Manicures & Mischief (A Cozy Spa Mystery Book 6)

by Jenn Cowan

  Manicures & Mischief

  A Cozy Spa Mystery (Book 6)

  Jenn Cowan

  JRC Press

  Copyright © 2019 Jenn Cowan

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual person’s, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of author.

  The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction. The publication/use of these trademarks in not associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  A Note from the Author

  About the Author

  Other Books by the Author:

  1

  “I can’t believe he’s here,” Allison cries, pacing back and forth in front of the spa window.

  I raise an eyebrow, only slightly curious why Allison came storming into the spa moments ago, looking like she’d seen a ghost. I shrug it off and go back to figuring out the seating chart for the reception. Our wedding is two days away and to say I’m stressed would be an understatement.

  Some of the Crafty Crew ladies got into a spat yesterday over the song they’re going to sing at the wedding and are currently, not on speaking terms. I originally had them all sitting together, now I have to split them up and who knows if the song will even happen.

  Allison sighs loudly. Clearly, upset that I’m ignoring her.

  I fight the urge to roll my eyes and set down my pen. “Who’s here?”

  “Chase Holliday.”

  I blink then ask, “Holliday? Is he related to Judge Holliday?”

  Allison stops pacing and chews on her lip. “I-I don’t know. I guess I never thought of it before now. Maybe, but I’m not asking him.” She crosses her arms over her chest and stomps her foot as if to drive that point home.

  I glance once more at the seating chart before giving up and focusing my attention on Allison. “And why not?”

  “Because he’s a liar and a thief.”

  I perk up at her words, wondering if more trouble will come to Daysville. “What do you mean? Who is this guy and what did he steal and lie about?”

  “Everything.” She throws her hands up in disgust. “Our whole relationship was a lie.” She juts out her chin and crosses her arms over her chest.

  I smirk and cough to cover up my laugh. “So, this is an old boyfriend, I take it?”

  She doesn’t respond, just continues to nibble on her lower lip.

  “And what did he steal?”

  “My heart,” she whispers and rubs her chest as if it hurts.

  I’m speechless. Allison was never like this with Travis. I guess it wasn’t true love. Now, I’m curious about this mystery man. “Ok, start from the beginning,” I say, propping both arms on the desk and giving her my full attention.

  She huffs and opens her mouth to tell me more when the chime above the door sounds.

  “Good morning, Autumn,” Bernita, a member of the Crafty Crew with curly purple hair and a flare for everything tie-dye greets me then turns to Allison. “Oh, Allison. Regina said you were over here. It’s so nice of you to help Autumn out with manicures and pedicures until she gets a new esthetician in here.” She shoots me a ‘get with it’ look before turning back to Allison. “I was wondering if you have time for a manicure today?” She wiggles her fingers in the air so we can see her nails. “I’m thinking purple to go with my hair.”

  “Of course,” Allison replies, sweetly going into professional mode and escorting Bernita down the hall before I can utter a word.

  Yes, I know I need to hire a new esthetician, but with all the wedding planning, it just hasn’t happened. Luckily, Allison isn’t holding any grudges against me regarding Travis. When she heard about mine and Josh’s engagement, she was over the moon. I was surprised, to say the least, since her and Travis’s relationship ended so abruptly, but she’s been nothing if not helpful.

  She’s filling in here at the spa doing some manicures and pedicures and Regina’s doing a few facials during the week. They’ve been a godsend for us and I’m almost tempted to see if they just want to take over those services permanently and work as independent contractors. I need to speak with my business partner about that first though. Speaking of my business partner…

  “Hello, my fiancée,” Josh says, kissing me on the cheek as he sits down next to me with a turkey sandwich in hand.

  I blush and shoot him a smile. “It’ll be ‘wife’ on Saturday.”

  “I can’t wait.” He wiggles his eyebrows then takes a bite of his sandwich.

  I giggle and swat at him when the chime jingles again.

  Cat bounds in and drops her backpack behind the desk. “Hey!”

  I smile at her and reply, “Hey yourself.” Then frown. “What are you doing here so early? Don’t you have school?” I glance at the clock, which reads eleven thirty.

  “There was a gas leak so they let us out early.”

  “That sounds serious.”

  Cat shrugs then eyes Josh’s sandwich. “Is there anything besides turkey in the fridge. I’m starving.”

  Josh chuckles. “I packed both you and Autumn a black bean salad and there’s also some veggies and hummus.”

  Cat’s stomach growls and she places a hand to it with a laugh. “Thanks, sounds great. Do you want anything, Autumn?”

  I shake my head and gesture to the paper in front of me. “I need to figure out this seating chart first.”

