Hospitality and Homicide

by Lynn Cahoon

  He turned toward me. “So, I’ve been in my apartment since Sherry and I called it quits.”

  I waited for more but apparently, he was watching for a reaction from me. I wasn’t quite sure what he wanted, so I kept my facial expressions neutral and reached for something nice to say. “It’s a nice apartment.”

  Greg and I both knew that was a lie. The apartment served great as a bachelor’s pad, but honestly, it was kind of a dump. And to make it worse, it was right off the highway, which meant he got the full blast of traffic in and out of the city. Most nights he either stayed here with me or slept on his couch in his office rather than going home.

  “Not really.” He rubbed my leg. “I was wondering about us? Where are we in this relationship thing?”

  Now my heart was pounding and my mouth felt like the Sahara. Where were we? I couldn’t even say three easy words. I’d come close, especially on nights he stayed over. I loved cuddling with him next to me. I felt safe and warm and loved with his arms around me. Any other girl would have said it by now. But I wasn’t any other girl. I liked to put roadblocks up to keep people away. No real good reason or any trauma behind my hesitation—well, except for the string of failed relationships in my past. “We’re dating.”

  “Yes, but I meant are we more than just dating? Can you see a future for us?” Greg took my hand and squeezed. “You can tell me if you’re just using me for the amazing sex and full access to local police gossip.”

  I gently kicked him with a foot. “You know better than that. I get all the gossip I need from the people coming in the shop. You’re usually the last one to tell me the hot stuff.”

  “At least you didn’t say you were getting a little something on the side.” He glanced over at the shed turned apartment for Toby Killian, my barista and Greg’s part time deputy. “Do I need to be concerned?”

  “About Toby?” Laughter tumbled out of me. The boy thought he was a total playboy, but honestly, I saw him more as a little brother. “You’re not the jealous type. What’s going on Greg?”

  He ran his hand through his sandy hair. “My lease is up next month and I’m thinking we should use this opportunity to talk about moving in together.”

  My mouth dropped open. I hadn’t been expecting the full-on marriage proposal. Nor had I been expecting Greg to be the one who wanted to play house. I had just finished remodeling the house and decorating it the way I wanted it. Now, he wanted to move in? And bring his stuff? “I… I don’t know what to say.”

  Greg lifted my feet off his lap and went back over to check the steaks. “I kind of sprang this on you. I should have been gentler.”

  “No, I mean, it’s just a shock. I hadn’t thought that far ahead, I mean, not yet.” Of course, I had thought about where this would turn out. However, when I imagined a life together, all I could see was the downside. I could tell by the look on Greg’s face that by not being honest, I was digging myself a deeper hole.

  He turned his back to me. “Look, I screwed up asking you about this now. We have lots of time to talk about it. I just didn’t want to commit to another year at the apartment if we’re going to do this soon.”

  I came up and put my arms around his waist. “I’m sorry, my mind was on the reading. So, let’s talk.”

  He turned around and pulled me close. “No, let’s table it. We can talk later. Neither one of us have anything big on our calendars this month. Let’s plan on talking in a few weeks and I can tell you all the reasons it would be fun and you can list off all the things I haven’t thought about like your habit of leaving books all over the place.”

  “I don’t leave books all over.” I leaned my cheek into his chest, listening to his heartbeat. He turned me around and pointed toward the swing where I’d left my textbook on the porch deck.

  “Exhibit one. Do we have to go through the house to prove my point? Or are you conceding this statement as fact.” He opened the grill and started stacking the food onto a platter. “Dinner’s ready, but we can put it on pause until we solve this?”

  I took the platter from him and headed to the kitchen door. Emma had got up from her afternoon nap on the porch and stood next to me. I could feel her tail wagging and brushing my leg. “I’ll concede. This time.” I waited for him to open the screen. “Only because I’m hungry.”

  *

  Somehow we got through dinner. Greg made some excuse to leave early and I ate two pieces of cheese cake before I went to bed. Now, after a restless night, I was sitting in Diamond Lille’s, drinking coffee and waiting for Amy to show up for our every other week Sunday brunch.

