“Details, details,” Clark grinned. “I like the hole you’re digging for yourself there. Slept. Sleep. Is there a difference? Besides how much fun is sleeping?” He winked again.
My face turned red. I could feel my cheeks beginning to burn. I looked at my plate and kept eating. “Goodness gracious, stop teasing me.”
Clark said, “You say that at least once a day. Is it your favorite saying?” He grinned at me.
“Yup, I have been saying it since the summer I was twelve. My dad’s parents owned a farm outside town. I spent summers with them. When I got bored, grandma would sent me across the road to help Mrs. Prang. She had ten kids, two sets of twins, and she wasn’t even thirty yet. Can you imagine? It was her favorite saying. She never said a cross word. When she was upset she said goodness gracious. It reminded her that no matter what was wrong there was a good side to it, if a person looked. Regardless of the situation, one should always be gracious. It stuck and I say it for good things or bad. Laci has never heard me utter a swear word. My dad says I am his perfect child.” I grinned a smug grin at Clark.
Clark’s contagious laughter filled the house, and I couldn’t help myself. I laughed, too.
Aunt Inga knocked at the patio door. She was holding Yummy in her arms. They both looked quite content.
“Good morning, Annie. Do you mind if Yummy stays with me today? We have such a good time.” My petite aunt smiled up at me.
“Not at all. Clark and I have dinner plans, and then we’re going to the mega-market to shop for groceries. I’m running low on nearly everything. I was going to ask you to watch him. Have you ever thought about getting a pet? They have a lot of unwanted pets at the shelter. We could go together this week and find one that’s perfect for you.” I smiled back and scratched Yummy behind his ears.
“I’d love to find a pet for myself. Let me know when we can go.” She hugged Yummy and turned to leave. She turned back and added, “They make fabulous chocolate pecan brittle at the mega-market. If they have it, would you bring me a pound?”
“I sure will.” I waved. I believe I inherited my love of chocolate and pecans from my aunt.
#######
I opened the back door of the bookstore and hung the clothing bag and my jacket on the coat rack. I brought a pair of brown dress slacks and an ivory silk blouse to wear when Clark picked me up after work. Wherever we end up having dinner, I’d be dressed appropriately. Before I had a chance to turn on the main store lights or turn the door sign to “open,” my phone rang. It was Georgie.
I explained my embarrassing night, and I could hear her laughter when I held the phone away from my ear.
“It isn’t funny. I woke and thought we…”
“I don’t understand why you didn’t,” Georgie interrupted.
“I’m not ready and surely not when I’m tipsy.” I sat back and crossed my arms, but I couldn’t hear her talk to me. I held the phone to my ear again.
“Okay, take your time, but you’ll be sorry for all the time you wasted. I spoke to Dot. She heard that Mags is going to make it. It’s good news because if Berg goes off the deep end again, he’ll only arrest you for one murder.”
“Is that supposed to be funny? I don’t think so. What makes you think you’re so funny?” I was glad we were on the phone so she couldn’t see me smile.
“Paul thinks I’m hilarious.” Georgie retorted.
“He has to; it’s written in the small print of the wedding vows,” I began to laugh, and Georgie realized I was joking. We enjoyed a good laugh before I heard Paul’s voice calling her in the background.
“Speak of the devil. Gotta run. I’ll try and call this afternoon. If not, have a great date, and we’ll talk tomorrow.” Georgie ended the call.
#######
The day passed quickly with a slow, but steady stream of customers. Clark texted me a few minutes before five and said their evening employee came in a bit early and if I was ready we could leave anytime. I asked for ten minutes, turned the door sign to closed, hit the switch that darkened the main part of the bookstore, and slipped into the back room to change clothes. I kept toothpaste and a toothbrush in the tiny bathroom and brushed my teeth. I fluffed up my hair trying to keep the curls from becoming a wild mess and smiled at my reflection. I was ready for my date, and I didn’t shy away from the word this time.
Clark was right on time. I climbed into his SUV and said, “I can pick up my car later or tomorrow. It has been in the lot overnight before tonight. Heavenly Corners is one of the safest places on earth at least until Inga was murdered.”
“We’re not talking about any of that tonight. This evening is just for us.” He reached out and squeezed my hand when he stopped at the stop sign before pulling onto Main Street.
I noticed Detective Berg was standing outside the bookstore trying to peer in the window. “What do you suppose he wants now? Should I ask?”
“Nope,” Clark said as he pulled onto the street. “He’s not part of our date and whatever he wants can wait. Do you really want to talk to him?” He glanced at me.
I shook my head and answered, “If I never have to speak with him again, it will be fine with me.”
Clark headed toward the highway and out of town. I was looking forward to a quiet dinner away from prying eyes especially Claudine’s.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Clark said.
“I remembered how Claudine tried to ruin our last night out.”
“Never mind.” Clark laughed. “I want my penny
