Apple Pie and Arsenic

by C A Phipps

“I asked if this wood is all right. I wasn’t sure if you wanted to stain or paint it.”

  “I prefer painted shelves. I think they’ll be easier to clean, and when I put the baskets of bread on them, they’ll look really appealing.”

  “Then this will be fine, but I’m sure a shelf couldn’t make your bread any more appealing. Your baking was awesome back in the day. I bet it’s even better now.”

  Ethan had been her guinea pig, but that didn’t mean much. “You would have eaten anything back then and I’m pretty sure you did.”

  He laughed. “It’s kind of true, but don’t sell yourself short. You’re a great cook, and I believe you have some trophies to prove it?”

  “One or two,” she answered proudly.

  Gran had always praised her, and she’d received plenty of kudos from her tutors and mentors. From Ethan, it made her feel awkward. That was silly, when they’d been friends for so long except for that one huge argument.

  The distance had proven too great. Having no idea how long she’d be gone or if she would ever come back, Ethan, had suddenly decided that this was all a surprise, and since he had no ambition to leave Maple Falls, had accused her of planning the end of their relationship all along.

  She gave herself a mental shake to dispel those dark days. “Did you know it’s a fact that people eat with their eyes first, so any help in that aspect is a good thing.”

  His eyes twinkled at her. “Which is why I’ll have to watch myself and up my exercise if I’m going to set foot in your bakery after you open. If it’s all right with you, I’ll bring my tools into the kitchen in case any of the paint is still wet in the shop. There’s bound to be a mess of sawdust.”

  “Anywhere you want is fine.”

  Maddie waited as he set up a couple of wooden sawhorses and a large saw. When it looked like he had everything under control and didn’t need a spectator, Maddie took her laptop outside to avoid the noise and dust he was about to make.

  She sat at the trestle table and began to type up some lists. They were a specialty of hers, much like a savory muffin or a chocolate brownie recipe. There was a list for the first batch of baking she would do, a shopping list for ingredients, and another for all the items required for baking, such as pans and utensils.

  Gran was donating some of her “oldie but goodie” pans, and Maddie had a lot of her own that would be arriving on the truck any day, but there were several items she would still need, like tongs and paper bags, and since she was eventually going to have people eat in, she’d need plates and cutlery.

  Camille had sent her a shop-opening present of two hundred cake/cookie boxes stamped with her logo: a rolling pin with the words Maple Lane Bakery, a name she and Gran had chosen because it sounded so right, across the middle. It was so cute, she had nearly cried. They were covered with an old sheet in the corner of the kitchen to keep them safe.

  One item that headed her list had her worried. From years in the industry, she knew there was a great deal of money to be made in coffee—the latte/cappuccino kind—therefore, it was a necessity. It would also make the dining-in experience more appealing.

  The problem was, when would she find the time to learn how to use a coffeemaker or interview potential baristas? Her experience with bakeries had been in the kitchen, or behind the counter, not making fancy coffees.

  She kept Googling the machines to see if some were easier than others to operate and was so engrossed in studying the various kinds online that she wasn’t aware of the sawing and hammering ceasing until Ethan appeared at the door. Hot and sweaty, with bits of sawdust stuck to his forearms and face, he looked fantastic.

  She gulped. “How’s it going?”

  He rolled his shoulders, cracked his neck on both sides with a satisfied sound, and when his t-shirt stretched as far as it could across his biceps, she had to look away.

  “All done.”

  “You’ve finished?” Maddie was shocked. She’d expected him to take a few evenings to complete the shelves.

  “Sounds like you don’t believe me. It’s coming up toward nightfall. I guess you didn’t notice, what with all that thinking and list-making going on.” He nodded at her laptop.

  She checked her watch and was astounded. Now that summer was approaching, the days were longer, and she had been oblivious to the sun setting. Another thing bothered her: he’d been here for three hours, working solidly, and she hadn’t so much as offered him some water. “I’m a terrible host. Can I get you anything? A drink? Something to eat?”

