Poison Apple Crisp - Addison Moore Page 0,72
of the truth too much to fight her on it. She had already told a handful of people her convoluted side of the story—she feared the fallout might humiliate her kid. She told me several times she was thrilled he was finally a senior so she could be rid of Honey Hollow High. But I knew she really meant be rid of Brenda.”
That shoving match Everett and I witnessed between Brenda and Alyssa comes back to me—or more to the point, the exchange we witnessed while watching their shoes.
“Martin? Did Brenda have another reason to blackmail Brenda? Or threaten her?”
He purses his lips. “Blackmail is too strong a word. Alyssa wanted in on a few dance committees, but Brenda was determined to shut her out of everything. She went as far as suggesting she might tamper with her son’s graduation day. Brenda could be bitter as a cup of vinegar when she wanted to be.”
Carlotta huffs, “Sounds like she was madder than a wet hen.”
I shoot her a look, but it’s no use. I can no sooner control Carlotta from spouting off than I can my stomach from trying to discharge all of its contents.
Martin laughs. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Carlotta elbows him in the ribs. “So are you getting the band back together and making some new music with Cokie?”
Ginger howls out a laugh. “I was just thinking of asking that myself.”
He gives the back of his head a scratch. “I’m not so sure. But I guess never say never, right? She invited me to the fundraiser this Friday night. I think I’ll show up and see where it goes.” He nods our way. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d better check on the guests.”
He takes off, and dinner wraps up before we know it. Our train ride comes to a merciful conclusion, and soon we’re all exiting the horror express.
Suze all but snarls my way as we say goodnight, prompting Noah to apologize profusely for her.
Eliza offers me a warm embrace and whispers into my ear, “Don’t mind her. She was burned by Wiley, and she’s been making others pay for it ever since. Sometimes you have to forgive and move on. It’s what I chose to do, and I do believe it’s the healthier option. Don’t let her ruin your moment.” She pulls back and looks to Everett and me. “Enjoy this time, both of you. Heck, all three of you.” She pulls Noah into our midst. “Having a baby is one of the most magical things this life can offer. Don’t let anyone rain on your parade. Absorb everything this happy time in your lives is trying to give you. It won’t last forever. Soon your baby will go off to have babies of their own.” She sniffs back tears as she pulls the three of us into a strong hug.
We head back to Honey Hollow, and I ponder the things that Eliza said—and the things that Martin said, too.
“Well, Lemon?” Everett asks as we park in his driveway and he helps me out of the car. “What’s it going to be? My place or yours?”
“Yours,” I say and Evie grunts.
“I’m wearing earphones and sleeping with three pillows over my head. Goodnight.” She looks to Carlotta. “Don’t forget what we talked about. The first game is coming up, and I’ll need those uniforms.”
“What uniforms?” I ask, and Carlotta shoots Evie a look with a threat embedded in it.
“What’s that?” Carlotta cups her ear to the street. “I think that’s Harry. He said he’d be over in a blink. I’d better go put on my uniform.” She winks to Evie. “Night, all. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, Lot.”
I shake my head as both she and Evie scramble off.
Everett and I make our way inside, and I head straight for his bedroom, while he heads to the kitchen to get us some water and snacks. I’ve basically conditioned him to feed me before bedtime. I can’t help it. My desire to eat is just as strong as it is to do other far more carnal things these days. I blame this surge of hormones on both.
Everett comes into the room, and I pat the spot on the bed next to me. He lands a couple of water bottles on the nightstand and a box of my sweet treats I brought over before we left.
“Hey”—his lips curl—“I found something you left here, lying in front of the laundry room, and I like it.” He dives next