Apple Pie and Arsenic

by C A Phipps

Coming home would mean seeing them whenever she wanted, and more importantly, she would be with Gran, who wasn’t getting any younger. There was an awful lot that appealed and much more that made sense.

  With a jolt, Maddie realized it had taken a mere twenty-four hours for her to come to her decision. Suddenly, she couldn’t wait to get back to the cottage, and she was almost running by the time she had rounded the block. Big Red thought it was a great game, and he pounced at her from fences and trees. Coming home seemed to be giving him a new lease on life, too.

  The smell of pancakes made her stomach rumble as she walked up the path, and Gran was setting them down on the table when Maddie came into the kitchen.

  Maddie threw her hands in the air in mock surrender. “You win. Let’s buy the store.”

  Gran tried hard to keep the glee off her face, which made her look at least ten years younger. Her eyes twinkled, and she was all but giggling, an odd but wonderful sight. “You won’t regret it. You’ll be so successful, people will come from miles around to buy some of your baking. Mark my words.”

  Maddie folded her arms. “They’d better, otherwise we could lose everything.”

  “Don’t be a gloomy Gladys. Positive thoughts and actions will get us where we need to go.”

  Maddie rolled her eyes, but Gran laughed again and hugged her even harder than usual. It was far easier to be optimistic when you had Gran in your corner, which was how Maddie had been brave enough to leave Maple Falls and this unconditional love in the first place.

  After they sat down, Gran piled her plate and handed her the syrup.

  “You can call Virginia after breakfast, if you like.”

  If she liked? No, she did not. She could almost hear the bell ring for round two with her nemesis.

  She had barely swallowed her first bite, which was amazing, when a perfunctory knock on the door was followed by a vision in rainbow hues.

  “Morning! I hope you don’t mind me busting in like this, but I had to see you before I open. Hey, Big Red, how’s New York?”

  Angeline Broome was a breath of fresh air. Even having lived in Oregon for years, she was still a southern belle. Some might call her a ditzy blonde, but she was a force of nature, second only to Gran. After battling an awful childhood and an even worse marriage, she now owned her own beauty shop, something she had a real affinity for, and, since she was stunning, it was very appropriate.

  Big Red, having heard her come up the path, greeted her at the door by twisting around her legs, and she almost fell a couple of times as she tried to get into the kitchen.

  “Calm down, cat, and let the poor woman in.” Maddie was just as happy to see her, but fearful for her wellbeing.

  After hugs and kisses all round, Angel sat down. Gran immediately placed a cup of tea—the set with yellow daffodils—and a plate of pancakes in front of her, while Big Red sat between Maddie and Angel, waiting for a morsel to fall his way.

  “I knew there’d be something wonderful on this table. I could smell it all the way over from my place as soon as I opened the window.”

  There was always food available for anyone who walked through the door, and it was assumed that anyone who entered would eat. Gran’s English heritage was on fire when she had visitors, because to her, food was love.

  That was fortunate for Angel, since she was always hungry. They ate in companionable silence with Gran looking on benevolently as they made short work of the pancakes.

  Finally, Angel closed her eyes. “Oh my. These are your best yet.”

  “Hah. I thought so too,” Maddie concurred.

  Gran flicked imaginary dust from her apron. “Oh, you Girlz. They’re the same as always. Do you want some more?”

  “No, thank you,” groaned Angel. “I really have to fly. I’ve got back-to-back clients, but I had to say welcome home. Let’s catch up tonight if you can. Suzy and Laura are dying to see you.”

  Maddie didn’t intend to look sorry over the inclusion of Laura, an attractive red-head, who for some reason seemed to dislike her, but she could feel reluctance written all over her face. Luckily, Gran and Angel assumed it was something else.

  “Absolutely,” Gran said. “You go out with your friends, sweetheart. We can’t be packing every second.”

  Angel piped up, “Me and the Girlz would be only too happy to help out with that if you need us.”

  “It’s not just the packing now, is it?” Maddie shared a look with Gran.

