Too Sweet to Die by T. Doyle (the false prince .TXT) 📗

but it’s there. I thought it was so stifling as a kid, but now we have two movie theaters and three coffee shops.”

Ray’s eyes crinkled in the corners with his smile. “Yeah, life with just a bowling alley is the dark ages in comparison.”

“What about you, Ray? Are you glad you’re back?” Kristi slid another slice onto her plate.

“I’m not sure yet.” He stroked his beard. “If Dad hadn’t needed the hip replacement and Mom could take care of herself, I’d probably still be in Florida.”

“Really?” I pushed our pizza toward Joe. “It’s so humid.”

“I got used to the weather. It’s economical. Low taxes.” Ray smirked. “And there’s Spring Break.”

“And there it is,” Kristi teased. “Just when you seem like an adult.” She sighed and wiped her hands on her napkin.

“I’m an adult.” Ray’s shoulders rolled back, but his no-nonsense voice made me wonder if she’d hurt his feelings.

“You’re living in your parents’ cabin.” Kristi reminded him.

“I bought the cabin from Dad three years ago and we put the money in a trust for Mom when she was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.”

“Oh, that was sweet, Ray.” I reached across the table and patted his hand.

Kristi said nothing, but she edged a little bit closer to Ray.

“It’s no big deal. I always liked it out there. It’s quiet. I figured I’d retire there someday.” His eyes rounded, unfocused. “Just not quite yet.”

“You could start your own business,” Joe said. “Private investigator or security.”

“Walmart greeter.” Kristi suggested with a too-bright smile.

“I can’t rock the blue vest.” Ray sat back, his eyes lasered on Joe. “Do you think there’s a need for private investigators here?”

The waitress flew by our table, hovering to drop off the check and carry-out boxes. People crowded the bar, several eyeing our table like Frodo and the ring.

I put my napkin on my plate. “Tyler hired some guy out of Lexington a while back.”

“Really? How do you know that?” Ray boxed up his pizza.

“Marabel’s niece literally bumped into him at The Fuel Station.” I raised an eyebrow. “That girl is amazing at finding the new single men in town. She said he’s cute, but his schedule is awful.” I passed the other carryout box to Kristi.

“How does that even come up in your daily conversations? ‘Hey Marabel, any new single guys in town?’ Who are you?” Ray said to me and then turned to Joe. “I bet the kids never got away with anything.” He rolled his eyes and turned back to me. “Why would Tyler need a private investigator from out of town?” Ray asked.

“I’m not sure. Maybe you could ask him.” I wrinkled my nose. “Like, you know, investigate?”

Joe grabbed the check. “We’re calling it a night. You two can play Columbo later.” He slipped bills into the check folder. “We’ll get it this time; you get the next one.”

“I’d like that.” Ray raised an eyebrow to Kristi. “This was nice. We should do it again.”

“Sure.” She patted Ray’s shoulder. “Joe will probably pick some place really expensive next time, so budget accordingly.”

Ray glanced down at her hand. “You know, the evening doesn’t have to end. You could come to my place…”

Kristi pushed him, sliding across the seat to get out of the booth. “That’s a hard no, big guy. I’m not some college girl, Ray.”

Ray stood.

Kristi inched past him. “See you around, guys.” She waved.

“Good night, Kristi.” I scooted out of the booth.

Ray watched her leave, and then caught the hostess’s attention and grinned like an adolescent at his first mixer.

“Dumb ass.” I shot Ray my mom glare.

Ray shook Joe’s hand. “I’m amazed you’re still tall after all the hammering you must get.”

Joe hugged me close. “They’re fun when their feisty.”

“Hey.” I stepped back. “I’m not feisty.”

“My love.” Joe kissed my forehead. “You are perfect.”

“I wouldn’t encourage her.” Ray gave me a chin nod. “You’re working Monday morning, right?”

“Yes,” I said, slowly, unsure why he wanted to know.

A quick smile lit his face. “Good. You can explain to Mom the consequences of committing murder. Bring your scary eyes.”

Seriously?

“Yeah, that look right there.” Ray clapped Joe on the shoulder. “Thanks for dinner.” He headed over to the hostess, and she handed him a piece of paper.

Gross.

Chapter Nine

Joe nuzzled my shoulder, nibbled my neck, and then reached over to turn off my alarm. “Good morning, love. I’ll start the coffee.” I was sure Joe had a freaky superhero trait and could control his circadian rhythm.

I rolled over and reminded myself that I needed to get up now or I’d be late to work, and I wouldn’t have time to tame my hair from its 80s big ‘do tendencies. My feet hit the ground and I stood.

Joe rewarded me with a hug and slapped my butt. “Hit the showers, champ.”

I may have muttered something about perkiness not being an endearing quality. But, after my shower and the scent of fresh brewed coffee hit me, I appreciated Joe’s cheerfulness. I kissed his cleanly shaven face. “Thanks, sweetie.”

He stepped into the shower and I reciprocated the butt slap.

“After work I’m going with Ray to a couple of the casinos. We’re going to see if any of the managers remember Oscar.” I dressed in my scrubs and towel dried my hair.

“Okay. What’s the plan for dinner? Or will you be back by then?” He poked his head out of the shower. “I’m asking for a friend.”

“You and your friend, Mr. Stomach, will be happy to know I’m making dinner at the usual hour.”

“I can pick something up.”

“I love that you’ve offered, but after the pizza, I need to eat at home or live at the gym.”

“Salad it is then.” He saluted and returned under the water, singing jingles from old commercials, mostly on key.

I moussed, goosed, and spritzed my hair. Makeup was a cinch, mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick.

I pulled meat out to defrost, poured my second cup of coffee into my to-go cup, and made Joe some toast. He grabbed the toast, kissed me, hugged me, have-a-good-day’d me, and