A Caffeinated Crunch: A Cozy Mystery (Sweet Home Mystery Series Book 2) (2 page)

After placing our orders, (chicken and dumplings with green beans for me and meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and a side salad for Jules) I proceeded to ask Jules about her new job.

“So far so good,” Jules replied as she ripped the paper from her straw and set it into her diet Coke.

“It’s a fairly large office with two dentists and 12 exam rooms. The phones are ringing all the time and the patients are coming and going. But it makes the day go by fast, plus I like visiting with the people who come in, most of them I already know.”

I ripped the top of the pink bag of artificial sweetener and poured it into my tea. “I think that’s why I love the coffee shop so much…the chance to visit with customers. Today Harvey came in with some news.”

Jules took a sip of her drink. “Do tell.”

“Do you know a Mr. Jefferies?”

“You mean Carl Jefferies?”

“Yes, him. How do you know him?”

Jules sat back in the booth. “He use to be a lawyer at the firm I worked for in Orlando. He retired about six months ago. Is he living in Sweet Home?”

“Yes, at the Sinking Springs Senior Village. Anyway, Harvey said that the man is having an affair with several different women, including Mildred.”

Jules made a face. “Mildred…I can’t see them together. But the fact that he’s cheating doesn’t surprise me one bit. It was well known around the office he had a wandering eye. In fact, when I’d go over the expense report every month his was always much higher than the other lawyers and it was usually fancy restaurants and hotel rooms.”

I stirred the ice cubes and lemon in my iced tea. “Didn’t his wife ever catch on?”

“Oh, I’m sure Selma Jefferies knew. I don’t think he really kept it much of a secret. But she did enjoy the fruits of his labor so she looked the other way.”

“So this revelation is actually old news.”

“Afraid so.”

Our dinners were brought out and we continued to talk. The creamy texture of the noodles and broth were a delight on my tongue. Jules raved about the meatloaf as well. We decided on coffee and a piece of pie for dessert. Since I drink so much java during the day I asked for decaf to go along with my peanut butter pie. Jules opted for a slice of apple. As we enjoyed the last bite of our pies, Harvey walked through the door with his son Eli.

Although I’d known Eli most of my life, it wasn’t until recently I started feeling a twinge whenever he entered my space. He was a smug kid, but had matured into a handsome and responsible adult and police officer. The last I saw him was almost 2 months ago. I hoped he would call and ask me out, but I heard through his father the police force had him on a 2 month training exercise. It looked as though he was back as he followed his father into Reva’s café. He looked trim, his dark hair combed towards the back of his head. As he and Harvey approached our table to say hello, I could smell the familiar scent of Eli’s cologne.

“Good evening ladies,” Harvey said as he pulled his cap from his bald head.

“Hello gentlemen,” I answered. “You’re just in time to pay our bill.”

We laughed and the two men sat at a table across from our booth. Jackie, the waitress, took their orders and I asked how Eli’s training went.

“Tiring, just glad it’s over,” Eli said as he took a drink of his sweet tea. “I love being a police officer, but I don’t care for the training exercises.”

“What is it you do at these training exercises?” Jules asked.

“Most of it is physical and the rest a refresher course on police procedure. I want to make detective so I had to take a few courses that delved more into how you process a scene, looking for clues and so on.”

“Sounds interesting,” I said. “I’ve always loved a good mystery. Of course you’d think the last one at the coffee house would have cured me of that.”

Eli smiled. “Yes that one hit close to home definitely. Let’s hope we don’t have anymore like that in Sweet Home.”

By that time Eli and Harvey’s dinners had come out of the kitchen so we said our goodbyes. As Jules and I got in my SUV she said, “Eli is looking as handsome as ever.”

“I didn’t stare at him too much did I?” I asked.

“No, you were calm and collected. Think he will call.”

“Who knows,” I answered. “There’s been so much time that’s passed by now. I thought he might have been interested 2 months ago, but now I’m not sure.”

“He’s been gone for a couple of months, not out carousing around,” Jules said as she locked her seatbelt into place.

“I know, but it feels like the moment is gone.”

I thought I’d be happy to see Eli back home again, but his demeanor at Reva’s café seemed friendly, but not, how do I put this…like he wanted to ask me on a date. I don’t know what I expected though; I mean he was with his father. Its funny how you can feel so high and light as air one minute and dark and dreary the next. If this is what love is like I was starting to think it wasn’t for me. I dropped Jules off at her apartment and went home. I kicked off my shoes and changed into my pink silk pajamas. I grabbed the remote and watched
The Big Bang Theory
, attempting to lift my spirits.