  He grinned. “I’m fine. I didn’t think you’d mind me helping myself to water. Come see if they’re what you had in mind.”

  She closed the laptop and followed him inside. The shelves were exactly where and how she wanted them. “Ethan, they’re perfect. I can’t believe you did all this in such a short time. They look professionally made.”

  “Darned if you don’t make a compliment sound bad with all that disbelief around it.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  He gave her a wry smile. “You meant that as a sheriff, I did a reasonable job.”

  “Stop fishing for those compliments. They’re awesome. Truly. Exactly what I wanted.”

  “Why, thank you. I’ve given them a sanding, so they should be okay to paint tomorrow after a quick wipe.”

  “I can’t tell you how grateful I am, especially as this is probably one of your nights off. How much do I owe you?”

  He held his hand up. “Let’s say it’s a ‘welcome home’ and housewarming present combined, since I’m glad you’re back and that you’re staying.”

  She flushed at such a gesture. “Don’t be silly. It’s too much. I hope you didn’t think I expected it for nothing.”

  He shook his head, looking exasperated. “Maddie, just say thank you.”

  She hadn’t meant to offend him, and she didn’t want to turn this into an argument. “Thank you very much.”

  “You’re very welcome. Now, I need a hot shower and a soft bed.”

  He looked tired, but that didn’t stop her from envisaging him under running water then snuggling into a soft bed. At this rate, she might need a cold shower. What had gotten into her? She chastised her wild imagination as she helped him put his stuff in the pickup. Like the gentleman Ethan was, he waited while she locked up.

  “Good luck with the rest of the painting. I probably won’t see you for the next few days, but I’ll be sure to come by when you’re open.”

  She leaned in his open window. “When you do, lunch is on me. Make that several lunches.”

  “Be careful what you wish for.” He tapped her on the nose, and when she backed up, he drove off with a cheeky wave.

  Good advice. Yes, she’d better be careful. Ethan could eat up any profits in one sitting. She smiled at the idea.

  “Still after him, I see.”

  Maddie jumped a foot. “Virginia. I didn’t notice you there.”

  Her archenemy from school gave her a cool up and down appraisal.

  “It’s a free sidewalk, the last time I looked, and some of us like to keep fit.”

  Maddie had an urge to suck in her stomach despite being happy with her weight. “Working twelve hours or more a day, a lot of the time in hot temperatures, is enough exercise for me.”

  “Hmm. How we look is obviously more important to some of us than others.”

  The glint in Virginia’s eyes was an indication of her satisfaction that her barb had hit home. Somehow, it compelled Maddie to explain things.

  “Actually, Ethan offered to do a job for me, and now that he’s done, I’m about to head home.”

  Virginia did an imitation of having eaten something bad, and Maddie had to wonder at the woman’s business sense. If she was going to be so nasty, she could kiss goodbye to the listing of Gran’s place. Apparently, she didn’t care.

  “You know he’s too good for you.”

  Maddie was amazed at the venom in that statement, and then it hit her between the eyes. Virginia
was one more casualty to fall under Ethan’s spell. Since college, Maddie had heard nothing about Virginia being with a man, and she’d made up her mind that the real estate agent didn’t particularly like men. Or, for that matter, anyone. What if her dislike of Maddie was fueled for her desire for Ethan?

  Whatever her motives, she didn’t have to be so downright rude, and Maddie could hardly ignore what she’d said.

  “For goodness’ sake, we went out when we were teenagers. I’m not after a relationship with Ethan Tanner.”

  Virginia tilted her head. “Then, why is he spending every spare minute with you?”

  Maddie sighed. “He’s not. If you must know, today was the first time we’ve seen each other closer than a street away for years. He made me some shelves. That’s what friends do for each other,” she said, quoting him. “Anyway, why do you care who he spends his time with?”

  The answering beet-red flush confirmed what Maddie had been thinking, and she couldn’t help asking, “You like Ethan?”