  Angel was wiping her mouth on a napkin, but she saw the exchange. “Is everything okay here?”

  “Everything is perfect,” Gran said with an eyebrow raised at her granddaughter.

  Maddie nodded at the shorthand. They trusted Angel, so they could tell her their news. “I’m not sure about perfect, but Gran and I are planning on buying Mr. Willis’s shop. We’re going to open a bakery if the family accepts our offer.”

  “Well, knock me down and call me blonde, I didn’t see that coming. I thought the idea was to sell the house and move on.”

  “It was. But Gran had other ideas, which she’d kept to herself until yesterday. Ideas that included a meeting with Virginia.”

  Angel went bug-eyed. “We knew you’d be tired last night, and had things to discuss with Gran, so we let you be. I wish I could have been at that meeting, though. Did she behave?”

  “Let’s just say she didn’t spread out the welcome mat.”

  “I can imagine. She doesn’t like me, but she really… doesn’t like you.”

  Angel had seen Gran’s frown, and changed her tack. Maddie knew she’d been about to say that Virginia hated her, which was probably close to the mark, but Gran didn’t like that kind of talk. She had her say, then moved on, and she expected that was how everyone would behave when they encountered a person who didn’t agree with them.

  “Well, we’re all different and we can’t love everyone we meet. Isn’t the shop a wonderful idea?” Gran asked Angel.

  “It’s fantastic, is what it is. My best friend is coming home to stay, and we’ll own shops nearly side by side. What could be better?”

  Maddie felt a rush of warmth for her best friend. With Angel wanting the world to love her, and Gran insisting they did, Maple Falls was a tonic for her skepticism.

  “It hasn’t happened yet, and I don’t know when we’ll find out about the sale. How about you all come by tonight anyway. You can lend a hand with some packing and we’ll have a few drinks. Then we can either drown Gran’s sorrows or celebrate when we do hear.”

  Angel stood and hugged them both. “My money’s on celebrating. I’ll call the Girlz, and we’ll bring the wine.”

  They walked Angel to the porch, and when she’d gone, Maddie sighed. “Breakfast is done. I guess it’s time to call Virginia.”

  Gran put her arm through Maddie’s as they went inside. “Be nice.”

  “I’m always nice.”

  “Mostly, that’s true.”

  Maddie laughed all the way to the kitchen, where the phone was, then took a moment to gather her thoughts. She was a customer, spending a lot of money. Virginia had better understand that.

  If she didn’t, Maddie would explain as “nicely” as possible.

  Chapter Five

  Bizarrely, after the first call, during which Virginia had reluctantly said she would present the offer to the family, Maddie’s nemesis had been absent from her business and entrusted a minion to take care of the offer and the settlement. Maddie was glad about that, but if Gran was right and Virginia’s mother was ill, she would have to find a way to be more tolerant. The daughter might be all kinds of mean, but Katherine Bolton was a sweetheart whom Gran adored.

  Two days later the offer was accepted. Gran insisted they celebrate with the rest of the Girlz. That night with Gran’s country music playing, fried chicken, potatoes, corn and salad ready and the table set, they sat on the porch waiting for their visitors. The setting sun shone through the trees dappling Plum Place and giving a fairylike glow to everything.

&nb
sp; A small blue car turned into the road, and soon Suzy was coming up the path, followed by Angel. Behind them Laura walked slowly.

  Maddie took a deep breath. Laura was Angel’s friend and there was nothing to be done about her being here.

  “Welcome,” Gran beamed at them. “We’re so glad you could come on short notice.”

  “We wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m so excited for you, and now we’ll always be neighbors,” squealed Angel as she hugged them both, referring to the fact that her salon was two doors down from the planned bakery.

  Maddie’s ears rebelled at the noise, but she hugged her right back. Suzy followed suit, handing over a bunch of flowers. Laura hung back, looking around her.

  “You have a lovely place, Mrs. Flynn. I hope you don’t mind me tagging along?” Angel insisted.”

