Tastes Like Murder (Cookies & Chance Mysteries Book 1) (3 page)

I raised my bottle in the air with a flourish. "To my beautiful baby sister. She's going to make one heck of a lawyer." The room started to spin, and I shut my eyes for a second.

My best friend frowned. "You can't be drunk yet. There's no way."

I suppressed a laugh. "I'm feeling pretty good."

Josie leaned toward Ellen. "She's such a lightweight."

"Puh-leeze." I raised my bottle in the air again. "Another toast. To my new life." I clinked my bottle with their beverages and then downed the rest of my beer in a flash.

"I will definitely drink to that." Josie grinned. "And how good it is to have you back."

"And to the most fabulous cookie designer in the world. My dearest friend Joshie. Er-Josie." I was having difficulty locating my tongue.

She sighed and pushed her beer aside. "Looks like I just became designated driver."

I reached for another beer and snorted, unladylike, into the bottle. "Hey, I should go play some pool and see if I can pick up a biker or two. Maybe I'll take both home with me."

I expected Josie to crack up, but she remained silent, fixated on something behind me. I whirled around too quickly and slid off my lacquered chair onto the floor. Everyone seemed to stop what they were doing to gawk. Embarrassed, I tried to stand. A pair of strong, muscular arms lifted me in a single swoop. Confused, I found myself looking directly into a pair of midnight-blue eyes I would have known anywhere. They belonged to my ex-boyfriend Mike Donovan.

He gazed at me, a playful smile on his lips. "Nice move."

Annoyed, I pushed his hands away and stumbled back into my chair. "Yes, nice to see you too." I touched the back of my head gingerly.

"Are you all right?" Josie asked, concern in her eyes.

"I'll be fine." I hoped I sounded more convincing than I felt. Seeing Mike had sobered me up in a hurry.

He stood there, hands in his jeans pockets, eyes wandering over me. My breath caught in my throat.
What does he want?

He nodded to Josie and Ellen. "Ladies."

"How's it going, Mike?" Josie asked.

He grinned at her. "Hey, Mrs. Sullivan. How's the new baby? What's that make, a dozen now?"

She smirked. "Wiseass. No, number four."

They all seemed to be waiting for me to add something to the conversation, but I continued to sit there in silence. I didn't know what to say or how to react. My stomach twisted into a giant pretzel as I looked at him.

Josie cleared her throat. "Would you like to join us?"

"No, thanks." Mike's eyes searched mine.

Ellen spoke up. "Um, I've got to be going. Early day at the hospital tomorrow. I'll see you guys later." She moved with the speed and agility of lightning.

Josie rose. "I'll go get some ice for your head. Be right back." She glanced at me with a question in her eyes. I got her unspoken message and gave her a halfhearted wave, indicating I'd be fine with Mike. I wasn't sure if the sudden queasiness in my stomach was from the beer or seeing him. Probably both.

Mike and I had dated for the last two years of high school. He'd been my first serious boyfriend, my first love. He had been my first everything until the night of the senior prom when I'd found him in the backseat of Brenda Snyder's Buick.

When I decided to leave Florida after the divorce and return to my hometown, I had known this day would come eventually. In such a small town, I was bound to run into Mike sooner or later. I wished it had been much later though.

"Well, that wasn't awkward." Mike watched me. "Mind if I sit down?"

I gestured toward Gianna's discarded chair. As he sat, my eyes did some wandering of their own. I hated to admit it, but he'd grown better looking in the eight or nine years since I'd last seen him, and that had been at a respectable distance. Not that he'd ever been a slouch in that department. His black hair curled slightly over the nape of his neck, and he still sported his usual five o'clock shadow. He'd always hated shaving and done it as little as possible. The look worked well with his rugged, tanned face.

Mike was no longer the skinny boy I'd dated in high school, but a muscled and powerful-looking man. Josie casually mentioned once that she'd seen him running a marathon. I hoped it helped him blow off steam. In our two years of dating, we'd had several fights caused by his jealous and insecure ways.

