The Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Series: Boxset 8 by Crewes Amber

Author:Crewes, Amber
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pen-n-a-Pad Publishing
Published: 2022-04-18T16:00:00+00:00

11

“Meghan Irvin? I’m Zara Thomas. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Meghan smiled at the tall Black woman standing in front of the counter. Zara had large, dark eyes and long hair that was neatly tucked into box braids. She was wearing a white blazer and matching skirt, and her red high heels added a pop of color to her outfit.

“Zara, what brings you into Truly Sweet?” Meghan asked kindly.

She took a deep breath. “I hear you knew Diane,” she began, and Meghan’s heart began to pound. “I was her assistant. Diane was the best boss and a truly remarkable woman, and I am trying to keep our projects moving at the firm now that she’s gone.”

“Oh, Zara,” Meghan murmured. “I am so sorry for your loss. Diane was so lovely.”

“Yes, she was,” Zara agreed, her face drawn. “She was beautiful inside and out. She taught me so much: how to navigate the corporate world, how to dress for success, and even how to drink tea like a princess. I was a coffee girl before I met Diane, but now, you couldn’t convince me to have a latte over a hot cup of Earl Grey.”

Meghan smiled. “She sounds like an amazing woman to work for.”

“She and I both grew up in Maine,” Zara continued, placing a hand on her hip. “She knew what it was like to be a small town girl in the big city, and when I moved to New York, she took me under her wing.”

Zara stopped and took a breath. “Is that whoopie pie?” she asked gleefully. “Whoopie pies were Diane’s favorite.”

Pamela emerged from the kitchen with a fresh set of whoopie pies on a small plate. “Can we offer you one?” she asked sweetly.

“Yes!” Zara squealed as she took the plate from Pamela and daintily placed the whoopie pie in her mouth. “Wow, ladies. This is incredible. Diane would have killed for this.”

They were all silent. Tension filled the room. “That was the wrong word to use,” Zara muttered as she handed the plate back to Pamela.

“It’s fine,” Meghan assured her. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you liked the pie.”

“We have more in the back,” Pamela told her. “Can I bring you another?”

“Please,” Zara requested, and Pamela quickly ran into the kitchen and emerged seconds later with a plate of warm whoopie pies.

Zara devoured the desserts, mewing happily as she ate. Pamela giggled. “I don’t think anyone has ever been this happy to have one of our desserts before,” she commented.

“Forgive me,” Zara said as she wiped her lip on her sleeve. “These taste just like the ones my grandma used to make. This takes me right back to my hometown in Boothbay Harbor.”

Meghan beamed. “That is a great compliment to give,” she told Zara. “So what brings you in, besides these pies? Pamela said you were looking for me?”

Zara’s face darkened. “I have some unfortunate news to deliver, Mrs. Irvin.”

“Please, call me Meghan.”

“Meghan,” Zara went on. “Because of the situation with Diane, the company has decided to suspend the grant program until after Diane’s funeral.

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