. Everyone that works at Stafford’s is built for nights like this.” Nate moved a little closer to Yvette, brushing up against her.

  “I can’t believe she’s not here,” the woman in front of them in line said, shaking her head.

  “No kidding. Every year Carrie stands here directing pedestrian traffic like she’s the only one that can comprehend simple tasks,” a second woman said.

  “Julie?” Yvette asked, causing the woman to turn around.

  “Hey, you two!” Julie greeted. “Gotta get your fill of Stafford’s famous cocoa too, huh?”

  “Definitely,” Nate responded.

  “Are you feeling better?” Yvette asked, looking at Julie.

  “Not really, but I couldn’t skip out on today. I don’t think I’ve missed a ceremony since I moved here,” Julie answered. “Hey, have either of you seen Carrie?”

  “Not me,” Nate said.

  Yvette shook her head. “Me either, but I haven’t been looking for her or anything.”

  “I just thought it was odd she wasn’t around, is all. I hope she’s okay,” Julie said, turning back to her friend.

  Yvette thought it was comical that before Julie knew who was standing behind her, she was quick to gossip about Carrie, but once she realized Yvette and Nate were there, she was as kind as could be.

  “We’re inside!” Yvette said excitedly. “I’ll grab us some hot chocolate if you want to grab a snack or something.”

  “Sounds good.” Nate headed toward the bakery section.

  Yvette pulled two of the biggest cups she could find off the shelf and filled them both with hot chocolate. The best thing about Stafford’s was how they had a jar of marshmallow fluff sitting next to the hot chocolate machine. As far as Yvette, and most of Heritage was concerned, there was no other way to consume the hot beverage. She met Nate at the cash register ready to pay for her refreshments but was surprised to see the cashier handing Nate a receipt, signaling that he had already paid.

  “Thanks. You didn’t have to do that,” Yvette said.

  “I wanted to,” Nate replied, passing her a bag from the bakery, and taking the hot chocolate she’d been holding.

  “What’s this?”

  “It reminded me of you, so I got it. Open it up and see.” Nate grinned.

  “You didn’t!” Yvette peered in the bag and saw several roasted peanut butter cups in a blanket. “You’ll never guess what I have planned for the ice cream special next week. This is so weird.”

  “Tell me,” Nate said eagerly.

  “I’d been thinking about how I haven’t had these in forever,” Yvette said, pulling out one of the pastries. “I needed a special for the week and decided that I was going to use vanilla bean ice cream for the base and drop in chunks of peanut butter cups. Then I figured I could try to recreate the dough used for these heavenly little things.” She bit into one. “I thought I’d lay the dough out on the bottom and top it with the ice cream then roast a marshmallow and drop it on top of the whole dish. It was my Sundae Afternoon version of my favorite holiday treat! I just can’t believe you bought them!”

  “I can’t believe you didn’t know they were here,” Nate laughed. “You seem to enjoy them, but it’s hard to tell,” he teased.

  “So good,” she said between bites. “Let’s go find Emma.”

  Yvette and Nate headed toward the meeting spot that e
veryone had agreed upon only stopping when they ran into Nate’s mom.

  “Hi, kids. Do you mind if I join you?” Audrey asked.

  “Of course not,” Yvette told her.

  “Where’s Dad?” Nate asked, putting his arm through his mom’s.

  “He got called out, something happened up on Mount Pierce Road,” Audrey replied.

  “Oh, man. I hope it’s nothing serious.” Yvette said, shaking her head. She knew how dangerous traveling on that road could be.