A tingle ran through my body, and I hated myself for it.

"I heard you were back in town." He lowered his voice. "You look terrific. How've you been?"

"I'm fine. And you?"

"Never better." His gaze didn't waver from my face.

The room was growing warmer, and perspiration started to collect on my forehead. Perhaps the air-conditioning had stopped working, but more than likely it was from my extreme discomfort. I glanced away, embarrassed.

Mike edged the chair a little closer to me, scraping it on the floor.

Panicked, I tried to move mine backward and, in the process, hit my head on the wall. "Ouch."

His face broke out into a huge grin. "Still a bit klutzy, I see. You haven't run over anybody's foot lately, have you?"

I bristled at the comment. "Why'd you have to bring that up? You know how upset I was after it happened."

Mike had always been a conscientious driver, unlike me. One time we'd had an argument, and I'd taken off in my usual, impatient huff. I'd accidentally hit him with my car as he ran beside it, trying to stop me. He'd broken his foot, and I'd been hysterical. Fortunately, he forgave me, and we'd experienced a great make-up session afterward. Heat rose through my face as I remembered the intimate details.

"I was sorry to hear about your divorce. It must have been rough on you."

I shrugged. "It's over with, and I'm fine. Thanks for your concern though."

His face fell, and I knew my tone conveyed sarcasm, which hadn't been my intention. So many emotions ran through my head as I stared at this man. In the past ten years, I'd thought of him often. Too often.

"Sal, you never gave me a chance to explain."

I took another sip of beer. "Please, Mike. It was a long time ago. I don't want to get into this now."

"I was drunk that night. I didn't know what I was doing."

I blew out a sigh. "Leave it in the past, okay? Ancient history."

"I never did anything, I swear. She kissed me. I always—"

I dropped my empty beer bottle on the table and stood, albeit shakily. "Nice seeing you. Excuse me. I have to get up early." I started toward the door. Why was he doing this to me? Here I was trying to make a new life for myself, but the old one kept haunting me.

Mike caught my arm as I tried to move past him. His expression changed from forlorn to annoyance in a split second. "What the hell is the matter with you?"

Furious at his tone, I spun around to face him. I moved a little too fast and almost lost my balance. His strong arm steadied me, and I stared into his eyes. Their beauty had always managed to hypnotize me. They were still breathtaking but had hardened, perhaps from a life too full of pain and devoid of happiness. Similar to mine the last couple of years.

I hadn't known it would hurt this much to see him again. "Please let me go."

Mike said something inaudible under his breath. Even in my inebriated state, I knew he was becoming irritated as his tanned face turned the color of flame. He released his grip on my arm and stood there motionless, hands on hips, continuing to watch me. "You haven't changed a bit. Stubborn and pigheaded, as always."

I desperately tried to clear my foggy head. "Did you just call me a pig? That's extremely rude."

His mouth twisted upward in a smile. "You're sloshed. Does it still only take two beers?"

I tossed my head and held up three fingers. "I beg your pardon. For your information, I had this many."

Mike gave a low whistle. "Wow. A new record for you."

Is he making fun of me?
I couldn't tell
. And why is the floor on the ceiling?
Again, I started for the exit.

"You're not driving, girl," Josie yelled. "Let me pay the bill, and I'll be right there."

Ignoring her, I pushed through the door and stood on the front steps, inhaling the warm, sticky air with several gulps. My head throbbed, and my stomach was starting to do flip-flops. Suddenly my arm was grabbed from behind, and I whirled around. Mike.

"Sal, talk to me. I'm not the monster you think I am."

I didn't want to dredge up our history again. Maybe my biggest fear was that I might have always been wrong about that night. It was no secret how much Brenda had wanted him. She'd possessed stalker tendencies where Mike was concerned and a reputation that preceded her. Heck, she wasn't called Backseat Brenda for nothing.

I yanked my arm free and pushed at his chest, but couldn't budge him an inch. He was over two hundred pounds of solid muscle. He smirked at my futile attempt, and this infuriated me. Was I some kind of warped entertainment for him? Furious, I reached up to smack him across the face.