I never seemed lucky in love. My relationships usually ended with the guy either taking advantage of me or me getting bored. I’m not sure what I was searching for, but it sure wasn’t someone who didn’t work. My last boyfriend was a piece of work. At first he seemed fine, and then he went from job to job. Never had any money, I paid for our meals out, and then he wanted to move in with me. I was supposed to carry his lame ass. I ended it much later than I should have. I think my problem is low self esteem, although being around my aunts this last year has helped immensely. These ladies are the ultimate woman power. They kick butt and take names. I was learning that I didn’t have to have a man in my life to be happy. That I could make my own happiness, I just needed to try harder. Suddenly the phone jolted me out of my contemplation. I looked at the caller ID which read Eli Davies. I felt my heart leap into my throat. Dang it!

“Hello,” I answered.

“Hey Lily. I hope I’m not calling too late.”

His voice was smooth…dang his sweet talking hide!

“Not at all…what’s going on?” I asked.

“Well, I wanted to ask you at the café, but thought it might be inappropriate, what with Jules and my father there.”

This sounds intriguing.

“Okay.” Oh look at you with that gift of gab. Ugh!

“Well, I was wondering if you’d accompany me to the Sweet Home police fundraiser Saturday night at the senior rec center.”

Oh my gosh! He was asking me on a date! Eli Davies…tall, dark and handsome! Sheesh, where did my girl power go? At the moment it would have to take a backseat. There was no way I was passing up a chance to go out with the most eligible bachelor in town. That is if you didn’t count Toe Thompson, but he was out of my age range.

“I’d love to,” I answered and quickly bit my lip. Did that sound too anxious? Fricketty frack!

“Great,” Eli answered. “I’ll pick you up at seven then.”

“Sounds good,” I managed to squeak out. We said our goodbyes and I quickly called Jules and told her the news.

“Oh goodie!” Jules squealed. “I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Oh wait, some of the girls at the dentist office were talking about going and they asked me if I wanted to go with them so I’ll see you there.”

“Good, that makes me feel better,” I said. “If this date goes south I’ll have you nearby to help pick up the pieces.”

The date would go south alright, but in a very unexpected way.

Chapter Two

The next morning I couldn’t wait to tell my aunties of the news. When the door of the coffee shop swung open and the scent of warm cinnamon rolls jolted me awake, I ran to prop open the door.

“Oh wow, fresh cinnamon rolls,” I remarked. “To what do we owe this occasion?”

Essie shrugged as she carried two boxes filled with rolls to the counter. “Just felt like a cinnamon roll kind of day.”

“Don’t let her fool you,” Hilde said as she walked in behind Essie carrying two more boxes. “She’s in a good humor today.”

I looked at Essie. “What’s going on?”

Essie opened her mouth but Hildie spoke first. “She was asked out on a date.”

Wow, didn’t expect that.

“By who?”

Essie held out her hand for Hildie to continue. “Toe.”

“Really?” I squealed.

“Hildie has a date too.”

“Who?”

“Harvey.”

“Really,” I said not as excited.

Essie tied her Coffee Cabana blue and white apron around her back. “Now listen, it’s not a date. I told Toe I would go with him as a friend only. That’s what Hildie told Harvey as well. We’re not looking for a man to nursemaid. But going out as a companion…well, that works for me.”

I looked at my aunts. “Sounds like a date.”

Essie commenced putting the cinnamon rolls into the bakery case. “Young lady, women our age don’t date.”

I measured out coffee beans to grind. “What do you call it then?”

“Courting,” Essie answered.

“What…did we move back a century in time? Who says courting anymore?”

Essie was getting flustered. “We’re not dating or courting! It’s just a simple…”

I interrupted her with my coffee grinder….BRRRRRRRRR…

Essie stopped talking, and then opened her mouth. “We’re simply compa….”

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR….

“I said it’s not a date, court or…..”

BRRRRRRRRRR…..

“I’m going to throw that blasted coffee grinder in the trash!” She was getting red-faced so I knew I better back down.

“Sorry, but I have to get the beans ground so I can start the coffee.”

“Who needs fresh ground coffee beans in our little town?” Essie huffed.

