Page 25 of Murder By the Millions
“To keep busy,” I replied.
“But the Blue Lantern keeps her plenty occupied.”
“Are you sure? Her accountant manages all the finances, and Helga seems to have the food and housekeeping well in hand.” Helga was a devoted employee with a quick wit and a heart of gold. She had started working at the B&B at eighteen and had stayed on after Noeline purchased it.
“Mom has her hands full. She sets the menus. She does the meet and greets.” Tegan ticked the list off on her fingertips. “She tends to the nightly cocktail soirees. She loves chatting up the guests.”
“Relax.” I petted my friend on the arm. “Don’t work yourself into a tizzy. Let’s see how it pans out.”
Vanna agreed and departed to run an errand. Chloe excused herself and went to the stockroom so she could spruce up her makeup before her audition. Tegan and I resumed organizing the sales desk.
Minutes later, the door opened, and Patrick strode inside. “Hello!”
Tegan muttered, “What is he doing here? Did my mother …?Ooh.” She blew frustration out of the side of her mouth.
“Chill,” I ordered. “I’ll bet he’s here by chance. After all, he does love to read.” I smiled at Patrick. “Welcome! Were your ears burning?”
“Should they have been?”
“Your name came up in conversation. Noeline is very happy you’re doing the work at the B&B.”
“Glad to hear it,” he said. “It’s such a cool place. I’ve already recommended it to a few people who have family coming in for the holidays.” He addressed Tegan. “You look nice today.”
“You don’t,” she replied.
“Ha!” He didn’t falter. In fact, his eyes were twinkling with humor. He offered a lopsided grin. “Do I need to wear my Sunday best to come into the shop on a Monday?” He eyed his clothes, which were covered with sawdust. His boots were yet again caked with dried dirt. “Want me to stand outside?” He ran his fingers through his tousled hair, which, if I was honest, gave him a bad boy look … in a good way.
“No. You can stay.”
“Care for a piece of gum?” He pulled a pack from his shirt pocket and offered her a square. “Spearmint. No sugar. Your favorite brand.”
He was right. How did he know? Kudos for paying attention.
“No thanks. Why are you here?” Tegan asked rather ungraciously.
“I ran into a few people who’d picked up their copies ofThe Great Gatsby.I’m here to buy one. I didn’t know you had them in, or I would’ve bought it yesterday, when I stopped in forDune.”
She studied him. “Do you really want to read it?”
“Absolutely. I missed out in high school because I got mono in my senior year. I was home in bed for a full month.”
“Mono,” she scoffed. “The kissing disease.”
“Yeah, usually, but no, that’s not how I contracted it. I drank from my buddy’s soda using his straw. He came down with it thanks to his girlfriend. Not a very sexy story, is it?” He made an amusing face with googly eyes but quickly reverted to his rugged, handsome self. “Also, I came to tell you I’ve already read half ofDune.”
“Since yesterday?”
“Yeah. I’m not much of a sleeper. All I need is four hours. But back toDune.It is such a cool story, about Paul and his family and the mélange spice which enhances mental abilities. There are days I wish I had some. Except it’s a drug. And I don’t do drugs.” He hooked his thumb over his shoulder. “Hey, may I use the restroom?”
“Of course,” Tegan said. “It’s for our customers.”
He strode through the reading nook to the bathroom on the left.
At the same time, Jason strolled into the shop, looking elegant in a light gray suit, gray-striped shirt, and smoke-gray tie. Whoever was his stylist knew what worked. On the other hand, he’d probably look good in a potato sack.
“Why are you back?” I asked as he approached the sales counter. “Are you changing our dinner plans?”
“Nope. I needed to return the costume I’m renting from Puttin’ on the Glitz—I’ve decided on another—and decided I’d pick up my copy ofThe Great Gatsby.” He inserted one handinto his trouser pocket. “I’d also like the latest Grisham novel, and I’ll let you suggest another.”
