“Nothing is wrong,” he snapped. “Why do you assume something is wrong?”
Something was definitely wrong. His mood had shifted about thirty minutes earlier when Brad showed up to take over cooking duties. I wasn’t sure why, but I had a feeling it couldn’t possibly be innocent. Nothing the man did turned out to be innocent.
“Sorree.” I took a step back and looked to the door as it opened, grinning when I realized it was Sebastian. “I think I’ll focus on the customers instead so there won’t be any more invasive questions.”
“That would be great.” Grandpa’s tone was dry as he focused on his breakfast.
Rather than take a seat in the cafe, Sebastian planted himself next to Grandpa and gave his plate some serious side eye. “Is that quiche?”
Grandpa growled as I slashed my hand in front of my throat as a form of warning. Sebastian only grinned in response. He had no fear of my grandfather.
“Do you want something?” I asked Sebastian as I poured some coffee.
“Can I still have breakfast?” he asked hopefully.
“It’s after eleven,” Grandpa noted. “We only serve breakfast until eleven.”
“Yeah, but I really want breakfast.” Sebastian used his wheedling voice, which always made me laugh.
“You can have breakfast,” I offered. “Brad is cooking. He’ll do what I say as long as I listen to his alien nonsense.” Now that I thought about it, I wasn’t sure making Sebastian happy was worth it. “Or you could just have lunch.”
“I’ll have egg whites and an English muffin,” Sebastian countered, causing me to frown.
“Egg whites and an English muffin? That’s, like, the lamest breakfast ever.”
“On that we agree,” Grandpa muttered. “That’s not real food. This is real food.” He gestured toward the hodgepodge of ingredients on his plate.
“That looks like a really weird quiche,” Sebastian said. “I’ve never been a fan of quiche.”
“It’s not quiche! We don’t eat quiche in Shadow Hills.”
“Does the Downtown Development Authority know about that rule?” Sebastian teased. “I think they’re going to have issues if you try to exert that sort of force over the town. They’re only happy if they’re the ones instituting arbitrary rules.”
“Make him stop,” Grandpa groaned. “I’m trying to eat breakfast in peace, for crying out loud.”
I considered making Sebastian move — or at least making the attempt — but it was more fun to watch Grandpa squirm. “I’ll put your order in.” I offered him a serene smile before slipping through the swinging doors, pulling up short when I realized Brad had my cousin Lana trapped by the refrigerator, explaining how aliens were a mass hoax on the population perpetuated by fear-mongering Democrats. Ray guns, however, were apparently really in the works thanks to the Republicans.
“Order,” I called out, tacking the slip onto the wheel before sliding back through the doors. The last thing I wanted was to listen to Brad spout more nonsense.
Sebastian was still talking to Grandpa. “I’m just saying that pre-paying for your funeral is the new thing. Everybody is doing it.”
Grandpa made an exaggerated face. “Why would I possibly want to think about death before it’s necessary? What kind of a crazy person does that?”
“The type who wants to save his family the exorbitant costs of a funeral.”
Grandpa’s frown grew more pronounced. “So, basically you’re saying you gouge people when they’re at a weak moment and if I was any kind of father I would save my children from that by purchasing your most expensive casket right now.”
Sebastian’s grin never wavered. “I would never recommend our most expensive casket. It’s garish. White with a red velvet interior. Only Elvis would like that casket. The rest is mostly true, though. Don’t you want to save your loved ones the added stress of trying to ascertain what sort of accommodations you would want for your final resting place? You could pick everything out yourself and be happy for all eternity.”
“How will I be happy if I’m dead?”
“Maybe happy wasn’t the right word. You’ll be comfortable.”
“Yeah, I don’t think I’ll care about that,” Grandpa said. “Besides, the funeral business is a scam. Throw me in a fire when I’m gone and be done with me. That’s my philosophy.”
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at Sebastian’s horrified expression.
