Page 38 of Toxic Apple Turnovers
“Helicopter crash.” He nods. “They were touring a volcano in South America and it went down.”
“That’s terrible.” I shudder as I think about it. “And how terrible for Amanda and her siblings. She has a brother, too, right?”
“Slater.” The creepy smile bounces back to his lips. “Amanda didn’t care much for him. He felt slighted by her—something to do with a joint bank account that belonged to their parents. Perhaps a will?” He shakes his head as if he were unclear on that.
Note to self: Speak to Slater.
“Well, I certainly understand how things can go south quickly whenever there’s a will involved.”
Mom lifts her glass as if she were toasting me. “But, Lottie has a court date set for next Thursday concerning the will she’s involved in, and we’re confident she will come out the victor.”
Everett gives my hand a light squeeze, his lips curling at the tips. “It sounds as if you’ll be in my neck of the woods. Please feel free to stop by my chambers if you get a chance.”
“That sounds like an exciting date.” My entire body sizzles from head to toe as I recall our last dalliance in his coital chambers. I do believe my motion to speak was denied and a good time was had by all.
Everett’s chest thunders with a barely-there laugh because I have a feeling we’re sharing the same memory.
“Speaking of exciting dates”—Mom starts in, and I’m terrified we’re getting too far off the subject of Amanda—“I ran your idea of having Keelie and Bear’s surprise engagement party at the Apple Festival by Becca and she’s simply in love.”
“Great. I’ll hire Hazel.” I look to Pastor Gaines. “It’s something Amanda would have jumped on. Speaking of Amanda again, has her fiancé come by for counseling?”
His lips pull into a line as if the mention of her fiancé makes him sick.
“No, he hasn’t. But why would he? He and Amanda were on the rocks right before she perished.”
Owlbert squawks as if it were news to him.
“They were?” It’s the first I’m hearing of this. “They seemed so happy at the engagement dinner.”
He nods through a bite. “They remained good friends. Mark Russo likes to remain on good terms with those he’s parting ways with. He was eyeing other women, but Amanda had her sights set elsewhere, too.”
“Really?” I can’t focus on anything but extracting all I can from him. I certainly can’t focus on my food.
“Oh yes. She was a lover and not a fighter.” He gives a sly wink my way, and I’m not sure I’m loving the implication.
“Amanda was spirited,” Everett adds, his eyes pinned directly on Pastor Gaines because I can tell he wants more. “I guess you could say she was passionate.”
He nods vigorously as he takes a sip of his water. “As passionate as they come.”
Wait a minute… Was Amanda having an affair with Pastor Gaines? Or did my mind just jump over a horny hurdle that wasn’t there to begin with?
Mom’s lips twitch, and I can tell she suspects something, too. Well, this is certainly a bombshell I had no intention to unleash.
Dinner drags on with Mom trying her best to keep the conversation alive.
We each order a slice of my apple pie for dinner. The Cutie Pie provides all the sweet treats for the Honey Pot Diner, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
And all the while Everett’s leg is pressing over mine, my leg wrapping around his with glee. His hand warms mine, and I’m about to faint with desire if he takes it a single step further.
We wrap it up and say goodnight. Mom and Pastor Gaines take off, and we watch them as Everett warms me in the chilly night air.
Owlbert circles the sky above before diving down low. “Something is not right, Lottie. There is just something odd about that man. I can’t put my finger on it.”
I look up at Everett. “I agree.”
He gives a slight nod. “We’ll figure it out.” His hand dips down and warms my lower back, and we move as if we’re slow dancing in the breeze.
A breath hitches in my throat. “I think we’re about to figure something else out, too.”