  “Not at all, and thank you. I appreciate that no-one can refuse Angel.” Gran smiled, took Laura’s arm and pulled her inside. “Please sit everyone. Dinner is ready.” She quickly added the extra place setting while Maddie pulled up another chair.

  Fortunately, the Girlz kept up a barrage of questions which hid the fact that Maddie and Laura did not talk directly to each other. It was a mutual thing that had developed when Laura arrived in town a couple of years back and didn’t seem to be getting better. Maddie couldn’t pinpoint what the issue was, but Laura never seemed happy to see her or want to converse. It felt like she was hitting herself with a rolling pin each time, so she had simply stopped trying to engage with her.

  “So what’s the plan of attack to get the business up and running?” Suzy asked. A pocket rocket, maybe 5’2” if she was lucky, with a mass of auburn curls that took forever to tame, she thrived on challenges.

  “Perhaps you can come take a look when the sale goes through and give me some advice, because it is in the worse state imaginable.” Maddie grimaced.

  “I bet it is. Poor Mr. Willis wouldn’t have anyone in to help him when he started feeling sick. He sold what he could and shut the shop altogether.”

  Gran tutted. “I knew it was bad. I would bring him meals sometimes, but he was stubborn and insisted his son would take care of him. Initially, Ralph visited a couple of times a week, then it was more regular. That was when he began to keep everyone away saying his dad needed rest.”

  Suzy sighed. “Poor man, to die alone like that. His shop was not the nicest, but he seemed a genuine man.”

  “He was that, and rather sad. He never got over his wife leaving him. But enough of that, let’s eat.”

  As they helped themselves to the food Angel topped up their glasses of wine.

  “Let’s concentrate on the celebration. Here’s to Maple Falls’s latest entrepreneurs! May your cookies never crumble.”

  They laughed and clinked glasses. Even Laura.

  “If you need a hand with the cleaning up and decorating, we’ll all pitch in, won’t we?” Suzy looked around the table.

  “Of course, as long as there’s gloves.” Angel wiggled her beautiful nails at them.

  “Naturally. I’ll get you yellow ones too.” Maddie grinned.

  “That would be much appreciated,” added Gran.

  Laura looked down at her empty plate and said nothing.

  “What did your old boss say?” Suzy asked.

  “Handing in my notice was hard. I really liked the whole family. They were so kind to me and taught me everything I know apart from what Gran did, and I’ll miss Camille terribly. Hopefully, she’ll be able to come visit one day.” She pushed through the sadness of leaving her friend behind to force a grin. “But look what I’ll have instead. My own bakery. My dearest friends close by. My wonderful Gran by my side. That’s plenty to be grateful for.” She raised her glass. “To you. My family.”

  “Aww.” Angel and Suzy responded, their glasses clinking on hers.

  “I wish you all the luck Maddie.” Laura said quietly.

  “Thanks.” Maddie wasn’t sure if Laura meant it or not, but she wasn’t going to let it bother her tonight. Not when her dream was coming true.

  Chapter Six

  The next two weeks were spent organizing the loan with the bank and signing papers. She used the time well, sourcing suppliers of everything from ovens and fridges to cash registers and fittings.

  Back in New York City, Camille was kind enough to pack up Maddie’s apartment, which she couldn’t have afforded to carry on her own indefinitely. Finding a new roommate would have been daunting too. Those were both bonus things she wouldn’t have to deal with now. Another was that Camille offered to buy the larger furniture, which would save Maddie a fortune in shipping. She’d also offered to send Maddie’s personal things and smaller items by truck. Hopefully, they’d be here by the time she and Gran were ready to move into the apartment.

  After they’d signed the final papers, Maddie allowed herself some elation mixed in with trepidation for the task she had in front of her. To have her dream come true was something special, and she vowed to herself that she would make it work because Gran losing any money from this venture was unthinkable, especially after all she had done for Maddie. Most of all, she was determined to show Gran how grateful she was for this opportunity.

