Death at the Day Lily Cafe Read Online Free Page A

cup.
    â€œMaybe you need a dose of NPR,” I said.
    â€œSt. John’s wort, then,” Crystal said. “Add a teaspoon of that.” She looked around the room. Table three was finishing up. “Do you mind if I take a little break?”
    â€œOf course not, sweetie,” I said. “It’s been a big morning.”
    When the espresso was finished brewing, I set the cup in front of Janice. Only crumbs remained on her plate.
    â€œI see where you’re looking,” Janice said, sounding indignant. “I was a size six before all this started.” She straightened. “Don’t judge me until you’ve walked in my wide pants.”
    â€œNot judging.”
    â€œYou’ll see when it happens to you.” She shook her head. “I’m hungry all the time and hotter than Hades. My butt is getting so big I’m going to change my name to Jan-ass.”
    â€œOh, honey,” I said. “Be easy on yourself.”
    â€œMaybe Crystal will help,” Glenn said. “I might see what she can do for my knees.” He stretched out a leg and massaged his kneecap.
    Custer shuffled through the door separating the kitchen from the restaurant, shoelaces untied, holding a Day Lily Café coffee mug. “I need a refill.”
    â€œAre you working here, Custer?” Janice had a concerned scowl on her face.
    â€œBack in the sweatbox.”
    â€œCeiling fans,” she said. “I’ve installed one in every room. Trevor had the down comforter over him last night because I had the AC set to sixty-four. The fan was spinning so fast his comb-over was flapping against the pillow.”
    â€œI don’t suppose I can have that last brownie?” Custer said.
    Janice hopped up. “I’ll fight you for it.”
    â€œWhoa.” He held up his palms. “It’s all yours.”
    â€œAre you sick of the muffins, Custer?” I said. “What about a scone?”
    â€œI think I should let Miss Janice have it.”
    â€œI only need chocolate.”
    â€œHey,” Custer said, “is this belt okay?” We all stared as Custer lifted his chef’s jacket. A white canvas belt looped through his jeans, which hung low on his trim hips. The edge of his plaid boxers peeked out just below a rippled set of abdominal muscles. I blushed instantly at the sight of his rock-hard stomach and the vertical line of dark hair disappearing into his pants.
    â€œIt’s a nice belt,” I said quickly, and looked away. “I’m certainly glad you’re wearing it.”
    Janice continued to stare.
    â€œBut do guys wear white belts anymore?” Custer let his shirt drop.
    â€œIt’s fine, Custer.” I cleared my throat.
    â€œOkay, good,” he said. “Annie and I are hanging out tonight.”
    â€œAnnie?” I swallowed hard. “ Really ?” I wadded a table napkin in my fist and squeezed.
    â€œYeah.” He sized me up. “ She asked me .” Custer turned and walked with purpose back to the kitchen.
    â€œHoly Mother of God, did he really just show us that?” Janice said.
    I nodded slowly. “Uh-huh.”
    â€œTalk about eye candy.”
    â€œWell,” Glenn said. “The boy certainly takes care of his body.”
    â€œI knew it was a good idea for you to open this place,” Janice said. “I feel better already.”
    I stared at the door Custer had just disappeared through. “Those six-pack abs, which are on probation, I might add, are hanging out with my daughter tonight.” I crossed my arms. “Do you know why he’s on probation?”
    â€œAbsolutely.” Janice shrugged. “Isn’t it obvious?”
    â€œTell me,” I said.
    â€œOutlaw abs.”

 
    S EVEN
    Birdie’s Shoe Store was a Cardigan institution. The shop was housed in a narrow, declining building with peeling letters on the front glass. The carpet was threadbare and the plastic