The Mezzo Wore Mink Read Online Free Page B

to convert the unwashed of Appalachia.” I took another sip.
    Meg harrumphed. “Maybe they do. You don’t know one way or the other.”
    “ I’ve never known a business that does do something nice like that not to display the fact prominently in their window.”
    “ You are certainly jaded on this lovely morning.”
    I nodded. “You’re absolutely right. I take it all back. And if this weren’t a good cup of coffee, I wouldn’t drink it. But if they come out with WWJD cup holders, I’m finished with them.”
    “ What Would Jesus Drink?”
    “ Exactly.”
    We sipped our coffee together.
    “ Their spa opened the day before yesterday,” said Meg. “It’s on the second floor. Christian massage and holistic healing. That’s what Cynthia told me.”
    “ Has Cynthia already been there?” I asked.
    “ She’s working there,” said Meg, taking a sip of her coffee and smiling at the corners of her mouth.
    “ Has she given up belly dancing?”
    “ Nope. She’s been encouraged to incorporate her dancing into the totality of the Christian wellness experience.”
    “ Huh?”
    Meg shook her head. “Those are her words, not mine. She can dance, but she’s not allowed to give massages. Chad is the only certified Christian massage therapist in this part of the state.”
    “ You don’t say.”
    Meg wasn’t looking at me. I suspected she didn’t want to give away the punch line too soon, and I knew her too well to believe she wasn’t going somewhere with this information.
    “ That’s a shame really. I think Cynthia would make a wonderful Christian masseuse. Especially if she wore the outfit.”
    “ Huh,” Meg sniffed. “I don’t think you’ll be going in.”
    “ Not without the Vice Squad.”
    Meg spun toward me, a big smile finally breaking over her face.
    “ Okay. I can’t stand it any longer,” she blurted out. “Do you know the name of the spa?”
    Her smile was infectious. “Nope. Do tell.” I chuckled and put the cup to my lips.
    “ The Upper Womb,” she laughed. I choked on a sip of coffee and spit it back into my cup.
    “ Isn’t that just great? The Upper Womb. Chad took me up there. It’s all dark and warm and there was a heartbeat on the sound system.”
    I shook my head. “All the time? Just a heartbeat?”
    “ No. He can switch it to anything. Heartbeat, ocean waves, New Age, Contemporary Christian…whatever he wants. He gave me a coupon for a free massage.”
    “ Yes, I’ll bet he did.”
    “ Don’t worry. I won’t use it.”
    “ The heck you won’t!” I exclaimed. “I need someone to go up there and scope it out. It’s not every day you get a chance for a free Christian massage. Anyway, you’d probably enjoy it.”
    “ Yes,” said Meg with a nod of her head. “I probably would. But I don’t think I should go. I’ll see if Nancy will do it.”
    “ You should go. I’m sure Chad…what’s his last name?”
    “ I have no idea.”
    “ Well, I’m sure Chad Whatshisname will do a good job.”
    “ Yes, I’m sure he would.”
    “ Then what’s the problem?” I asked with a shrug.
    “ You haven’t seen Chad.”

    •••

    Meg and I finished up our coffee and wandered over to the Slab for breakfast, an event that was occurring almost daily. Our usual table was empty, although the restaurant was beginning to fill up. It was still early and by eight o’clock, there wouldn’t be a table to be had. Noylene was on duty and so was Bootsie, and it was Bootsie who spotted us and made a beeline to the table.
    “ Coffee?” she asked, already pouring.
    “ Not this morning,” said Meg, causing Bootsie to stop the stream of coffee with a small jerk, spilling some in surprise. Meg gave her a guilty look. “We just had some. Could I get some orange juice instead?”
    “ I’ll have just one more cup,” I said quickly. Bootsie relaxed, smiled, and finished pouring the steaming mug. Then she slid it over in front of me.
    “ I’ll get your juice in a sec, Hon,”