Styled for Murder by Nancy J. Cohen

Author:Nancy J. Cohen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Home Remodel Cozy Mysteries, Home Renovation Mysteries, Home Repair, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths, Humorous Mystery, Florida Mysteries, Mysteries with Pets
Publisher: Orange Grove Press
Published: 2021-11-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

The next morning, Marla stepped inside Dressed to Kill boutique and paused to gawk at the racks of glittering evening gowns. She never tired of admiring the beautiful creations with colors ranging from sexy black to tropical turquoise, royal blue, and claret red. Sequins, seed pearls, and beads reflected light from the crystal chandeliers hanging overhead.

Off to the right stood a counter with bar stools and a refrigerated display case offering sandwiches and snacks for sale. The aroma of fresh pastries permeated the air along with a faint citrus scent.

A seating arrangement with couches tempted shoppers to linger in the elegant setting. Usually Marla gravitated toward the section with high-end daywear as well as the handbag and shoe collections. Her fingers itched to pull out her wallet and buy something. Maybe a pair of crystal earrings? That wouldn’t add too much to her credit card balance.

“Marla, it’s great to see you!” Tally bustled over to embrace her in a tight hug.

“Likewise.” She withdrew to regard her friend. Tally wore a teal twist dress that looked great on her slim figure, but then she could wear anything and pass muster as a model. “I love coming here. It makes me wish I had an occasion to wear one of these gowns.”

“Hah. Then you’d have to get a babysitter for Ryder. It’s not easy having a social life with a toddler,” Tally said in a wry tone.

“Hey, speak for yourself. Ryder is only turning one this June.”

“I know. I miss the little guy. He’s so cute.”

“I can say the same for Luke. Do you want to eat in or go out?” Marla asked, okay with either choice.

“Let’s go to Lara’s on the corner. I feel like being served. Hold on a sec while I close up for lunch.” Tally grabbed her purse, set the alarm, and locked the door. “Remind me to show you our new stock,” she said as they headed toward the restaurant anchoring the end of the shopping strip. “There’s a skirt you’re going to love, and I have the perfect poppy-colored top to match it.”

Marla gave a rueful chuckle. “If I didn’t have to go into the salon every day, I’d probably hang out in my pajamas.”

“Ugh, I remember that feeling. The first year with a baby is so exhausting. It goes by in a blur.”

At the restaurant, they requested a quiet table at the opposite end from the bar. Marla appreciated the modern ambiance with recessed ceiling lights and an open kitchen. Potted plants softened the cavernous room while soft jazz music played in the background.

They commiserated over the responsibilities of motherhood until the waitress brought their drinks along with a basket of warm bread. She took their meal order and left them alone.

“Tell me what’s been going on with your mom,” Tally said, spreading a napkin over her lap.

Marla took a sip of her iced coffee then filled Tally in on recent events.

“I’m still wondering why the killer wrapped Reed’s tie around the foreman’s neck,” Marla concluded.

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