“I do.”

We all looked as Toe walked through the door. Suddenly Essie was all sugar and cream. Not a date, my foot.

Essie smoothed down her apron. “What are you doing in here so early Toe?”

“I could smell those cinnamon rolls two blocks away and couldn’t resist. Plus I needed an early start to the day. Need to go to Sabina to pick up some supplies so thought I’d get going. But not before I get a coffee with cream and a cinnamon roll to go.”

Essie packed his cinnamon roll but she had to wait on the coffee to brew. Hildie and I walked into the back of the shop to give them some privacy.

“So what’s the deal with Toe and Essie?”

Hildie sat down at one of the tall stools. “He called last evening and asked her to the police fundraiser. She said yes, but she makes it very clear to him that she didn’t date, that she was only going as a companion. He said that was fine.”

“Hildie, don’t you think she’s interested in Toe? I mean more than just a companion?”

Hildie sighed. “Oh I don’t know. Essie is content with the way things are in her life, but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t like a little companionship once in a while.”

“Wasn‘t she getting jealous when she heard Toe‘s social calendar with the ladies?”

Hildie waved her hand. “Ehhh….I just think it made her realize she didn’t always have to go out to dinner with her sister or niece, and that a bit of male companionship wasn’t so bad.”

I didn’t totally buy what Hildie was selling, but then she knew her sister better than I did. “Well what about you?” I asked. “You’re attending the fundraiser with Harvey?”

“Sure, why not,” Hildie looked at me square in the eye. “Don’t get any ideas…we’re going as friends. Harvey has known for many years that’s all I want.”

I nodded my head. Yeah he knows, but I’m sure he wishes for more. But Hildie never married and she was fine with that. No sense in changing it up if it worked for her. I peeked out to the front and Toe was leaving with his bag of cinnamon rolls and a to go cup of coffee.

“Is the coast clear?” I asked, opening the door from the back. “I didn’t want to intrude on you lovebirds.”

Essie turned to look at me. “You’re not too old for a paddlin.”

“Well I have a date to the police fundraiser too. And I mean a date….or at least I hope it is.” All this talk of simple companionship had me worried. Darn my aunts and their non-date talk.

Hildie walked out from the back of the shop and stood by Essie. “Don’t keep us in suspense! Who is it?”

“Eli.”

‘Ohhh, he is so cute,” Hildie cooed. “And such a nice man with a good job. Yes I approve.”

Essie continued to fill the bakery case. “You know he’ll go bald at some point.”

Good grief. You would have thought I said I was engaged. My aunts had a way of jumping ahead of the situation.

I filled one of the coffee urns and prepared to make another pot. “It’s a date…you know, unlike whatever you two are doing Saturday night. But it’s our first date and….wait, what did you say? He’s going to go bald?”

Essie nodded her head. “All I’m saying is look at his dad. Shiniest chrome this side of the Mississippi. Not that it’s a bad thing…just stating a fact.”

Hildie rolled her eyes. “Yes we know Essie, we can see.”

Don’t think Hildie appreciated Essie dissing her non-date.

“But a man gets the baldness gene from his mother’s father,” Hildie continued.

Essie raised her hand. “Hey, just a friendly warning.”

“Sounds like you don’t approve of Eli,” I replied.

Essie shook her head. “Not at all. I think Eli is a wonderful person.”

I looked at her unconvinced. What was up? I thought my aunts would be thrilled that I finally had a date. Although Hildie was, Essie didn’t seem too pleased. What was up with that? I didn’t have much time to think about it as customers streamed into the shop. The rest of the morning flew by with Essie and Hildie’s cinnamon rolls a hit with the clientele.

Harvey arrived later in the day than his usual 10am visit. It was the middle of the afternoon and the only people in the shop were there for their afternoon tea. Customers were enjoying my various flavors including orange spice and raspberry twirl. I decided to brew myself some peach delight for a quick pick-me-up.

Harvey strode in with Miss Pickles, his cat, on her leash. I felt sorry for Miss Pickles, I’m sure all the other kitties were laughing at her. She didn’t seem to mind the leash though and anytime she could get out of the house she enjoyed by scratching a nearby tree trunk or swirling around men’s legs. There wasn’t one woman she liked; it was men only for Miss Pickles.