  “You look like someone peed in your cereal.” Carrie, my favorite waitress, at the diner refilled my cup.

  “What?” Her comment made me look up from my phone where I was pretending to read a book while I waited.

  “You look like you’re down in the dumps,” Carrie translated, her gaze tracking the other diners in the restaurant. I didn’t blame her. Waitressing was hard work. It was like having kids at your dinner table. You had to keep an eye out for any problems.

  “Greg wants to move in.” I blurted the words I’d been meaning to tell Amy.

  Now Carrie’s gaze jerked back to me. “Seriously? That’s great. It’s about time. People have been thinking he’s lost his mind, since it took so long for him to make a move.”

  “You don’t think it’s too soon?” I sipped my coffee, and then what she’d said hit me. “Wait, who’s been talking about Greg and me? What are they saying?”

  Carrie waved my questions away. “Don’t sweat it, honey. People are always talking. I’m just in a position to eavesdrop on everyone. I think it’s wonderful Greg’s finally taking your relationship serious. He’s a good guy.”

  “Who’s a good guy?” Amy scooted in next to me and flipped over her coffee cup for Carrie. “Keep it coming. Justin and I had a long night at this club in the city. The DJ was so hot, we must have danced for hours.”

  Carrie filled the cup, then tilted her head toward a man sitting at another table. “You’ll have to ask your friend. I’ve got to go see what Darrell wants. That man can’t make a decision to save his life. Wave me down when you’re ready to order.”

  Amy shrugged out of her jacket and flipped open the menu. “I’m thinking about country fried steak and eggs. What about you?”

  “I’m thinking about ordering one of everything. Two if it has cheesecake in the title.” I stared at the menu, not seeing the words.

  Amy pushed the menu down and looked at me. “Uh-oh, what happened? I haven’t seen you this upset since Jackie moved into your apartment and took over the shop. What did she do now?”

  “It’s not Aunt Jackie.” I closed the menu and sat it on the table. “Greg wants to talk about moving in together.”

  “Woo hoo!” Amy held up her hand to give me a high five.

  I ignored it and sipped my coffee. “Seriously? That’s your response? Where’s the radical feminist who used to be my best friend?”

  “Moving in together doesn’t invalidate your I Am Woman card. It just gets someone else to help split the bills and, a little something, something on the side when you’re in the mood.” Amy returned to studying her menu. “Yep, I’m definitely getting the country fried steak.”

  “Can you be serious for just a minute? I’m just not sure we’re at that step. What if I do something stupid?” What I didn’t say was, “Like the last time someone lived with me and then moved out just as quickly.” I still didn’t know what I’d done to make him break up with me, but the guy just disappeared one day with a Dear Jill note left on the table.

  Carrie returned with two glasses of orange juice. Before we could say anything like, we didn’t ask for OJ, she held out a hand. “You’ve been coming in for Sunday brunch for over five years. I know what you want to drink. I probably can guess your order.”

  “You don’t have to guess.” Amy handed her the menu and told Carrie what she wanted.

  She turned toward me. “And you
? I’m thinking a double order of hash browns, and the country fried steak like Amy.”

  “I’ll need to run later, but yeah. That’s what I want. Comfort food.” I put my menu on top of Amy’s. “Thanks, Carrie.”

  “No problem. And just know, I have my money on you saying yes. Just hold off for fifteen days, I’ve got the twenty-fifth on the poll.” Carrie tucked our menus under her arm and turned from the table.

  “Wait, there’s a poll going?”

  Carrie turned back, grinning. “Tiny started it up about ten minutes ago. The pots already in the hundreds. I’m hoping to win. Tips have been slow this month.”

  As Carrie walked away, Amy called after her. “Tell Tiny I want in too.”

  I stared wide-eyed at my friend.

  She picked up her juice and shrugged. “I could use the money.”