In a single motion, he captured my fingers and held them against his chest. His heart drummed rapidly beneath my hand. He placed his other arm around my back, pulling me toward him. Again, I stared into those deep-set eyes and was lost. Mike didn't hesitate as he pressed his soft lips against mine. I closed my eyes and, for a few split seconds, let myself enjoy the tender kiss. It was so natural to be in his powerful arms again, safe and protected. Two words I'd learned to live without.

I quickly came to my senses and struggled to free myself from his grip. Mike released me without protest, but didn't move away.

"What the heck do you think you're doing?" I grabbed my stomach in sudden pain.

Mike didn't reply as he reached a hand up to stroke my hair. I immediately swatted it away.

Then I threw up all over his shoes.

"Drink this." Josie stood beside my bed with a glass of tomato juice.

I removed the pillow from my head. "Ugh. I hate the taste of that stuff."

"Too bad. It helps restore antioxidants and vitamins you lost last night. It'll help you feel much better, trust me."

I took a small sip and grimaced. "Save the health talk, please. I may throw up again."

"If you've got anything left, which I pretty much doubt, you'd better make it quick. The store opens in ten minutes."

Groaning, I handed the juice back to her and put the pillow over my head again. "Tell me the truth. Did I make a fool out of myself last night?"

"Yes."

I peeked out from the pillow, looking for any trace of a smirk on her face. "Stop joking."

"Who's joking? Don't I always give it to you straight? And who the hell gets a hangover and pukes after only three beers?"

"Well, I'm sorry. You know I've never been able to hold my liquor."

"Winnie the Pooh could drink you under the table."

I rolled my eyes at her. "He might have been there last night, for all I remember."

"By the way, you owe Mike a new pair of sneakers." Josie's mouth curved upwards into a sly smile.

Panicked, I pushed the pillow aside and sat up with a start at the mention of his name. "Say what?"

"You do remember barfing on his feet, don't you?"

I shut my eyes. "I had hoped it was a bad dream."

Josie chuckled as she picked my comforter up off the floor. "Sorry. No such luck. You should have seen his face. Absolutely priceless. Then again, you were too busy falling over into the bushes to notice."

My stomach rumbled and not from hunger. "Was he really angry?"

Josie grinned. "He didn't seem too happy. After he helped pack you into the car, he walked off toward his house. Good thing he lives close by. He was barefoot."

My mouth opened in astonishment as she stared back at me, arms folded over her chest. Her mouth started to twitch, and soon we both burst into laughter.

I rolled out of bed, wincing. "Everything hurts."

"We can say you're officially back in town after last night's performance."

"Well, please don't alert the presses. I can't remember the last time I was so embarrassed."

"I can." Josie's voice was wicked. "Does Sal the Mooch ring a bell?"

I threw my pillow at her head, and she ducked. "You promised never to call me that again."

In junior high, I'd lost my snack money one day and borrowed a dollar from another student. Somehow I'd forgotten to pay her back, and thus my new nickname was born. Even after I finally did return the dollar, the name stuck with me throughout high school.

"Yeah, so I lied." Josie paused for a moment. "Um, you might not want to hear this, but—"

"Please tell me I didn't do anything else repulsive." I rubbed sleep out of my eyes.

"I think Mike still has feelings for you."

This was the last thing I expected to hear. "Why on earth would you say that?"

"It was the way he was looking at you. I've always suspected, anyhow. Oh, and for the record, I witnessed the kiss too. It was like you guys were back in high school again."

My cheeks were hot underneath my fingertips. "I was drunk. I didn't know what I was doing." Great. Hadn't Mike said the very same thing to me last night?

Josie gave a low chuckle. "Yeah, it definitely looked like that."

"It doesn't matter. We've been over and done with for years." My stomach was growing queasy again.

Her eyes grew soft. "He hasn't been serious with anyone since you, Sal."

"Oh, please. Don't tell me he hasn't been with a woman in ten years."