  Now, a month later, the store was coming together nicely. They’d taken the Girlz up on the offer to help decorate, and they were doing an awesome job. They’d spent every hour they could spare and were nearly as excited as Maddie—not only about the shop, but what this meant to them as a group. They’d often talked about her moving home at some point; she just hadn’t expected it to become a reality this soon. Touched by their eagerness and how proud they were of her for making it happen, Maddie insisted that it had all been due to Gran. They said they didn’t give a fig how or why, just that she was here.

  Maybe she had to give up the idea of owning a New York City bakery, but having friends and family around was so much better. She’d been too busy while she was away to be aware of how much she missed everyone, and how being home made her so much happier. Besides, owning her own store anywhere had been the real dream.

  As she painted the largest wall of the shop, she had a small misgiving. Laura had been included in the group since she became Angel’s friend, but she hadn’t set foot in the shop and seemed to be avoiding doing so. Something about being allergic to paint fumes.

  “Hello?”

  Maddie dropped the roller, sending a spray of paint over her coveralls, and turned to see a man bathed in sunlight in the doorway.

  “Can I help you?” she asked as she put a hand up to shield her eyes.

  “I guess you’re not open yet, so cake is going to be out of the question.”

  He smiled as he came closer, and Maddie’s heart made a quick flutter at the sound of the familiar voice, then several harder and more lengthy bangs at the sight of him. That tall figure with eyes so blue and a grin that lit up a room—there was no mistaking him.

  “Hello, Ethan. I’m doing my best to get up and running by next week. I see you’re still in the police department. Solving all the mysteries around town, are you?” she asked, as if seeing him up close was no big deal.

  He removed his hat and touched his badge. “I’m the sheriff now, and there aren’t too many mysteries around here. I see you’re still a cook. Although I’m pretty sure that’s paint on your cheek and not flour.”

  Her cheeks got warmer. Banter was the easy part. Looking at Ethan was like stepping back in time to when they were teenagers. They had foolishly thought they were in love, and that things would stay the way they were forever.

  “I’m a baker. There’s a difference, she said, unable to think of anything else.”

  Ethan bowed a little. “Pardon me. A baker. Are you any good?”

  He grinned, and her heart did that free-fall thing. He hadn’t changed at all, which was annoying. He should have a pot belly or something that would make it easier not to remember what it felt like to be in his arms.

  “You shouldn’t tease a woman in charge of sharp
knives.”

  “Tease? You know that’s not my style,” he said with feigned innocence.

  “It’s exactly your style. Some things apparently don’t change.”

  He grinned again. “Like you. It’s as if time has stood still from the day you left town.”

  She looked down at the curves that had replaced the skinny teenager and raised an eyebrow. “Not exactly. Plus, I’m sure I wasn’t covered in paint.”

  “That just adds to the overall picture, and you look great. Better.” He flushed a little, twisting the sheriff’s hat in his hands. “I was at a seminar, then on vacation with my family, when you arrived back in town, and I’ve been busy playing catch-up at work. Otherwise, I would have come around sooner.”

  Maddie could see that coming here hadn’t been as easy as he was trying to make out, which was rather touching. She didn’t think she could have been the one to make the first approach, so it was a relief that he was here, despite the awkwardness they were both experiencing.

  “I’ve been pretty busy myself.”

  “I’d say that’s an understatement. You’ve moved home and bought a business in only a few weeks.”

  Maddie shrugged. “I guess it was meant to be. The family was in a hurry to sell, so the price was ridiculously low. And to be honest, buying this place wasn’t my idea.”

  Ethan grinned. “The infamous Gran strikes again. She’s the kind of woman most people want to listen to. She usually has great advice, and now she’s finally found a way to bring you back to Maple Falls for good.”

  Maddie gave a wry smile. “You know what she’s like. She’d made up her mind before I even knew our buying a shop together was possible.”

  He laughed, a sound she had always loved to hear. It had been Ethan she’d missed the most after she’d first left, even more than Gran, Angel, and Suzy. Their childhood crush had begun to die a natural death when he went away to college, and it was done by the time she told him she was moving to New York. It was funny how they’d both ended up back where they’d started.