  “Let me look.” Cat leans over my shoulder and moves a few names around. “There. The Crafty Crew ladies are at least two tables away from each other. You do know they’ll get over this by Saturday, sing your song then demand to be at the same table, right?”

  I groan.

  She laughs and pats my shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”

  I squeeze her hand. “You’re the best.”

  Her cheeks pink before she skips back to the breakroom, calling over her shoulder. “I’ll bring you your salad.”

  I smile and say to Josh, “What would we do without her?”

  He squeezes my knee and grins. “She’s pretty great.” Then he leans forward and whispers in my ear, “Hopefully, we’ll have a couple just like her.”

  His words send goosebumps up my arms and butterflies take off in my stomach. The thought of having kids with Josh can’t happen soon enough. We’re planning to wait a little bit since we’re just getting our bearings owning the spa, but I’m so ready. To say, I’ve got baby fever really bad is an understatement.

  “You’re blushing, Miss Fisher.”

  “Am not,” I deny even though I can feel the heat in my cheeks.

  He opens his mouth to say something else when th
e door chimes again.

  Regina comes bustling in, shaking out her red hair, which is cut in an angled bob, showing off her cheek bones. It makes her look years younger and my money says it has something to do with her new man. Pastor John. “Good morning, lovebirds. Did I see my niece pop in here? I just got a text from the school about the gas leak. They think the construction crew hit a line when they were digging for the new bowling alley. I can’t wait for it to open,” she says, pretending to throw a ball down the lane. “John and I have to drive all the way to Villsboro for date nights. It’ll be nice not to have to leave town to have a little fun.” She shimmies her shoulders then adds, “Daysville needs to get with it. We’re growing and the town needs to grow too.”

  I smirk because this isn’t the first time Regina’s ranted and raved about Daysville being behind the times with progress. I like to think we’re keeping the small-town vibe alive by not growing too quickly. “How are things going with you and Pastor John?”

  Regina scowls. She hates when I call her boyfriend ‘Pastor’, even though he is one. “We’re just having fun. It’s nothing serious.”

  “Uh-huh.” I raise an eyebrow then lean back in my chair and cross my arms. “So, you won’t be trying to catch the bouquet on Saturday?”

  She scoffs. “Heavens no. I’m too old to get married.”

  I snort. “No one is too old to get married. What does Pastor John say about it?”

  Regina turns bright red and makes up an excuse about needing to get back to the salon.

  Once she’s gone, me and Josh crack up. We’re both holding onto our sides when Cat comes back in.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Your aunt.”

  Cat sighs. “Let me guess. She’s still denying she’s ever going to get married even though rumor has it, Pastor John bought an engagement ring last week.”

  I gasp and grab Cat’s wrist to drag her down next to me. “What?! Spill. I need details.”

  Cat laughs. “How are you always out of the loop? You run a spa.”

  I wave a hand. “No one talks to me while they’re getting a massage. It’s their quiet time. Now, dish.”

  “He bought a ring. A very nice emerald ring with diamonds around it. We all know Regina loves emeralds.”

  “Yes, yes we do.” I smile. “Good for him. I’m sure he’ll change her mind.”

  “I hope so. They’re so cute together.”

  The bell chimes above the door again. It’s like a train station around here.

  A tall, slender and dark-haired man enters the spa and glances around before approaching the desk. He’s wearing jeans and a button-down flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His chocolate brown eyes dart around the room like he’s looking for someone. “Hello.” He sticks out his hand. “I’m Chase Holliday.”

  I smile and grasp it. “Autumn.”

  Josh does the same, introducing himself.

  Cat waves shyly and squeaks out her name then goes back to eating her salad. She doesn’t warm up to people until she knows them better, which is fine by me with all the strangers coming into town.

  “You’re new in town, right?” I inquire.

  He nods.

  “Well welcome. What brings you to Daysville?”

  “Business and some personal matters.”

  “Business?” I quirk an eyebrow.

  “I’m re-opening my father’s shop.”

  “Who’s your father?”

  “Harold Holliday.”

  I feel Josh tense next to me and I reach out to squeeze his hand. “We didn’t realize Harold had any children.”

  “He didn’t know about me.”

  I gasp. “W-what?” I blink, still trying to process Harold having a child and never mentioning it because he didn’t know about him. He loved children and would have been ecstatic to be a dad.

  “My mother was a nurse at the psychiatric hospital. They fell in love. Kept it a secret since you know there are policies against staff and patient relationships. When Harold… my father got out, they secretly got married and I was conceived. A month after they were married, my father disappeared. My mother searched for him. Even tried reaching out to his parents, but they refused to tell her where he was and threatened her if she continued to pursue him. A week later she found out she was pregnant with me.”

