Page 17 of The Last Lavender Sister

“Of course I did,” Brynn said, grinning at her new friend. “I had a doughnut craving. I have ever since you told me about this place.” She glanced behind her. “Speaking of, I have to ask, who did you commission for the mural on the side of the building?”

Aster blinked. “Yeah, no one. That was me.”

Brynn quirked her head. “You’re telling me you painted that mural. Ladder, brushes, and all.”

“Uh-huh. Easier than trying to explain to someone what I wanted depicted and in what style when I could just do it myself in an afternoon.”

Brynn balked. “Aster, it’s really good.”

“Thanks.” She tossed a thumb behind her. “Do you want a doughnut? First one is on the house.”

“Really? Okay. Yes. Let’s see.” She tapped her chin. “I’ll takea dozen to go and maybe a Chocolate Murder for me to eat here? Attention-getting name, by the way.”

“Murder? Well, it happens in life. Best if it’s by chocolate.” Aster had a way of saying things plainly, which Brynn was beginning to find fantastic. This was a woman who said what she meant and thought. After dealing with someone like Tiffany, who clearly held information back, Brynn could really get used to up-front declarations.

“I’m grappling, but I can’t come up with any argument.”

“Perfect. Your order’s coming right up.”

In under thirty seconds, a black and white checkered box that reminded her a lot of the subway tile was slid her way. As she picked it up, she noticed the warmth emanating from the box. Dear father God in doughnut heaven. Next, Aster presented her a plate with a scrumptious looking chocolate doughnut with dark as night chocolate frosting and what looked to be white chocolate shavings covering the top like snow.

“Let me know what you think,” Aster said. She flashed a smile before moving on to help the next customer.

Occupied by Aster’s devastating smile, one she only let you glimpse for a moment, Brynn bumped into the table, which screeched across the floor, pulling stares. “I’m okay,” she said and held up a hand. “Just enjoying my murder doughnut and crashing into stuff.”

She settled in and took a bite of the doughnut, surely leaving some of the frosting on her lips. Didn’t matter. This doughnut, this angel kissed creation, was worth every second she potentially looked like a chocolate bandit. Aster Lavender and her team belonged in the doughnut hall of fame. She gripped the table. She slowed her chewing. She savored and lingered over the doughnut longer than she ever intended, wanting to enjoy every last bite before the experience was over.

“Well?” Aster asked, approaching her table and retrieving the plate. She had a white towel over her shoulder and paused for an answer, the ball cap shading her eyes slightly. She begrudgingly admitted how sexy it was and then remembered that she was a sex-starved woman and stopped it.

“I’ve never enjoyed a doughnut that much before.”

Aster nodded. “Good. So come back. We have more.”

“Oh, I don’t think you have to worry about that. I’m a little in awe of you.”

“Me? Why is that?” Now she seemed a little shy. A very sweet person.

“A magical doughnut maker who also has mad painting skills. You keep me guessing.”

“I do?” Aster said, blinking.

“Just an expression.” Brynn retrieved her doughnuts for the staff meeting.

“Hi again,” a voice said. Brynn looked around Aster to see the redhead grinning at them. “I’m Tori. A friend of Aster’s. I also work here. That was me, waiting on you briefly just a few minutes ago.”

“I remember. Nice to meet you. Brynn Garrett. I’m the new vet filling in for Tyler Lawson. At least for a little while.”

“Oh, I know. Everyone knows about you.” Tori’s eyes were sparkling, and her smile spread out across her face. “We’re all thrilled to have you—and pause that for one milli because, oh my God, you are even more beautiful up close. Just gorgeous. I’m in love. Not really, because I’m dating someone long distance, but you know what I mean. Sorry for the gushing.” It was like one long run-on sentence of happy feelings. Tori was extra exuberant, which was quite the contrast to Aster’s quiet calm. She wondered how that working relationship played out on the daily. “Did Aster give you a free doughnut? We often do that for new people.”

“Yeah, and I murdered it. Pun intended.”

Tori laughed extra loud and pointed at her. “I like you even more now. Don’t you, Aster?” She nudged Aster with her elbow.

“Oh yes.” Aster smiled conservatively, that same smile that made Brynn wonder what was really going on in that head of hers. Such a mystery to unravel. Not that she’d be unraveling it. Her stomach dipped. Just the doughnut.

“Well, you’ve found yourself a new fan and customer. I’ll be back.” Brynn held up her twelve doughnut score. “See you soon, neighbor. I’ll be stalking you from my driveway.”

“You got it,” Aster said.

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