Murder in the Mix Boxed Set 28-30: Cozy Mystery Addison Moore (the reading strategies book .txt) 📖

Evie and Carlotta join us for the feast while Pancake and Waffles, my sweet cats, along with Noah’s golden retriever, Toby, watch from the sofa.

“I’m so glad the case is finally over,” I say to Evie. “Now we can focus on going out and getting our nails done and setting up hair appointments and maybe buying some pretty baubles to go with your dress. When is the Winter Formal again, anyway?”

“Tomorrow.” She shrugs. “And I’m painting my nails myself and doing my own hair.”

Carlotta chuckles. “I like how you weren’t so quick to dismiss the baubles kid. How about you and I take Grandpa Bentley’s American Express Black Card and head to the jewelers first thing in the morning? There’s nothing like a little jewel heist to start the day off right. You’ll want to load up on options, you know. I can hold your discards for you. I look particularly good in rubies.”

Evie snorts. “You’re a riot, Carlotta. But Glam Glam lent me a few pieces from her collection. I settled on a thin gold chain with a heart dangling from it. She said Grandpa Joseph gave it to her, and she wanted to give it to me so that I would feel more connected to the Lemons.”

My chest bucks as I fight back tears. “That’s so beautiful.” I sniff. “Evie, I can’t wait to help you get ready for the dance.”

“Oh, I’m not getting ready here.” She says here as if the house were infested with rat feces. “We’re having a getting ready party at Dash’s house. And don’t worry. Her mom is taking pictures and texting them to all the parents.” She rolls her eyes as if the thought were annoying.

Everett frowns at the idea. “I was looking forward to seeing you in your dress.”

“And you will,” she assures as she dumps the rest of the Kung Pao shrimp onto her plate. “That is, if you’re still awake when I get home. But it’s going to be late. Like, four or five in the morning.”

“What?” Everett’s fork slips from his fingers. “Evie, I’m positive they’ll close the gym down far before that.”

“The dance isn’t at the gym, Dad.” Evie scoffs as she glances at the ceiling. “It’s at the Evergreen Manor. And once it’s through, the whole senior and junior class is renting a couple of conjoining rooms so we can party upstairs.”

“No way,” Everett and I say in unison.

Noah chuckles. “I believe that’s what we did way back when.”

Everett growls over at him, “You are not helping.”

“That’s because he gets it.” Evie nods his way. “Thank you, Uncle Noah. At least someone around here knows what it’s like to have a good time.”

Carlotta grunts as she does her best to swallow down a mouthful of teriyaki chicken.

“Evie Stevie, I get you, girl. I invented having a good time. Why, I rented a room myself after prom. How do you think your mama got here?”

Everett looks as if he’s vibrating with a silent rage. “Evie, that is exactly why you can’t go up to some hotel room after the dance.”

Evie leans his way. “Are you that afraid I’m going to pump out a kid in nine months? Have a little faith in me, Dad.”

“I have plenty of faith you, Evie. It’s Conner and Kyle I don’t trust. And believe me, if I get a whiff of them trying anything, they won’t live to see senior year.”

“Now, now.” Noah shakes his head at Everett. “Let’s keep the homicidal threats to a minimum tonight.”

“Don’t worry, Uncle Noah”—Evie’s nostrils flare, and if I’m not mistaken, I think I just saw flames shooting out of them as well— “I’m well aware that Dad is a barbarian.” She looks to Everett. “After the dance ends, I think I’ll be spending the night at Uncle Noah’s. That way you won’t have to worry about me waking you up when I come in.” She winks at Noah. “Uncle Noah understands what it’s like to be young.”

Everett’s chest expands a notch. “And he understands what it means to be irresponsible. You’re coming home after the dance or I’ll pick you up at the Evergreen myself.”

“AAARGGH!” Evie howls with all the drama a sixteen-year-old who happens to be angry with her father can afford.

“Okay.” I stand. “I think I’ll whip up some waffles. Evie, would you like to help?”

“Anything to get me out of this conversation.”

Evie and I whip up a batch of springy light waffles, and soon we’ve all eaten our fill of the delectable treats and are left moaning in their wake.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” I say, rubbing my hands over my belly. “Dr. Barnette suggested we watch a few live births on TV.”

Carlotta squints over at me. “I wouldn’t do it, Lot. It’s bad enough it’s bound to happen to you. No need to torture yourself beforehand.”

Evie’s expression sours. “Well, I’m leaving the room if you’re going to watch a baby get squeezed out of the fun zone.”

“It’s not a fun zone, Evie,” Everett is quick to correct. “And I highly recommend you watch. It might change your position on a lot of things regarding the so-called fun zone.”

“Eww!” Evie screams. “Do not talk to me about female anatomy, Dad. Quick, Uncle Noah, shove a waffle in his face and distract him. And don’t worry, Dad. Your threats regarding the Winter Formal were received. I won’t be having any fun that night or any other night of my life thanks to you.” She stomps to her room and slams the door shut.

Carlotta ticks her head. “Parenting is fun. Too much fun for me, and that’s exactly why I passed that fun time to your mama, Lot Lot. Now turn on the tube and let the baby games begin. I’m betting Foxy passes out first.”

Noah shakes his head. “I delivered Keelie’s child last summer, Carlotta. If anyone is going to need smelling salts, it’s the angry judge.”

“I’m not angry,” Everett’s