“How is it comfortable to be thrown in a fire?” he asked.
“Again, I don’t care about any of that. Besides, there’s nothing after death. When you’re dead, you’re dead.”
“But ... don’t you want to be reunited with your loved ones in the afterlife?”
Grandpa’s expression was incredulous. “You’ve met my so-called loved ones. Would you want to spend eternity with them? Of course not. I want some peace and quiet, and I’m certain I’ll get it only when I’m dead.”
“But ... .”
“No.” Grandpa shook his head, firm. “All this funeral stuff is nonsense. You’ll never convince me otherwise. When you’re dead, you’re dead.”
“You really are crabby this afternoon,” I noted when Sebastian ceased talking. I took the opportunity to top off their coffee mugs. “You were in a good mood when you woke me up this morning.”
“I wasn’t in a good mood,” Grandpa shot back. “You were late. I’m never in a good mood when someone is late.”
“You were having a good time razzing me,” I countered.
“That’s always fun, but that doesn’t mean I was in a good mood.” Grandpa jutted out his chin and stared at the television over the counter. “Can’t you guys go someplace else and stop bugging me? I’m watching the news.”
When I flicked my eyes to the television, I found he was watching The View. “I thought you hated this show.”
“Of course I hate it. They’re loud-mouthed broads who should shut their holes. I like watching them bicker.”
“Fair enough.” I turned my attention to Sebastian. “Do you want to move to a table?”
He cast one more fond look at Grandpa and then nodded. “Sure. Your grandfather is having a bad morning. It probably has something to do with Hunter, who is already on the move and heading in this direction.”
Grandpa’s only reaction was a slight widening of the eyes. Otherwise, he remained perfectly still. I knew him well enough to know that he was bothered by the news.
“Is that why you’re so crabby?” I asked, refusing to let it go. “Are you going to pull another disappearing act right before Hunter shows up?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Grandpa was haughty now. “If Officer Ryan wants to discuss anything, he knows where to find me.”
“He tried to question you twice and you disappeared both times,” I persisted. “That’s not like you — unless you have something to hide.”
Grandpa practically blew up, something I’d witnessed only when someone ordered poached eggs or he dropped his glasses in the grease trap. “I’m not hiding anything. Why won’t you let it go?” He hopped to his feet and pinned me with a dark look. “I didn’t do anything. The quicker you get that through your head, the better.”
He stomped toward the swinging doors, leaving me to press my lips together and exchange a worried glance with Sebastian. The gregarious funeral home operator looked as worried as I felt. He obviously had no idea the size of the can of worms he would be opening when he decided to tease Grandpa about Hunter.
“And one more thing,” Grandpa said as he was perched between the doors. “This one might be fun to share a drink with, maybe even hang out with from time to time, but he’ll ruin your dating life if you expect to get back with Hunter.”
Now it was my turn to be defensive. “Stop saying that! I don’t want to get back with Hunter. You’re just trying to irritate me.”
“Apparently it runs in the family.” There was some extra flounce in Grandpa’s step as he disa
ppeared into the kitchen.
“He’s totally going to hide, isn’t he?” Sebastian said after a beat.
“Yup.” I bobbed my head. “He’s been doing it for days. I can’t figure out why.”
“Maybe he killed Roy.”
“He didn’t.”
“Maybe you’re in denial about it.”
“I’m not.”
“Really? You’re in denial about Hunter. He’s right about that.”
I didn’t bother to hide my glare. “I’ll check on your breakfast.”
Sebastian sipped his coffee and grinned. “Apparently you get your denial tendencies and your penchant to hide when a conversation gets tough from your grandfather.”
“Ha, ha, ha.”
“I’m serious.”
What really terrified me was the possibility that he was right.
10
Ten
Sebastian hung out until I finished my shift and then followed me up to my apartment. His expression was dubious as he glanced around.
“Are you a minimalist? If so, we can’t be friends.”
