Fashionably Fit, Fatally Flawed: A Michelle Kilpatrick Mystery (The Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries Book 2) by Sharon Kay

Author:Sharon Kay [Kay, Sharon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hale & Thornton Press LLC
Published: 2024-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

chapter sixteen

Craig checked our coats at Grayson’s Restaurant and told the hostess we were there to meet Mr. Langford. As she led us to his table, the pianist played a haunting rendition of “Silent Night” on the baby grand piano.

The view from Mr. Langford's table was beautiful—the tranquil Maumee River and Christmas-colored lights cascading down the hill to the riverbanks. The music, the view of the river, and a shower of snowflakes created an enchanting holiday atmosphere.

Tonight marked my third time dining at Grayson's, and to think I had never eaten there until a couple of months ago—first with Craig to celebrate the New York Times publishing our article about Professor Ladd's murder and then my lunch with Elaine the other day. I was starting to feel like I belonged.

Mr. Langford, wearing his charcoal gray suit, burgundy silk tie, and matching pocket square, looked the epitome of style as he stood and shook Craig's hand.

“It’s nice to see you again, Michelle. I’m glad you could join us,” he said, extending his hand toward me. The corners of his mouth barely turned upwards as he attempted to form a smile.

Completely unaware of the tension between Mr. Langford and me, Craig pulled out the chair next to our host for me. As I lowered myself onto the seat, Craig flashed a charming smile and took the chair beside me, positioning himself to face our host directly.

“Have you been here before, Craig?” Mr. Langford asked as he picked up his menu.

“Yes, I have. In fact, Michelle and I were here not too long ago.” Craig reached over and gave me an affectionate hug. I breathed in the woodsy scent of his cologne, which reminded me of the outdoors in the fall when the leaves were changing colors.

“Then you are familiar with their menu. Their Prime Rib is first-rate—the best you’ll find in this area.” Mr. Langford stopped and looked at me. “And do you have a favorite?”

“Not really,” I said as I scanned the menu. “Everything here is always good.”

The server came for our drink orders, and Mr. Langford suggested we also order our meals because he was on a tight schedule. “A night filled with meetings, I fear,” he muttered.

The server's attire immediately caught my attention, causing me to almost let out an audible gasp. He was dressed like me—black pants and a white shirt. The only difference was that he had a black tie, and I didn't. Despite my best efforts to dress to impress Mr. Langford, I couldn't shake the feeling that I looked more like a member of the waitstaff than Jackie O— not the impression I had hoped to make.

Craig nudged me. “Have you decided?”

I looked up. The server was staring at me. “Uh, yes. I’ll have the Petite Filet Mignon, Medium Rare with a House Salad, a Baked Potato…and a glass of unsweetened iced tea.”

After Craig ordered a Porterhouse Steak, Mr. Langford started his business pitch. “I haven’t heard from you or your lawyer, so I wanted to get together and answer any additional questions you might have so you can make a decision.

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