Tiramisu and Turmoil: A Cozy Culinary Mystery (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 5) by Sue Hollowell

Author:Sue Hollowell [Hollowell, Sue]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-06-30T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

My mind reeled with possibilities, including Fiona and myself as suspects. My clammy hands shook as I held the tray. With no doubt Fiona and I were innocent, why was I still so nervous?

Fiona looked at me. “Tilly, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Have faith.” She tapped on the door and reached for the handle.

Looking back at Brody’s drawn face, my heart was heavy. He stood on his tiptoes to see past Fiona into the room. We filed in to see all of the bridesmaids seated in a semi-circle around Layla. In unison, they lifted their heads our direction.

“Oh, Layla,” Brody whined, rushing around us. He held out his arms. Layla looked at her entourage as if questioning what her response should be. How tiring it must be to live in the spotlight and always feel like you have to calculate every move for your image.

Layla stood and Brody enveloped her in his arms. His eyes closed. Layla pushed back, dabbing her nose and eyes with a tissue. “I can’t believe he’s gone,” she blubbered and plopped back into the chair. She straightened out the lower portion of her dress like she was preparing for a photo shoot.

Brody took her hand and crouched next to her chair. “I’m here for you. No matter what,” he said.

“So are we,” the bridesmaids chimed in.

Emma stepped forward. “Layla, just trust that you will come out of this better than before.” She bent to hug her and grabbed Layla’s other hand.

Fiona and I made eye contact and moved to a table on the side of the room. We set the trays down and began preparing the beverages. Fiona grabbed her throat and stuck her tongue out. I nodded. It was getting pretty deep in here. We had seen the beginning of what we suspected as Brody continued to fawn over Layla. Was he just starstruck? Or was there a genuine caring for her?

Pouring two glasses, Fiona grabbed them and started passing out the beverages to the ladies. “We thought you could use a drink,” she said.

I took two glasses and handed one to Emma, one to Layla. “The chef will be here soon with some food. You should eat something. We don’t know how long we’ll be here,” I said.

Layla stood. “Brody, I can’t stay here any longer.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “Do something!”

“My love,” Brody started and slyly looked around the room. “I think we have to wait until we’re interviewed.”

“I can’t take it anymore,” Layla said and shoved Brody aside. “My husb—” She bowed her head. “I mean, my fiancé, is lying in the room next door and I’m just supposed to sit here compliant and take it?” Layla yelled.

Now was about the time I wished Linda had joined us on our travels. She was kind of like a therapy dog, easing people’s anxiety. Was Layla about to bolt from the room? What was our obligation to detain her? I guess I could run up and get Barney or the deputy if that happened.

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