I laughed at his reaction. “I don’t know that I would say I’m a minimalist. It’s more that I own nothing, so I can’t decorate.”
“I don’t know. Who doesn’t like a painting of a bear catching a fish?” He moved to the lone piece of art on the wall, a piece that was painted by my great-grandmother when she opened the restaurant. The birch bark frame made it all the more tacky in my book, but he seemed intrigued. “Do you know who painted this?”
“I think it was my great-grandmother.”
“Really?” Sebastian looked intrigued. “Is she still alive?”
“Yeah. She lives in Florida. She still comes up once a year to visit the family.”
“She’s the one who gave the restaurant the name, right?”
I laughed and nodded. “Yeah. I think my grandfather would’ve changed it long ago if he could. She made keeping the name a point of contention when she sold it to him, so he’s stuck. He thinks Archer’s Fine Dining has a certain ring to it.”
Sebastian chortled. “I don’t know. I like the Two Broomsticks thing. Besides, living so close to Hemlock Cove, I think the name is a bonus these days.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, sliding into the bedroom. I gave the bed a long look, as if I expected to be swept into the air again, and then shook my head. “I’m going to change really quick and then we can head downtown for coffee.”
“That sounds good to me.” His voice told me he was drifting through the apartment. “I have to be back at the funeral home at two o’clock.”
“Oh, yeah? Do the caskets get unruly if you’re not there to supervise them?” I laughed at my own lame joke.
“Vera Axe is coming in to make arrangements for Roy.”
I froze, my shirt halfway over my head. “Vera is going through you for Roy’s arrangements?”
“You sound surprised.” Sebastian’s voice was closer this time, but I didn’t rush to shut my bedroom door. I wasn’t concerned about him seeing me in my bra. “I am the premiere funeral director in Shadow Hills.”
“You’re the only funeral director in Shadow Hills.”
“My statement stands.”
I chuckled as I slipped into a T-shirt and a pair of well-worn capris. By the time I returned to the living room, Sebastian had made himself comfortable on the couch. His gaze was speculative as I moved to join him.
“What?” I was feeling self-conscious. I still couldn’t shake the dream — or the fear that almost caused my heart to pound out of my chest as I tried to rouse myself from it. The panic I’d felt when flying over the bed had been real. I knew what happened had only been a vivid hallucination thanks to my beer-soaked mind. That didn’t change the fact that I felt off my game because of it.
“I was just thinking.” Sebastian eyed my hair. “Have you ever considered layers?”
The question caught me off guard. “Yeah. I had layers when I was doing press for the book. I hated them. It took me two years to grow them out.”
“Is that why your second book didn’t sell as well? Were you fixated on your bad layers?”
I let loose a sigh. “I don’t want to talk about the book.”
“Which one?”
“Either one.”
“Does talking about it make you sad? Do you feel as if you’ve missed out on something important? Is it worse to be close to living your dream and then lose it?”
The tidal wave of questions caused my stomach to tighten. “Sebastian ... .”
He didn’t allow me to unload on him. “I want to know what you’re thinking.”
“I’m thinking I could use some real coffee,” I said pointedly. “I don’t mind the stuff in the diner, but I’m a Starbucks girl, and the closest thing we have in town just so happens to be right next door to your funeral home.”
“Yes, that was a stroke of luck.” Sebastian stood, resting his hands on my shoulders as he stared soulfully into my eyes. “You haven’t lost everything until you believe it. Have a little faith in yourself, Stormy. I think the best things in life are still in front of you.”
He was so serious I could do nothing but stare ... and then laugh. “Have you been reading motivational books again?”
He balked. “I did that one time.”
“You did it every winter when we were in high school. You always got depressed around February and needed a pick-me-up.”
“That’s ... completely true but not relevant to this conversation,” he challenged. “I’m serious. I know you’re struggling. Anyone who has ever met you can see it. You had high self-esteem as a teenager, one of the reasons I gravitated toward you. There was never time to feel sorry for yourself in Stormy’s world.”