  Virginia’s eyes narrowed. “What if I do?”

  The admission, or lack of a refute, was too much for Maddie. “I see,” was all she could muster.

  “It’s none of your business who I like or don’t like,” Virginia growled.

  “That’s true. Perhaps you could remember that the next time you want to attack me.”

  Virginia took a step closer. “You think you’re so clever, but you’ll get your due.”

  Maddie’s eyes widened at the other woman’s aggression. “Are you threatening me?”

  “Whatever.” Virginia gave her a withering glare and stormed off down Maple Lane.

  Maddie went from anger to pity. That woman wouldn’t be happy even if she won the lottery.

  Shame she’d managed to spoil a wonderful day.

  Chapter Nine

  The day before the shop was to open, they were sitting in their new kitchen at the large counter where the prep work and pastry making would be done. It also served as a place to have their meals, which kept them from making a mess in the small kitchen upstairs.

  Gran, who had been up early, went home and returned with one of her small packing boxes, which she placed in front of Maddie, then sat beside her with an expectant gaze.

  “Did you want me to unpack this?”

  Gran nodded. “Please.”

  “Right now?” They had a million and one things to do before tomorrow, and unpacking Gran’s things wasn’t on Maddie’s “important” list. It was weighing on her mind that there was a fair bit of packing still to do at Gran’s despite the hours that had already been devoted to it. Maybe this was a subtle hint to do more.

  Gran was trying not to grin. “Go ahead. I think you’ll find them useful.”

  Maddie was intrigued. She cut the tape and reached into the box to pull out something carefully wrapped in newspaper. She placed it on the counter and unwrapped it, revealing one of Gran’s cups from her English china collection. Small white daisies graced the blue sides.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You don’t have to use them, but with the English theme you have going in the store, I think they’d suit things very well.”

  She was referring to the pale blue and white colors, which was reminiscent of the famous willow pattern on some English crockery.

  “I absolutely love the idea, but what if they get broken?”

  Gran shrugged. “I’m not bothered. They were made to be used.”

  This was a change of tune. Gran had collected the cups and saucers all her life. For her to suddenly decide that it didn’t matter if they broke, when Maddie had been told to be careful since she was old enough to have her own set, was strange. And yet, Gran had never hidden them away, only to be brought out on special occasions. Everything she owned was used as often as it was needed. Her generosity was limitless.

  “If you really don’t mind, I’d love to use them. Thank you, and I’ll be as careful as I can.”

  “Good. That’s settled. I have the Girlz coming in an hour, and they’re bringing the rest of them. Laura has Noah and Bernie bringing my cabinet, and I thought we could put it in the corner by the display cabinets, so the plates can be reached when someone orders tea.”

  “Your cabinet? Laura?”

  “Yes. Without all the sets, the cabinet is redundant at my place. Besides, after all this time they belong together. As for Laura’s involvement, she felt bad about not helping before this, but you know how bad her allergies are.”

  “I wasn’t even aware of them until Angel told me.”

  Gran frowned. “It’s such a shame, but you can’t help that sort of thing, can you? Poor girl.”

  It felt odd to be talking about Laura helping when Maddie was so sure that Laura disliked her. “It’s very kind of everyone. Especially you, with the cabinet and the china. You’re getting kind of sneaky,” she teased.

  Gran giggled like a naughty child. “I know, and it feels good. Let’s start baking for tomorrow and to give our guests a treat for helping us.”

  “Great idea. We can be testing this fancy new oven at the same time.”

  By the time everyone arrived, they were taking out the last of four cakes.

  Maddie called out to them. “Come in, everyone. Your timing is perfect.”

  Suzy put a box on the counter, which was clean again after their baking session. “The smell is divine.”

  Angel’s eyes glittered with unconcealed desire when she saw the cakes cooling. “I hope there’s some for us.”