  As I walked home, I decided to grab Emma and take that run. I hadn’t eaten much of the breakfast but the amount of coffee I’d drank had made me jittery. Sure, it was the coffee and not Greg’s question.

  By the time I got changed and had clicked Emma’s leash on, my girl was chattering in her dog language. If there was anything Emma loved, it was running. And I’d found over the years, running made my mind clear. I could set aside problems and by the time I’d finished the run, an answer or a path would be apparent.

  A large construction truck stood at the corner clearing off the back of a lot that had served as overflow beach parking. I waved at the guys who were busy using a bobcat to level off a batch of grass in the back. Something was going on. I wondered if the mayor had bought the land and was actually putting in real parking rather than just the dirt lot.

  Emma barked and I turned away from studying the construction and saw that the highway was clear for us to cross. Sometimes I know my dog thinks. I just wish I could understand her language. I’d read somewhere that dogs had the intelligence of a human toddler. I could see that. Emma responded to treat training, kind of like I do. Give me a good cheesecake, and I’ll do anything. Even playing dead.

  A few steps down to the beach and I paused to stretch out my legs. Emma did her own doggy stretches, an activity that made me smile every time I saw her do it. We started running and I was in heaven. I griped a lot about having to run to melt off the calories, but I loved food and I loved the beach. So it was a positive symbiotic relationship.

  On our return trip from the cove where the beach disappeared and rock cliffs started, forcing us to turn around, I saw someone standing above us on the cliff by the road. The figure’s flowing robes reminded me of a witch or seer in one of the fantasy books I shelved in the store. Squinting against the light, I realized it was Esmeralda. I put my hand up and waved, but she didn’t see me. She just stood and stared out at the ocean.

  Emma, unsure of why we stopped, whined deep in her throat.

  “It’s okay girl. I’m just watching our crazy neighbor calling to the sea gods.” I chuckled at the vision and then glanced back up at her. Now she was staring at me. Like she’d heard my comment, which was impossible since she had to be at least a hundred yards away. Then her head lifted up again, and she was back staring at the sea. “Total whack job.”

  Emma barked, which I took for agreement, and then we finished our run. By the time we’d returned to the house, I had a flashing light on my answering machine. Yep, I still have a landline with an answering machine. What can I say, I love the basics.

  I played the message. It was Greg.

  “Hey, Jim and I are going to grab some dinner, then head into town to watch the game at Shooters. You can come join us if you want or I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Either way…” I heard the pause as he weighed his next words. “I hope you’re thinking about us. I am. And I love you.”

  The machine clicked off and asked me if I wanted to save or delete the message. My finger shook as I pushed the save button. I wouldn’t go into town to join him, he deserved a night out with his brother. But I wanted to hear his last statements again. Especially the I love you. I took a deep breath and said it aloud to hear it on my own lips.

  “I love you too, Greg King.”

  CHAPTER 4

  Monday I opened the store solo. Sasha Smith used to work the early shift with me, but with the slower traffic in the winter and the heavier schoolwork load she was taking, we’d cut her hours. I missed having the spunky single mom to talk to during the slower morning hours, but I got her determination. One more year and the girl would have a marketing degree. Then she’d be looking for a real job in her field, not just one where she could run the Young Adult and New Adult book clubs at a tiny store in a tourist town.

  I wasn’t looking forward to that day. And probably, neither was my other barista. Toby Killian worked part-time for me and part-time for Greg as a police deputy. He lived in my shed so he could save money to buy a house. I thought his future planning might just have something to do with Sasha, as they’d been exclusive now for months. Everyone seemed to have plans.

  And just like that, the thing I’d tried not to think about popped into my mind. Luckily, my regulars kept me busy that morning and by ten, when Toby arrived for his midday shift, I’d barely had time to open the books to check last week’s numbers, let alone pine over what I was going to tell Greg.

  “Hey, boss.” He slipped an apron over his Led Zeppelin T-shirt and washed his hands in the small sink behind the counter. “Looks like you were busy this morning.”

  “Busy is a good thing, especially in January. I didn’t see you a lot at the apartment this weekend. Lots going on in the protect and serve world?”

