Pecan Pie Predicament (Murder in the Mix #27) - Addison Moore Page 0,68
Everett still locked in a conversation with their mothers.
I spot Cormack making the rounds with that cursed clipboard of hers, and I glower at her for trying to gain momentum on her efforts to kick me out of town while in the middle of my husband’s party—while in the middle of my mother’s house.
I spot my sisters laughing it up near the cookie table, and next to them Lainey’s husband, Forest, holds little Josie. Mom and Wiley are manning the bar, and there’s enough brown liquor floating around to get drunk off the fumes themselves.
I spot Carlotta pretending to pull her pants down by that toilet-shaped cake while a photographer takes pictures. Keelie and Bear are here with their little tyke in tow, and they look dressed to the nines as they try to garner the attention of the photographer themselves. That’s right. Their Christmas pictures are taking place tonight. I’d better hurry up with the investigation portion of the evening before the entire party evaporates before my eyes, not that it would be such a bad thing. I think Everett deserves a do-over at this point.
“Lottie!” a friendly female voice calls from my left, and I turn to find Autumn and Maizy, each with a plate of my sweet treats. Autumn’s dark red lipstick matches her tresses, and she looks cozy in her thick brown cardigan with fall leaves appliqued over it. Maizy has her blonde hair in a knot at the base of her neck as her bangs fringe her forehead. She holds up a slice of my pecan pie my way.
“This is fantastic.” She gives a somewhat guilty looking smile. “I probably shouldn’t have it.”
“Oh, calories don’t count on Sundays or in November.” I give her the abbreviated version of my caloric spiel.
But Maizy shakes her head. “Because of Hannah. It’s the last thing she ate.” She shrugs. “I hope she enjoyed it. Or at least the first bite.”
Autumn takes a breath and shudders. “I’m sure she did. Pecan pie was her favorite. She told me so herself.” She shrugs my way. “Any news on who could have done this? Your mother says you’re dating the lead investigator.”
“Actually…” I grimace. “Well, I used to.” My hand rounds over my tiny pooch of a belly. “As for the case, I think we should all brace ourselves. I have a feeling there’s going to be a big announcement very, very soon.”
“Really?” Autumn blinks back. “That’s wonderful. I know I’ll feel much better once the killer is taken off the street.” She flits her eyes to her left, and I follow her gaze until I come upon a couple of fitness fanatics loading up on carbs as if they were on some new dieting craze. How do you like that? It’s as if even Autumn suspects the two of them—or more to the point, Reese Underwood. I suppose it’s obvious, and it has been since the beginning. I’m shocked she hasn’t left town by now. But then, that gym of hers all but glues her feet to Honey Hollow.
Maizy nudges Autumn toward the cookie table. “Let’s get some more of those chocolate chip cookies before they’re all gone.”
Autumn laughs. “Thanks again for the invite, Lottie. Will you have a booth at the Taste of Honey Hollow Street Fair again tomorrow?”
I nod. “Right in front of the bakery.”
“Perfect! I’ll finish up my research for the article!” They take off, and Barry leans in.
“Hey”—he nudges me—“there’s that blonde with one eye and the brunette cutie.”
He points, and I crane my neck until I spot Britney and Reese glaring at my calorie-laden cookies as if they were the very bane of their existence. And they just might be.
Carlotta passes me by and I yank her back.
“Carlotta, I need a favor.”
“Anything for my Lot Lot.” She leans in. “Make it quick. I’ve got Harry waiting for me in the bathroom. I told him I’d bring cookies.”
“Eww.” I make a face. “Keep an eye on Britney and Reese, especially Reese. I’m going to jump upstairs to see if I can find anything in her room. I’ll be back so fast, Mayor Nash won’t have time to flush.” I grimace.
Words I never thought I’d say.
“What’s in it for me, Lot?” She glowers over at Barry for a moment.
“I’ll run that cookie special for A Whole Lotta Touchin’.”
Her eyes expand with a note of interest. “For the entire holiday season?”
My muscles tense up. “For the entire holiday season.”