Page 20 of Poison Apple Crisp

Cokie manufactures the idea of a smile. “My apologies, Lottie. I can see you feel very deeply about both of these men. Suddenly, it feels as if I’m a fourth wheel.” She belts out a laugh, and both Noah and Everett chuckle along with her.

“Please don’t apologize,” I say. “I’m the one who owes you an apology. My head hasn’t been where it should be as of late. It’s as if this baby has taken over and I just say whatever I want.”

“Not to worry,” she says. “And that’s a trait that Noah used to have way back when, so perhaps that’s a hint the baby is his.” She winks at Everett as if staking her claim.

Fat chance, sister. I’m not relinquishing either one of them into her murderous little claws.

Everett gives Noah a cool look. “Lemon has been quite expressive in other ways as well. A trait I’m well known for. I think the baby has a rock solid chance of being mine.”

Now it’s my turn to chuckle.

Cokie shakes her head. “I must say, Lottie, I’ve never met anyone quite as lucky as you, to have not one but two of Fallbrook’s finest men warring over you. And don’t think I won’t be paying attention several months from now when the bough breaks. I’ll be there to catch whichever one of these men falls by the wayside.” She laughs once again. “I’ve never been shy when it comes to gifting these two men my affection.”

Carlotta pokes her head in. “That’s where my Lot Lot shines, too.”

I hold up a breadstick with a threat in my eyes, and she willfully retreats.

Noah takes another slice of pizza. “Cokie, were you close to Brenda?”

“Not I.” She pushes her food away an inch as if it were the deceased. “For the most part, I had to tolerate Brenda. She was the head of the parent-teacher association. There was no way around her.”

Noah grunts. “I get it. So who would you say was closest to Brenda? Any best friend that I could talk to?” He lays an emphasis on the wordI, and I give him a gentle kick under the table to acknowledge it.

“Yes, in fact, there was.” She nods aggressively. “Rachelle Dalton and Brenda were thick as thieves. Brenda used to be close to a woman named Alyssa Thomas as well, but they had some frivolous falling-out a while back. I don’t really know what that was about.” Her gaze shoots to the side as if maybe she might.

Ginger floats down to Cokie’s shoulder. “Come now, Cokie, tell us the truth. Where were you on the night my dearly departed Brenda left for the big doghouse in the sky?”

I can’t help but smile.

“I take it I’m doing good, Lottie.” Ginger glows with pride a luminescent shade of pink, and I nod her way as if acknowledging the fact I agree with her.

A thought comes to me. “Wait a minute. I think I met Alyssa last night. She was the woman with the pink shoes.” I look to Everett. “She mentioned her son was going to be a senior, and she was glad about it, too. She also mentioned the fact the PTA would have a seat to fill. I asked if she was up for it, and she said no. Oh, and she also mentioned she enjoyed my apple crisp.”

Cokie gives a wistful shake of the head. “Who didn’t?” She glances to her phone. “I’d better get going. I need to be up with the sun and in my office. This school year is already off to a rocky start.” She sobers up as she looks my way. “Good luck with the baby.”

“Thank you,” I say. “And I’ll be sure to bring that book we talked about earlier to my mother’s before the big fundraiser. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hang onto it and read it first. I’ll be extra careful not to wrinkle the pages. I’m incredibly interested in crime fiction.”

“Yes.” She tips her head back, no smile. “The rumor mill has also been buzzing about your ability to solve crimes.” She pulls her purse onto her shoulder. “I’ll see you all soon enough. Noah, Essex, if either of you would like an ear to bend, I’m always available for a cup of coffee. Where are you both staying now? Are you still in Fallbrook?”

Everett lifts his chin. “Nope. We’re neighbors right here in Honey Hollow, on Country Cottage Road. I live next door to Lemon, and Noah is in a cabin across the street.”

“Noah was there first,” I offer. “That’s back when we were dating exclusively and I had to move. Could you believe two houses were up for lease right across the street from him, and I was practically forced to pick the cute one with the white picket fence and red door? Everett bought the big blue one next to mine, and we’ve all been one big, happy family ever since.”

Her lips turn down as she offers a bitter smile. “How wonderful that must be for you, Lottie. Convenient even.” She looks to Noah and Everett. “I know how it feels to play second fiddle to someone. I can surely commiserate.” She says goodnight before taking off, and I choke in her wake.

“Did you hear that?” I gag. “That was a total dig at me. And what is this rumor mill she keeps talking about? Were those adults she was referring to, because it certainly didn’t sound like it.”

Carlotta leans back. “Welcome to the mean girl jungle, Lot Lot, where it’s eat or be eaten. Don’t you worry. I’ve got the perfect plan to launch both you and Evie Stevie to the top of the food chain.”

“Don’t you dare,” I bark.

“Don’t you tell me what to do,” she barks right back.

“Come on, Carlotta.” Mayor Nash tries to garner her attention. “I think it’s time we leave.”

“You don’t tell me what to do for sure,” she snips his way. “I decide when it’s time to leave, and I say we leave right now. Last one to the car gets the duct tape.”

They speed out like a couple of apparitions.