Harvey took a seat at his usual table and Miss Pickles jumped into his lap. “Why so late today Harve?” Essie asked as she got his coffee with cream and sugar.

“Had to take Miss Pickles to the vet. She has a hairball.”

Essie stopped midway to Harvey’s table. “She’s not going to cough it up is she?”

Harvey shook his head. “No…vet gave her some medicine to dissolve it.”

Essie eyed the cat and Miss Pickles gave it right back. She was not a kitty to be trifled with. She didn’t like women, especially my aunt Essie, and the feeling was mutual. Essie gave her a wide berth and set Harvey’s coffee and muffin on the table.

“Why does that cat have such an issue with women?” She asked Harvey.

Harvey took a bite of his muffin. “Not sure. Maybe her previous owner was a woman and she was mean to her.”

Essie didn’t seem convinced. “I think she’s got a jealous streak.”

Ha! My aunt should talk.

“She simply prefers men,” Hildie said as she walked up behind Essie. “So what is the wardrobe protocol for Saturday night?”

Harvey stroked Miss Pickles and I could hear her purr. “Eli said it’s a causal event, so I’m wearing slacks and a pressed shirt.”

“No flip flops or sandals right?” Hildie ordered. I believe it was supposed to come out as a question but it sounded more like a command. Harvey didn’t pay any mind.

“That’s right. I’ll be wearing my patent leather dress shoes.”

Hildie made a face. “They’re not white are they?”

Oh Lord…spare us!

“No, they’re black.”

I saw Hildie sigh in relief.

“So what are you wearing Miss Hildie.”

“That’s none of your business Harvey Davies until you see me that evening.”

Hmmm, Aunt Hildie is little sassy.

Harvey smiled. Look out Hildie; I think Harvey likes feisty women.

At that moment Jules walked in. “Hey everybody.” She walked up to the counter and said, “I need to get four cups of your French vanilla lattes to go.”

I began filling the cups with milk. “So are my lattes a hit with the dentist office?”

“They are. The hygienists and the office secretary love them. Can I have a peach tea?”

“Sure, coming right up.”

Jules sat at the counter and talked with Essie and Hildie as I prepared her order.

“So are you going to the police fundraiser Saturday night?” Hildie asked Jules.

“Yep. I’m going with some friends.”

Essie motioned at me. “Lily is going with Eli.”

Jules smiled. “I already heard.”

Harvey looked up from his paper. “Is that right Lily?”

I nodded my head not sure if Harvey was pleased or not. Didn’t take long to find out though.

“Oh good, I want him to find a nice girl and settle down.”

Good gravy!

“It’s a first date Harvey!” I exclaimed.

The front door of the coffee shop opened and a man I didn’t know entered, but Jules did. He was short, about Harvey’s age, with gray hair. His sandals made flopping noises as he walked in wearing a green golf shirt and white shorts. As he walked to the counter Jules turned around.

“Well hello Jules. How have you been?”

Jules looked a little flustered as she jumped off her stool. “Oh, just fine Mr. Jefferies.”

So this was the illustrious Mr. Carl Jefferies that Harvey was talking about the other day. Before I knew it he had Jules in an uncomfortable hug. Jules pushed him away, grabbed the box of to-go cups, and headed for the door.

“I need to get these back to the office. Nice to see you again Mr. Jefferies. See you all later.” And she was gone. Okay, I’d have to find out later what that was about.

Mr. Jefferies walked up to the counter and perused the menu on the wall. “I’ve heard good things about this place and thought it was about time I stop in.”

Essie wiped the counter in front of him. “We’re glad you did.”

Carl Jefferies settled his sights on Essie. “I’m very glad I did what with all the beautiful women behind the counter.”

Now my aunts are not the soft and cuddly type and a flirtatious man is not going to melt them into puddles. They looked at him like he had two heads.

“What can I get for you sir?” I asked.

“Call me Carl dear. No sense on being formal when I plan on making this my daily stop in the future. And what might your names be?”

“I’m Lily and these are my aunts, Essie and Hildie,” I said motioning to the statues rooted to the floor. I don’t know if they were dumbstruck or completely put off by the smarmy dude.

Carl looked at my aunts like they were fresh meat.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I heard there were gorgeous women running the coffee shop but now I know for sure.”

Eeek! The guy just didn’t stop. I could see Essie out of the corner of my eye. She was having none of this sweet talk from a noted cheater and incredibly creepy weirdo.