She snorted. "I didn't say he was a monk, moron. I'm saying he hasn't been in love with anyone since you."

Although deep down I was pleased to hear this, I wasn't about to let anyone—not even my best friend—know. "It's too late. We could never be together again."

"Uh-huh." Josie's tone was dismissive as she walked over to my linen closet, reached inside, and threw a towel at my head. "Come on, go take a quick shower. I can manage everything until you get downstairs."

*   *   *

The day passed uneventfully. Sales were a bit slow, so in between customers I balanced the books from my seat at the front, next to the large window. We'd set up three small tables there so that customers could linger and enjoy treats with a cup of coffee. I already had visions of expanding and maybe one day offering a small lunch menu too. Perhaps some egg rolls to go with the fortune cookies? I smiled to myself. My dream of owning a business had finally become a reality. I was still pinching myself at times.

I cleaned the display case, polishing the glass until it shone, and helped Josie make up two baskets for local deliveries while she worked on the upcoming baby shower order. I glanced in awe at the sugar cookies in the shapes of ducks, rattles, and baby carriages, piped in her homemade strawberry icing, honoring our client's soon-to-arrive baby girl. Josie had started culinary school, but left when she got pregnant with her first baby. Her talent was rare, and I never ceased to marvel how, without her, I wouldn't have been able to carry out my dream.

There was a rap on the back door, and I opened it. Vido Falzo waited in the alley. Tall, dark, and greasy, he was on permanent disability for a back injury sustained a few years ago, which made him a terrific part-time employee. He worked cheap and was always available. At Vido's request, we kept his name off the books. I never asked why.

The trunk of Vido's Ford Focus was open and ready for action. Rumor had it, he and his brothers were the type of people you didn't want to annoy since they had mob connections. As I watched, he removed the cigarette from his mouth and threw it on the ground, grinning at me with tobacco-stained teeth. Voice hoarse, he spoke in a stage whisper. "You got the baskets?"

Suddenly, I felt like I was in an episode of
The Sopranos.

"They're on the counter, Vido," Josie called out as she washed trays at the sink.

Vido looked her up and down several times as a sly grin formed under his dark, wiry beard. He turned to me, and his attention immediately focused on my chest.

I crossed my arms over the front of my low-cut, white V-neck shirt. Sure, I'd known Vido for years, but he still had the ability to make my skin crawl.

I picked up one of the baskets, and he grabbed the other two. While we placed them in his trunk, I tried desperately not to think about what else might have been in there recently. I handed him two twenty-dollar bills that he stuffed into the pocket of his faded jeans, riddled with holes.

Vido took one last parting look at my chest and whispered, "Have a blessed day." He grinned and sped off in his car.

I shut the back door and turned to Josie, busy untying her apron. "Why does Vido still scare the crap out of me?"

"Oh, he's harmless."

"I'm pretty sure he's a pervert." I picked up the container of double fudge cookie dough I'd prepared earlier and placed it into the refrigerator for Josie to use tomorrow.

"No, he's not. I went out with him once, remember?"

"You went out with everyone."

Josie laughed as she wiped down the prep table. "I've been hearing rumors about him lately."

"Do tell." I grabbed a broom and dustpan from the corner.

"I heard he's been spending time at skanky Amanda's house. Definitely a match made in heaven."

"Maybe he's doing some work for her," I added teasingly, "taking out the trash or something."

She smiled wickedly. "I'm guessing it's something else, all right."

I shook my head in amazement. "I can't picture those two together."

"Who'd want to?"

"Gross. That's all I have to say." I emptied the dustpan into the garbage.

Josie glanced at the clock. It was after 6:30. "Hey, is it okay with you if I take off a few minutes early? Rob and I are having a date night."

I smiled. "Aww, that's sweet."

"Yeah, well, I do like to see him once in a while without four kids hanging off me. My mom agreed to babysit too, which you know is rare. We'll probably go see a movie."

I gestured toward the front door. "Go. I'll finish cleaning up. Have fun."

"Aren't your parents expecting you for dinner?"

