Death at the Day Lily Cafe Read Online Free

question, I believe the answer is yes.”
    â€œComing through…” a loud voice called from the doorway.
    I looked up to see Janice Tilghman charging toward us.
    â€œSnow White,” I said.
    Janice perched on the seat next to Glenn and dropped a large Coach bag onto the counter. We had been playmates as children when I visited Aunt Charlotte during the summer. Janice came from a wealthy Eastern Shore family, as did her husband. She had opened her arms and home to me last year when I had been feeling as lost and alien as E.T.
    â€œChocolate,” she said.
    â€œBrownie or espresso bar?”
    â€œBoth.” She glanced over at Glenn. “It’s an emergency.” She eyed his espresso. “I thought you were getting a liquor license, Rose Red.”
    I placed the pastries on a small glass plate and set it in front of her. “I’ve already got it. But I need a mixologist and/or a sommelier before I can expand our hours to include evenings. I don’t know the first thing about making cocktails, let alone selecting a wine list.”
    â€œYou could slip a bottle of Jack under the counter,” Janice said as she bit into the brownie.
    â€œOne of these little concoctions may help,” Glenn said, raising his cup.
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œItalian-style espresso,” I said. “Would you like one?”
    â€œYes. Could you slip a Valium in there, too? Oh, and how about a shot of estrogen.”
    â€œMaybe you should make her an espresstrogen,” Glenn said, trying to suppress a smile.
    Janice nudged Glenn’s arm. “Good one.” She took another bite of the brownie. “Did you make these?”
    â€œKevin Davenport stopped by when I was getting ready to open a few weeks ago and offered to provide me with pastries. I tried one and about fainted.”
    â€œI love that guy.” Janice looked over at Glenn. “He and his boyfriend, Jake Willows, are the first gay couple to last in Devon County. At least so far. But they’re pretty dug in.”
    â€œYou don’t say?” Glenn said. “And so many people I know here are forward thinking.” Glenn sipped his coffee. “I guess it only takes a few.”
    â€œOh, we’re moving forward,” Janice said. “Unfortunately, it’s at the pace of a sloth.”
    â€œSo, tell me,” I said as I started the next espresso, “what’s going on with you, girlfriend?”
    â€œPerimenopause.” She pushed her hair from her face. A few damp strands clung to her forehead.
    â€œSounds bad.”
    She peered over at Glenn. “Is this too much information?”
    He shook his head. “Sounds like you need to vent.”
    She pointed at Glenn with her thumb. “Was that a play on words?”
    Crystal strolled over and stood next to Janice. “I suggest a berry tincture.”
    â€œA what?” Janice wrinkled her nose. “What’s a tincture? Sounds painful.”
    â€œIt’s like an extract, but it’s made with alcohol.” She leaned in and peered into Janice’s eyes. “You’ll need to mix it with some black cohosh.” Crystal crossed her arms.
    â€œWell—” Janice reared back from Crystal’s intense gaze. “I like the alcohol part. Vodka?”
    â€œThat will work. Hold out your arm—straight out, and keep it steady.” Janice did as she was told. “Now see if you can resist when I push down on it.” Crystal pushed, and Janice’s arm collapsed into her lap.
    â€œWhoa,” I said.
    â€œSo what does that indicate?” Glenn said.
    â€œAre you depressed?” Crystal asked Janice.
    â€œCrystal,” I said. “That’s not really—”
    â€œI cry for no reason. Just this morning I was doing the dishes and watching Fox News, and all of a sudden I started bawling like a baby.”
    â€œThere’s the reason,” Glenn said into his