  “The place looks amazing.” Laura had come through the door, leading Noah the town yoga instructor, and Bernie, who were hauling Gran’s china cabinet. They were fit enough, but the cabinet weighed a ton, as Maddie knew from having helped move it when Gran had a dusting spree twice a year.

  Gran tutted, as she often did when things went awry. “You should have used the front door, boys. But never mind. You’re here now, and the doorways inside are generous.”

  Which proved to be just as well, as the back door was definitely a struggle, and the men had broken into a sweat as they cajoled the cabinet through and into the kitchen. Finally, it was inside the shop, and Maddie was happy to let Gran dictate where it went. They all stood back to admire the effect.

  Angel ran back to the kitchen and returned with two of the tea sets that had been unwrapped. She placed them on the middle shelf.

  Gran sniffled, and they turned as one, full of concern. She waved them back. “I’m being silly.”

  Maddie wrapped an arm around her slight shoulders. “It’s not silly if it upsets you. We can take them back home or repack them. There’s absolutely no need to have them in the shop.”

  Noah and Bernie groaned at the idea of moving the cabinet again.

  Gran laughed. “I’m not upset. I think they look so darn perfect in here, in your shop. It’s making your dream come alive that’s making me feel this way.”

  Maddie shook her head with relief, biting back her own tears, as were the Girlz, while the men shuffled their feet.

  “They do look good, don’t they?” she managed.

  “Perfect, just like Gran said.” Angel wiped the corners of her eyes.

  Before things could get any more awkward, Gran clapped her hands as if she were herding young children. “Enough. This is a happy time. Into the kitchen with you all. A cup of tea and some cake will fix us women up nicely for the work ahead, and you boys deserve a treat for carting the cabinet so far.”

  “Sorry, I can’t stay. My shift at O’Malley’s is about to start.” Laura headed for the back door.

  “That’s a shame, but thanks for organizing them to bring the cabinet. It was a lovely surprise.”

  Laura gave Maddie a weak smile. “You’re welcome. See you all later.”

  The men were practically salivating at the thought of sampling the fresh baking. Suzy and Angel hastily unwrapped enough cups and saucers, and Noah and Bernie watched excitedly as Maddie frosted a large chocolate cake.

 
; She brought it to the table, laughing at their expressions until she noticed the men regarding the small finger holds on the dainty cups with dismay. That made her laugh harder. “I guess we didn’t think it through. Would you rather have a mug? Or you can have coffee, if you prefer.”

  Bernie grinned with relief. “You’re a star, Maddie. Coffee, please. In a mug.”

  Gran tutted but made them coffee. Because she was a devout tea drinker, she often forgot that most Americans preferred coffee. It was lucky that Maddie had already purchased mugs.

  It was luckier still that she had such good friends. The place would soon be ready for tomorrow. The only nagging issue was she still had no barista or any other help other than Gran, which wouldn’t do on an ongoing basis. This was not how she wanted things to be since she was usually so organized.

  As Gran often said, it was far better to dwell on the good things, and several of them were right in front of her, eating the rich chocolate cake as if they were eating for the first time and loving every mouthful.

  She couldn’t be happier.

  Chapter Ten

  Maddie smoothed down her clean white apron and turned the sign to OPEN. She wasn’t sure what to expect from the first day. She’d done little to advertise her bakery apart from an ad in the local paper and flyers in the other shops which the Girlz had delivered. Time simply hadn’t been on her side, and without Gran’s help in the kitchen, she wouldn’t have had any hope of opening today.

  Determined not to dwell on what she hadn’t done, especially when ironically she’d advised clients in her previous job against rushing, she went outside to admire the new sign in the window and then the sandwich board which stood proudly on the pavement close to the road.

  “Maple Lane Bakery,” she said aloud, enjoying the sound of it. Right here in front of her was her living dream. Her eyes prickled, and she had to swallow hard to keep herself from bawling like a baby.

  Smiling at her silliness, she opened the door, and the tinkle of the bell welcomed her. Satisfied, she went and stood behind the counter, trying not to look too eager.