Read Death at the Day Lily Cafe for Free Online Page B

team.”
    Glenn smiled. “And as I told Rosalie yesterday, if you want me to add my two cents, I’d be happy to help.”
    I was surprised to see tears welling in Doris’s eyes. “This town is a better place now that you two are in it.” She turned quickly and started down the sidewalk. She shook her head as she walked. “I swear,” she muttered, “it’s like the world has turned upside down.”

 
    N INE
    Crystal was seated at the bar, dipping a tea bag in and out of a cup.
    â€œGood morning, sunshine,” I said.
    Glenn whistled softly as he began setting water glasses on each table.
    â€œHey,” Crystal said. She was hunched over her cup, elbows on the bar.
    I rubbed her back. “Did yesterday wear you out?”
    â€œLet’s just say waking up isn’t the easiest thing I do each day.”
    I noticed a face at the door and hurried over to let Kevin, my pastry maker, into the café. He carried a large, white cardboard box in his hands as proudly as if it were a coronation crown.
    â€œSpecial delivery,” he sang as he headed for the bar. “Hey, Crys. Hard night?”
    â€œDo I look that bad? I’m just waiting for the caffeine to kick in. It’s a process, and it takes a little time.”
    â€œYou look gorgeous, as always. And I’m digging this.” He pointed at the tattoo behind her ear. “What’s it mean?”
    â€œIt’s a Celtic shield,” she said. “For protection.”
    â€œSweet,” Kevin said.
    Crystal smiled. A compliment from Kevin would brighten anyone’s day. He had excellent taste and always stepped out in crisp, pressed clothing. Today he wore a pink oxford, its sleeves rolled up to his elbows; a spotless pair of white pants; and a pastel plaid belt. Designer sunglasses dangled from a leather loop around his neck.
    Kevin was in a relationship with Jake, a professor at John Adams College, the school located in the heart of Cardigan. Kevin had several occupations, running an interior design business and making confections being just two. A lot of people in Cardigan did the same. There was only so much money to be made and only so many people to do the work that needed to be done.
    â€œWhat did you bring me today?” I peered into the box.
    â€œDefinitely more espresso bars. They sure went fast.”
    â€œJanice is going through perimenopause.”
    â€œJ J? The poor dear.” He placed his palm on his chest. “I’ll bring more if I get some time. And is our lovely sheriff still crushing on the scones?”
    â€œTwo a day.”
    â€œHe’s going to get chubby.” Kevin opened my pastry case and began stacking the treats. “Oh, say, Crys, how’s my aura today?” He straightened his spine and turned to face her. “I’ve got a meeting with the building committee at the college. I’m putting in a bid to do the interior design of the new dorms.”
    She narrowed her eyes. “Good. It’s a bright royal blue.”
    â€œAnd that means?” Kevin waited expectantly.
    â€œOpportunities are coming.”
    â€œYay!” Kevin clapped. “Blue is my favorite color.”
    â€œMorning, Kevin,” Glenn said. “I’m going to do my best to stay away from those brownies.”
    â€œI don’t know how any of you do it, working here. All this delicious food, unlimited coffee, and those muffins. I’d be spinning in circles like I just had an IV of Red Bull.”
    Glenn shook his head. “It isn’t easy.”
    â€œOkay,” Crystal said as she stood. “There it is. Caffeine jolt. My eyes are open wider already.”
    â€œGood,” Glenn said. “Let’s start the day. Egg bake is our special. Do you have the description handy?”
    â€œMenu insert,” I said, picking up a stack of small cards. I read the top one. “Egg bakes. Roasted veggies, black olives, fresh