The words made me smile. “I don’t really remember that. I felt sorry for myself a lot back then.”
“When?”
“I don’t know. I just remember feeling sorry for myself.”
“I believe you didn’t start feeling sorry for yourself until after you said goodbye to Hunter.”
“Ugh. Here we go.” I rolled my eyes. “Why must every conversation come back to him? I don’t understand.”
Sebastian snorted. “You understand. You just don’t want to acknowledge it because you have that whole girl power thing going for you.”
“And what’s wrong with girl power?”
“Absolutely nothing. I’m all for girl power. Trust me, I always fancied myself the pink Power Ranger for a reason. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a man in your life and still be all about the girl power.”
What he said made sense, but I didn’t want to deal with Hunter. “He has a girlfriend. I’m trying to ... fix my life. I don’t think either one of us is looking to each other for anything other than the occasional, ‘Hello, how is it going?’ I’m sorry if that disappoints you.”
“Oh, it disappoints me on a level you can’t possibly fathom. I don’t believe it. You do, though. Well, at least right now. When things change, I’ll be here for you. Now, let’s get coffee.”
I wasn’t in the mood to argue further. “We definitely need coffee if we’re going to keep this up for the next few hours.”
“I told you I have to go to work.”
“I’m going with you.”
He paused at the door, surprise etched across his handsome face. “Why?”
“I have a few questions for Roy’s widow.”
His smile turned into a frown. “That’s a really bad idea.”
“Are you banning me from the funeral home?”
“No, but ... I don’t want you scaring away my customers.”
“I have no intention of scaring away your customers,” I reassured him. “I just want to feel her out. She might know who was angry enough at Roy to kill him.”
“I hate to break it to you, honey, but she was probably angry enough to kill him. Can you imagine being married to the guy?”
“I promise to be on my best behavior. She won’t eve
n know what I’m doing.”
“Okay, but if I feel you’re stepping over a line I’m going to lock you in the cooler with our newest guests.”
The thought gave me the shivers. “I swear I won’t do anything to embarrass you.”
“Then we’ll give it a shot. I’m kind of curious about what she has to say, too.”
VERA AXE LOOKED OLDER than I remembered and shorter. Her shoulders were sloped and she had the appearance of a woman who had been through eight wars as she shuffled into the funeral home.
“How are you feeling, Mrs. Axe?” Sebastian immediately moved to her side. He’d changed into a staid black suit that set off his broad shoulders, the picture of concern as he helped her to one of his ridiculously cute settees.
“I’ve been better,” she replied dryly, her eyes momentarily landing on me. “Do you have another customer? We had an appointment.”
“That’s Stormy Morgan.” Sebastian’s response was smooth. “She just moved back to town. She’s interested in joining my team here after she goes through training, so I’m allowing her to serve as an apprentice. If that bothers you, she can wait in the other room.”
I frowned. I didn’t like the idea of anyone believing I wanted to apprentice in the funeral home business. That was creepy on a level that made my skin crawl.
“I guess that’s okay.” She eyed me speculatively for a moment. “You’re Charlie’s granddaughter, right?”
“One of them,” I confirmed, nodding. “Actually, I’m his favorite granddaughter.”
“Is that saying much?” Vera’s expression was sour. “Everyone knows Charlie favors his grandsons. If you don’t have testicles in his world, you’re a non-entity.”
Sebastian’s eyes lit with an amusement he quickly dampened. “I guess that’s why he’s always been fond of me.”
“If you say so.” Vera let loose a sigh, her eyes going to the casket display at the far end of the room. “Are those my choices?”
“Those are the most common models,” Sebastian reassured her. “We have a whole catalog of other caskets if you’re interested. I can have them here in less than twenty-four hours if you find something you like.”
Sinfully Delicious Page 10