  My mouth’s hanging open and I’m sure I look crazy, but I can’t wrap my head around why Harold would just leave his wife and when she was pregnant. I guess he didn’t know that part, but it doesn’t make any sense. I mean I know Harold had some mental issues. Depression. Anxiety. Paranoia, but he was always there for anyone who needed him. Always helpful. Always kind. Loved children. I can’t for the life of me figure out why he would up and leave unless… he was forced to. “I’m so sorry,” is the only thing that comes to mind to say to him.

  He smiles and shrugs. “I had a good life. My mother was incredible. Never spoke an ill word about my father although I wouldn’t have blamed her if she had. Held a torch for him until the day she died. I think she always thought he would come back to her… to us.” He sighs. “Anyway, after she passed away from cancer, I found some Daysville newspapers in the attic with stories about my dad opening the hardware store and things he did around town. I reached out to him to tell him about my mom, but he didn’t believe me.” Chase rubs the side of his cheek. “Told me to never contact him again. So, I didn’t.”

  I frown. That doesn’t sound like Harold at all. I sneak a peek at Josh, who is studying Chase intently. His brows are furrowed and his lips are pinched tightly together like he’s trying to keep himself from saying something. I squeeze his hand and he glances over at me. I raise an eyebrow and he shakes his head then turns back to Chase.

  “Why are you here?” Josh finally asks, gripping my hand tightly.

  “My uncle called me after my father passed.”

  “Judge Holliday?”

  Chase nods then gulps as tears form around his eyes, but he blinks them away. “He told me my father left me the hardware store and some inheritance. He’s been trying to get me to come to Daysville for months, but I had to tie up some loose ends in Chicago.”

  “What did you do in Chicago?” Josh mumbles, not seeming at all interested.

  “I managed a few properties.”

  “Really. What kind of properties?”

  “Businesses mostly although a couple of houses too. A bookstore. A restaurant. A clothing store and even a salon.”

  My sleuth senses perk up. “A salon.”

  He nods. “I met my wife there.”

  “Your wife. Did she move back here with you?”

  “She’s actually from here. Moved back here last summer.”

  “Really, who is she?”

  “Allison Cole.”

  2

  “You’re married to Allison?” Cat asks, her fork halfway to her mouth.

  Chase nods. “For almost five years. Our anniversary is next month.”

  “Allison is your wife?” Cat’s face turns red as she grips her fork tightly.

  “Yes.” He tilts his head to the side in confusion. “Why? Do you know her?”

  Cat drops her fork onto her plate with a clatter and shoves it onto the desk.

  I jump at the sound, even though my eyes are on Cat. She looks like a ticking time bomb ready to explode. This isn’t good. Cat is super protective of her dad. Travis. Oh, geez. If he finds out…

  Cat jumps to her feet with her hands in fists at her sides. “She was dating my dad. They were engaged just a few months ago.”

  Chase frowns and rubs a hand over the back of his neck. “I’m sorry to hear that. Allison and I are separated. She sent me divorce papers six months ago, but I never signed them. I won’t sign them. Allison is the love of my life and one of the reasons I came back here is to win her back.”

  I kind of melt at his words, but with Cat practically shaking with rage beside me, I forget about the Romeo in flannel and focus on her. “Cat, honey, why don�
��t you go check on the lavender oil diffusers. They keep getting clogged and you know how much the clients like having the rooms smell nice for their massages.”

  Cat barely nods before stomping from the room without a backward glance.

  Well, that went as well as could be expected.

  “Allison never told any of us she was married,” I explain, gesturing after Cat.

  Chase grimaces. “I can’t say I blame her. The last time we spoke, Allison was really upset. I’m not sure she’ll ever forgive me, but I have to try. She’s my wife. We took vows. Vows I plan to keep until ‘death do us part’.”

  I smile and squeeze Josh’s hand.

  He winks at me then kisses the back of my hand.

  “I take it you two are married?” Chase motions between us.

  “Not yet, but in two days we will be.”

  “Congratulations!” Chase booms, a little loudly, causing an echo throughout the spa. “Whoops, sorry,” he says, lowering his voice. “Weddings are my jam. I love them.”

  I quirk an eyebrow because most men hate weddings.

  “I know. I know. I’m an anomaly, but it’s true. Weddings are full of nothing but happiness and love. It’s one of the best days of two people’s lives.” He stares off as if remembering his own wedding.

  “What happened between you and Allison? You seem so in love with her and Allison loves love. She’s probably as excited about our wedding as we are.” I laugh.

  Chase shakes his head and opens his mouth to answer when a shriek sounds from behind me.

  I turn to see a red-faced Allison glaring at Chase.

  “What are you doing here?” She hisses.

  He grins and takes her in from head to toe. “Looking for you, darling.” Chase steps around and moves toward her. “Gosh, I’ve missed you. How is it you’ve gotten even prettier?”