Twas the Bite Before Christmas (Bought-the-Farm Mystery Book 6) by Ellen Riggs

Author:Ellen Riggs [Riggs, Ellen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781989303665
Published: 2020-11-22T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

“I don’t want to,” Mom said, pouting, as I took her coat off a hanger in Bloomers, her

salon, and handed it to her. “They’re always so mean.”

“That’s why I need you,” I said. “I’m no match for them but you always come out on top.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” she said, reluctantly sliding her arms into the sleeves.

“But that Dr. Zhivago coat will,” I said, nodding to Iris and steering Mom to the door. “You’re the envy of the entire choir.”

“That’s because of my voice not my coat,” Mom said. “No matter what you girls say, I believe I can sing.”

“Keep on believing. There’s no harm in that.”

Mom’s stiletto boots clicked along the pavement, slowly at first, but the spirit of adventure soon quickened her pace. “Maybe I should try out for one of those TV singing competitions.”

“Why not? If they recruit nearby, I’ll drive you in Buttercup.”

She looked up at me, hazel eyes narrowing. “What’s going on? You’re never this nice to me.”

“That’s not true,” I said. “I’m always nice to you… when I need something.”

“That’s not true, darling. You’re usually just as mean to me while you’re using me for my many skills.”

I smiled. “You’re right, and it’s not fair. I should always be nice when exploiting your skills.”

“It’s okay. The fact that you’re acknowledging my skills now is enough, really.”

“Aside from your singing, you’re a talented woman,” I said. “You deserve more credit.”

“Everyone underestimates me.” She pulled up her hood and straightened her shoulders. “I decided long ago not to let naysayers hold me back. Including my own children.” She gave me a sly grin. “But it’s lovely to surprise people occasionally.”

I had to work hard to keep up with her without jostling Percy too much in his travel bag. Jilly had made carrying him look like a breeze but with Keats’ leash in my other hand, I couldn’t keep pushing the strap back up. There was a frustrated yowl from the bag. For a cat, Percy was a good sport, but I was reaching his limits.

“Could you slow down?” I said.

She sped up. “It’s not my fault you travel with a menagerie. And it’s cold out.”

Mom had always walked like there were springs under her feet. It made her seem taller when she was scarcely five feet. We rushed past the stores on Main Street with their festive displays and I tried to take in the blur of lights and color. People had gone all out this year, in a blatant—and fruitless—effort to compete with Dorset Hills, the Christmas capital of the state. Still, it was nice to see the community spirit growing, and perhaps our tadpole of a town would turn into a princess one day.

“Just because it’s nearly Christmas, I’ll tell you that I was super impressed by how you handled our escapade at the yoga studio a while ago,” I said. “Jilly couldn’t have done any better. You outran Keats and Percy, even.”

“I try to stay fit, darling. Aging isn’t what it used to be, you know.

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