  “Tim and I split the weekend. It was my turn for day shift. Man, that sun can get bright. I’m usually either in here or sleeping during the day. I feel like a vampire.” Toby checked the dessert case and made notes on what he needed from the back. He held up the pad. “Let me grab this and then you can tell me all about your trip to the organic farm. Greg must be totally in love with you.”

  I froze looking up from the laptop where I’d been reviewing the bookkeeping. “Why? What did he say?”

  Toby paused at the swinging door, frowning in confusion. “Who? Oh, you mean Greg?” He shook his head. “You told me about the date to the organic farm, remember? I’m just saying we’re going to have to check his man card if you keep talking him into dates like that. What happened to bowling and beers? Now that’s a date.”

  I watched him disappear into the back office. I was jumpy and needed to stop overthinking everything. I finished my cursory review, made some notes in an e-mail to Aunt Jackie so she’d know I’d reviewed it, and closed the laptop. The business-to-business meeting was tomorrow. I needed to make a stop at our new clock shop on the way home with a box of treats and a personal invitation to attend.

  When Toby returned to the dining room, I’d already boxed up the peanut butter cookies and ran it as a manual charge so Aunt Jackie could bill the cost out to the city council. I grabbed my jacket and put the laptop away in the office. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Oh, hey, Sasha asked me to remind you she can’t come in early tomorrow. She’s doing an interview practice for that internship she’s been working on for this summer and she’s worried you might have forgotten.” Toby didn’t look up from setting the chocolate chocolate-chip cheesecake in the display case.

  “Crap, I did forget. And I need her here to deal with any walkins during the business-to-business meeting.” I pulled out my phone. “Maybe Nick is already home from school?”

  Toby put his hand on the cell, blocking me from keying in the digits to call our newest part-time staff member. “He isn’t coming home until Sunday. What time does the meeting start? I can come in early.”

  “You need to be sleeping. Don’t you work tomorrow night?” I didn’t want Greg griping about Toby being sleep deprived because of his second job. I knew what position Toby would quit if he was pushed. Being a police officer was his career. Working as a barista for me was just a way to make extra money.

>   “I’ll be fine. I’m not sleeping a lot anyway.” He rubbed his eyes. “I don’t think I’d even have heard from Sasha this weekend if she hadn’t needed me to relay that message to you. Life is tough dating a single mom with a drive to get through school.”

  “Just think how she feels.” I patted Toby on the arm. “I’m sure she’s just worn out from all the running around. You’ll get through this. Sasha only has three semesters to go.”

  Toby raised his eyebrows. “And then if she wants to work in her field, she’s going to have to move. If we’re lucky, it will just be to the city. She could take a job on the east coast.”

  “Don’t look for trouble before it’s on your doorstep.” I wondered if I should be following my own advice. I pushed the thought away. My situation with Greg was different. He wanted to spend more time together, not less. “If you think you could be here at ten, that would be great. I’ll have Aunt Jackie help me set up. And Harrold will come over to move tables.”

  “Way to make a man feel wanted, choose the guy fifty years his senior to do the manual labor rather than him.” Toby poured himself a cup of coffee.

  “I don’t think I actually hurt your feelings, and if I did, buck up.” I waved at him from the door. “But I will say thanks for coming in early.”

  I didn’t wait to hear his reply and as I left the shop, I stepped between two parked cars in front. Both were filled with what I liked to call Toby’s girls. Even though the guy had been off the market for months, women from the beauty school in Bakerstown still came to Coffee, Books, and More for their study breaks and morning coffee. At least morning coffee after Toby actually started his shift. I didn’t see the women before he started work, or after he left. I guess there were closer coffee shops that served coffee when either Sasha, Aunt Jackie, or I were pouring. I’d feel bad, but we were making good money during his shifts.

  Sasha had nicknamed him Barista Babe when they’d started dating. Although, as I thought about my interactions with her lately, I don’t think she’d even mentioned Toby once.