Page 22 of Murder By the Millions

“Oh, stop teasing.” She thwacked his arm a second time.

Jason turned to me, his smile genuine. “By the expression on your face, Allie, I’m still getting the feeling you’re wary.”

“I’m—”

“Jason, let it go. She’ll get on board. I’ll make sure of it.” Finette gave his arm a tug. “Let’s grab a coffee and catch up.”

“In a sec.” His gaze at me intensified, which sent shivers down my spine.

To my surprise, they were the good kind of shivers. Out of eyesight, I pinched my arm, urging myself to snap out of it. Jason wasn’t the enemy, but he certainly wasn’t dating material, either.

“Allie, how about you and I have dinner?” he went on. “It’s not a date. Purely for business.”

I felt my cheeks warm. Had he read my mind?

“My domestic helper is off for the night,” he said. “I need to eat. We’ll discuss the details of my soiree, and I’ll show you the architectural plans for the mall. Say, seven? The Brewery. I’ve heard it’s great.”

“It is.” I loved the Brewery. Tegan and I often went there to hang out. The selections of beer were great, and the food was homey and substantial.

“I’ve also heard it’s casual.”

“Ultracasual.”

“My kind of place.”

I doubted that, considering his choice of attire.

“I’ll meet you there,” he said.

“Coffee now,” Finette reminded him.

“Sure, sure, but first, I’ve got to go back to Puttin’ on the Glitz to return these fancy duds.”

They left the shop chatting, and Vanna descended on me.

“How dare you, Allie! What were you thinking?” Her voice could cut ice. “I should come to dinner with you.”

“Sis—”

“Don’t ‘Sis’ me, Tegan.” Vanna swatted the air. “Allie and I are a team. Partners.”

“Sometimes partners.”

“Vanna.” I maintained my composure, even though, seeing the way her hands were flailing, she looked like she might claw me. “At the outset, we said we’d work together with the baking end of my business, but if we drummed up individual gigs, we were free to take them.”

“I’m regretting ever saying yes to you.”

“Hello.” It was my turn to slash the air. “You jumped at the chance.” I wasn’t usually so forceful, but I would not let her bully me.

“Because … because …”

“Because you wanted to grow your business, and you thought working with me would expand your reach.”

She chuffed like a horse.

“Right?” I asked.

“Fine. You always need to have the last word. Be selfish.” She stomped out of the shop, iPad under her arm, and slammed the door.