"Honestly, I don't know if I can hold anything in my stomach."

"You'd better eat something. You know how they get if you—" The bells on the front door jingled, and we both peered through the doorway to see who our latest customer was.

Josie gritted her teeth. "Am I having a nightmare?"

Amanda was back.
Mental head slap.
Minus Charlotte this time, she seemed so involved in checking the place out that we weren't positive she had noticed us. Or perhaps she liked the idea of having a ready-made audience. She glanced at the newly painted, cream-colored walls and the silver-framed artwork I'd bought discounted from a local shop. Next, Amanda ran her blood-red manicure all over the cute wooden wall shelf Rob had made for us, as if testing for dust. The shelf held two porcelain figurines seated at a table with a plate of cookies and a teapot between them. She picked up each figurine, turning them around in her hands, then returned them to the shelf in opposite spaces.

"Oh, great." I groaned under my breath. "Is this going to be an everyday thing?"

Josie balled her right hand into a fist. "I'll take care of her."

"No. You go. Rob's waiting for you."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. She's here to get a rise out of me, anyway. Don't worry. I'll be nice."

Josie grinned. "But I don't want you to be nice."

"Ha-ha. Look, if she doesn't get a reaction from us, she'll stop coming in eventually
." I hope.
We walked out of the back room together.

Amanda had her nose pressed to the glass of the display case like a child. I cringed, having polished it less than an hour ago.

"Oh, look who's here. Again. Too bad I'm leaving. We could have spent quality time together." Josie winked. "Call me later, babe." Josie's code for
let me know what happens, or else.

"Bye. Have fun." I turned to Amanda. "What would you like?"

"Mm." Amanda licked her lips. "Josie is a bitch, but she sure can bake. What are those cookies?"

I clenched my fists. "Sugar with sprinkles."

While Amanda continued her browsing, I tapped my foot. The bells over the door rang again, and Mrs. Gavelli strolled in. I had a sudden urge to smack my head against something hard.

"Hello, Mrs. G." Amanda waved.

Mrs. Gavelli's face lit up. "Amanda, sweetie, how you are? And so pretty. How your spa do?"

Amanda beamed. "Wonderful. I'm thinking about adding a Jacuzzi."

"Mama Mia! I need to go there."

I clasped my hands together and smiled at the old woman. "What can I do for you, Mrs. G?"

She glared at me. "You give me two more butter cookies."

"Of course, but no more specials. If you want them, you have to pay full price." I grabbed a piece of waxed paper from the counter behind me.

Mrs. Gavelli clucked her tongue and reached inside her purse for money. "You a cheat. Okay, I take. But I'm gonna tell your grandmama. And you give me fortune this time. Real fortune."

I prayed she'd get a good one, or she'd really make my life miserable.

"Ooh." Amanda pointed her finger at the case and squealed. "I want one of those too. You forgot to give me one yesterday."

Mrs. Gavelli nodded gravely. "She always forget."

I reached down to grab a fortune cookie for each of them, trying to push the negative thoughts away.
I can do this.

They both eagerly broke their cookies apart at the same moment. Mrs. Gavelli's lips moved silently then she looked at me in disbelief. "Why you give me lousy fortune again?"

Good grief. "Mrs. Gavelli, I don't put those in there on purpose. We buy the fortunes from a novelty store, and Josie stuffs them into the cookies. I have no idea what they're going to say."

"Yah, sure," she spat out, and then read aloud. "
Be nice or leave.
"

Poetic justice.
I turned around to ring up her sale, hoping she wouldn't see my smile.

Mrs. Gavelli glanced over Amanda's shoulder. "What you get?"

Drawing her eyebrows together, Amanda stared intently at the strip. "I don't understand this."

"They don't mean anything." Why did people keep putting so much emphasis on these little pieces of paper?

Amanda frowned as she read aloud. "
No fortune for you. Wrong cookie. Your luck is just not there.
"

"Aha!" Mrs. Gavelli pointed a finger at me. "You see? She get bad fortune too. Is setup."