Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 99604 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99604 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
He scribbled notes in a small spiral pad beside his keyboard. “All right.”
“Email me your progress. I’ll be meeting Nana for lunch, but I’ll check in later today.”
His expression turned distant, his focus already pulled toward the screen.
I lingered a moment longer, the steady hum of electronics wrapping around us. “Pauley,” I said.
He turned, blinking, as though I’d interrupted a thought midstream. “Yes?”
“I’m serious about staying legal. If you cross any line, I’ll have to shut it down. Family or not.”
“I understand.” He nodded, almost solemn. “I like this job. I’ll do it right.”
“Good.”
I started to leave, but his voice stopped me. “Cousin Anna? With my new duties, I would like a raise.”
My sigh felt heavy. Of course.
Chapter 12
Smiley’s Diner had gone all out for the holidays. The decorations were a wild mix of green, gold, and far too many hints of teal. Interesting choice. The air smelled of coffee, butter, and frying bacon, with a touch of citrus cleaner that didn’t quite hide the scent of maple syrup baked into the walls.
I stepped inside, shaking off the rain, and moved to the counter where Tessa was refilling mugs. “What’s up with all the teal accents?” I asked, eyeing the teal ribbon wrapped around a pumpkin centerpiece. Pumpkins in March? Sure.
She rolled her eyes, handing off a steaming plate to a customer. “Mert wanted to use all the decorations. I barely kept him from pulling out the Christmas ones.”
“But why teal?”
She tugged on the tie of her apron. “He likes teal.”
Tessa looked tired but sharp in jeans and a white T-shirt with her hair up in a messy bun that somehow still appeared deliberate. “Seriously, he’s in a much better mood now that he’s feeling healthy again after the heart attack, so I try not to argue. I think the teal adds a little something.”
“The pumpkins are unique,” I admitted.
She chuckled. “I take it you’re meeting Nana?”
“I really am.” I looked around, spotting our grandmother in a booth by the far window, sitting across from our mom. “Can you join us?”
“I can’t. I’m crazy busy today.” Tessa reached for a rag and wiped the counter in brisk circles. “I don’t know why, but people get hungry around all holidays, not just the food ones.”
“It’s the beginning of spring,” I said. “Folks want to be out and about even though it’s raining.”
Outside, the sky was the color of old pewter, rain streaking down the glass in silver threads. “It’s nice to have the snow gone,” I added, “and to see a blue sky once in a while.”
Tessa angled her neck toward the window. “Not today, though. Today’s just gray and rainy.”
I wrapped my hands around the warm edge of the counter. “It is, and it makes me want to curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book.”
“What’s going on with Nana’s case?” she asked, her voice softening.
“Nothing good.” I patted her arm and headed for the booth. My boots squeaked slightly on the tile floor as I made my way past a row of occupied tables.
“Hello, sweetheart,” my mom said as I reached them. She scooted over to make room. She really favored Nana with the same green eyes, reddish-blond hair, and mischievous expressions that always made them look like they were planning something. Tessa had inherited it too, which wasn’t fair.
I slid into the booth with a sigh.
“What was that for?” Mom asked.
“That was a heavy sigh.” Nana leaned over to pat my hand. Her nails were painted shamrock green, of course. “Honey, you can’t take life so seriously.”
“Seriously? Who, me?” I teased, smiling just as Tessa arrived with a sparkling water and set it in front of me. I’d quit soda weeks ago, but sparkling water made me feel oddly sophisticated, like I was managing adulthood, one bubble at a time.
“Want a lime?” Tessa asked.
“No, I’m good. Thanks.” I could tell she was already running on fumes.
Nana smiled up at her. “Are you sure you can’t join us?”
“Oh, Nana, I wish I could,” she said, her shoulders dropping for half a second. “We’re just swamped right now. If I get a break, I’ll come sit down.”
Nana gave her a warm smile. “All right, sweetheart. We’ll be here.”
Tessa hurried off toward the kitchen, the clatter of plates and hum of conversation swelling behind her.
I idly wondered if Mom had any inkling that my two grandmothers had met up at the diner in Silverville. Something told me she didn’t. Best to keep it that way. The wrath of one grandmother was bad enough; two could end civilizations.
“We already ordered,” Nana said. “Moira and I weren’t sure when you were going to get here.”
“That’s fine,” I said, glancing toward the counter. “Tessa will pick something good for me.” She always did. “So, Nana, we need to talk about your case.” I glanced at my mom.