“It was fine.” I sipped my latte and avoided her stare.
“Fine? It was fine. What kind of answer is that? Details! I want details,” she leaned closer to the table between us.
“All right,” I said. “It was nice after I relaxed. We went to Dunber’s. We were discussing the menu when Claudine walked up to the table and invited us to have dinner with her and her husband. I saw her when we walked in and prayed she would stay away, but you know Claudine.” I rolled my eyes.
Georgie continued to stare at me and said, “Uh ha, then what? Did you plot her murder?”
“I wish.” I smiled. “Clark was polite, but he refused her invitation. She huffed and walked away. I was so happy that I enjoyed my meal and Clark’s company. After she left I told him how she treats me, and he told me that he could never tolerate her.”
“Chalk up a point for Clark. What happened when he took you home?” Georgie’s eyes looked mischievous as she sipped her latte.
“Nothing.”
“Right, come on it’s me. I know you better than anyone. What did you do?” Georgie was already laughing before I could tell my story.
I began to whisper. “Clark walked me to the door and told me he had a nice time. I was wondering whether or not to ask him in, so I just said that I had a nice time, too. Clark said we should do it again, and I agreed. He stepped forward, and I thought he might kiss me. I panicked and backed up hitting my head on my front door.”
Georgie was doing her best to stifle a laugh.
I stammered, “Don’t laugh. Clark laughed, too, and he made me laugh. Then he took my hand and kissed it. He said he’d call, and we could have lunch this week. I went in and leaned against the door feeling mortified.”
“It could have been worse,” Georgie said. “Don’t look now, but Mags and Douglas are having coffee. They keep looking this way and whispering.”
I never listen to what people tell me and immediately looked towards Mags and Douglas. Mags averted her eyes immediately, and Douglas glared at me as if I was his enemy.
“What did I ever do to them to make Douglas give me the evil eye? I was friends with Inga, and I’m taking good care of Yummy.” I sipped my latte and glanced back in their direction. Now both were staring at me.
Georgie shrugged.
“I wonder why they’re still in town. There isn’t going to be a funeral. Maybe they’re waiting to see what they inherit so they can empty the mansion before they sell it.” I glanced up just in time to see Clark and his parents enter the diner.
He helped his parents settle into a booth and began walking toward us. Georgie whispered, “Gotta love a man who is nice to his folks.” I had to agree.
He stopped at our table. “Good morning, Georgie. Annie, how are you this morning?”
“Fine thanks. How are you?”
Duh!!! I was tongue tied and felt like an idiot. Say something nice Annie for goodness sake.
I decided to just smile.
“I’m doing great, thanks. Just taking mom and dad out for breakfast after church. I’ll talk to you soon.” He smiled and winked.
Georgie grinned and drummed her fingertips on the table. “I think the next time that man takes you out to dinner you better invite him in or your neighbors will be talking about you for years. What he has on his mind is illegal--on your front porch anyway.”
I know my face turned several shades of red as Georgie laughed. I finished my latte and said, “Let’s go. I can’t take you anywhere.”
I paid the bill and walked out the door. I turned to Georgie and said, “You better be nice, or I’ll leave you here. Paul has your car remember.”
“You’d never,” Georgie said and poked her elbow into my arm. “Hey,” she whispered. Mags and Douglas are across the street in front of the antique store staring this way.
“What do you suppose they’re doing watching us that way?”
“Plotting another murder. I still think they or someone killed Inga,” Georgie insisted.
“I’m beginning to think maybe you’re right, but how do we find out?” I answered and watched Mags and Douglas’ reflection in the window of the diner.
Georgie’s eyebrows twisted as she bit her lip. I knew she was deep in thought. “Got it. I’ll call Dot this afternoon and ask her to keep an ear open at the station. If there was any funny business, the police are sure to know. Maybe Dot could call her cousin. She might hear something about those test results.”
“Great idea,” I agreed. “Let’s leave. They’re still watching us and I feel uncomfortable.”
I dropped Georgie off at the grill and drove home looking forward to a peaceful afternoon.
#######
I hummed to the CD on my way home. I love Sunday afternoons. Laci and I video chat every Sunday afternoon. I could drive the three hours to her dorm for a face to face chat, but I wouldn’t want to embarrass her. I have to settle for the video chats until she comes home for summer vacation next month. Needless to say, I’m excited.
My excitement began to pale when I saw a police cruiser parked in front of my house. Officer Bill Todorov, one of Heavenly Corners newest rookies, sat behind the wheel.
By the time I parked and exited my vehicle, Officer Bill was standing next to my Explorer.
“Hello, Annie. We received a complaint of an unsupervised dog allowed to run wild and bark at all hours. The complaint continues to suggest the animal is being abused.”
“Abused? Abused?” I’m sure my voice went up in pitch.
“Yes, ma’am. Do you leave the animal outside without food or water all day and night? That’s abuse.” He jotted something in his small notebook.
“Listen, Bill.” I tried to sound polite while
