The Lady Rambles by Renee Pawlish

Author:Renee Pawlish [Pawlish, Renee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Creative Cat Press
Published: 2019-01-07T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Lucky for me, home wasn’t that far away. When I walked through the door, Willie and Mom were in the kitchen talking. I put my coat away, petted Humphrey, who then trotted over to the couch and laid down. I walked over and scratched his head, delaying going into the kitchen. When I finally did, Willie gave me a sidelong look.

“Just in time,” she said.

“How can I help?” I said.

I went over and gave her a kiss, then hugged my mother who was cutting up vegetables and putting them on a tray.

“How was your day?” I asked her.

“It was just fine, dear,” she said. “I had a wonderful time visiting with Millie – oh, did she get in touch with you?” I nodded, but I don’t think she noticed. “I told her all about what was going on,” she continued, “and she just couldn’t believe it. Of course, she’s so sad about Carol’s death, but she can’t believe that anyone would think that I would steal the ring, or that I’d have anything to do with Carol’s death.”

She rambled on, and I whispered to Willie, “What can I help with?”

“Set the table.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t make it home sooner,” I murmured. “But I think I’m making some progress.”

The frown disappeared. “I want to hear about all of it later, but let’s have a good dinner, okay? Holly’s nervous about meeting your mother.”

I nodded. “It’ll be fine.”

As if she’d heard, Mom said, “I can’t wait to meet Holly. Anybody that can bring Cal out of his shell is aces in my book.”

“She’s great,” I said as I began to set the table. I noticed Mom didn’t ask about my day, and I went with that, not saying anything myself. There was plenty of time later to talk about the investigation. “I hope Holly brings cupcakes. Mom, they are fantastic.”

“That’s what I hear.”

Just then, someone knocked at the door. I went to get it, picking Humphrey up so he wouldn’t run out the door.

“Hey, Reed,” Cal said when I answered.

Behind him stood a woman with long brown hair. She wore dark slacks and a maroon sweater, and she held a tray of wished-for cupcakes. I stepped aside and let them in, then gave Holly a hug. Before I could say a word, Mom came into the room.

“You must be Holly,” Mom said warmly. She walked over and embraced Holly, careful of the tray. “I am just delighted to meet you. Are these your famous cupcakes?”

Holly nodded. “Yes. I brought a variety.”

“I can’t wait to try them.” Mom took the tray and led Holly toward the kitchen. “I think we might have to have dessert before dinner.”

Holly laughed, and I glanced at Cal.

“So far so good,” I said.

Cal smiled. “Your mom hardly said hello to me.”

“She’ll get to you.”

Another knock on the door signaled the Goofballs’ arrival. With them was their older brother, Bob. They could’ve been triplets, except that Bob looks a little older and wiser, which, in fact, he is. He keeps an eye on them, and they keep him smiling.

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