Fanatically in Trouble by Jenny B. Jones

Author:Jenny B. Jones
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sweet Pea Productions

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Alice, I’m going to need five more pallets of water out here.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m on it.” My devoted event planner surveyed the hundreds of fans gathered on the downtown square for the Picnic with Jaz and Friends. “We’re still waiting on the caterer to bring the gluten-free and vegan meals.”

“Make sure everyone stays hydrated,” I said. “Some of these folks aren’t used to the Southern heat.” Though it was September, the days were often still in the ’90s. “Yesterday we had a woman pass out at the dance-off.”

“I guess unconsciousness was a disqualifier?” Alice consulted the to-do list on her phone then nodded toward the sack beneath my arm. “Brown bagging it today?”

I smiled. “My mom made my lunch.”

“PB&J with no crusts?”

The bag crunched as I opened it. My happiness turned as stale as week-old bread. “Celery, hummus, olives, carrots, and ten almonds.”

“So she’s into the Mediterranean eating plan.”

“What she is, is into sending me messages about improving my life.” I pulled a heart-shaped notecard from the depths and read it aloud. “Paisley, remember big results come from small daily choices.” One of her often-quoted phrases from her last book tour.

Alice shrugged. “It would make for a really long tattoo. But still, nice of her to do that and show up for the event.”

“My mom’s here?”

“I think so.” Alice gestured toward a mob near the stage where security was holding the masses at a comfortable distance. “Isn’t that her with Jaz?”

Sure enough, there she was. Was this part of her consulting for Jaz? Mom smiled at the flashing cameras and posed with Jaz like she was her doting mother. Jealousy whispered taunts in my ear, but I shook my head and ignored the familiar refrain. Maybe my own mother was continuously ditching me for dignitaries, charities, and the number one pop star in the universe, but I knew she loved me.

At least I was fairly certain.

What I didn’t get was why Mom didn’t want to spend any time with me. Hadn’t she come to Sugar Creek just to see her daughter?

“Paisley! Hello!”

I was pulled from my pitiful thoughts at the sight of Trina. She stepped from her shiny sedan, and not for the first time, I wondered why she’d turned down the offer of a chauffeur. But so had Little Tee Pee. Was anyone safe right now? There was still a murderer on the loose. Didn’t they fear some crazy lunatic coming after them? It certainly had crossed my mind a few times. I was now constantly looking over my shoulder and checking every lock three and four times. Last night I propped a chair in front of my front door.

But what if Trina was the murderer? Maybe she’d hired someone to tamper with the coffee service before she’d arrived.

I’d yet to talk to Trina about Sarge’s news that she’d been fired from her show, and though now wasn’t an ideal time, it would have to do.

“Hi, Trina,” I said as Alice scurried off. “Ready for your picnic?”

“You bet.”

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