Wicked Whoopie Pies Addison Moore (the false prince series TXT) 📖

the woman’s direction. “Welcome to the Cutie Pie. I’m Lottie Lemon, I’ll be glad to help you out.” I offer her my brightest smile. “Hey, weren’t you at church yesterday? I was dedicating my daughter, and I’m pretty sure I recognize you.”

“That would be me. Olive St. James.” She stretches a hand my way and I shake it.

She’s pretty, creamy skin, sharp features, dressed in a white pantsuit that I would be terrified to try on at a boutique, let alone own. I’m pretty much a magnet for stains these days—and in days past as well.

“Did you know the deceased?” I wince as I ask because I already happen to know the answer. I saw Olive speaking to Terri a couple of times yesterday.

She offers a mournful smile as she nods. “Terri was one of my dearest friends. And she was technically a client of mine. I’m one of the counselors at Honey Hollow Covenant. Terri and I spoke about once a week.”

“Oh? Was she having trouble?” I whisper in hopes she’ll feel safe enough to confide just about anything to me. Bakers fall under the same confidence rule as do hairdressers and bartenders. I think it’s the heady scent of sugary treats that suddenly inspires people to spill their life stories. That and the fact a carbohydrate high is a very real thing.

“I’m sorry.” She shakes her head. “But even though Terri has passed, I feel obligated to stand true to patient-client confidentiality.”

“I completely understand. I mean, the jury is still out whether or not she died of natural causes, but the sheriff’s department hasn’t ruled out a homicide just yet. I just thought if there was someone she had a disagreement with, you might know about it. But then, I witnessed just about everyone there at that business meeting having a disagreement with her, so there’s that.”

A small laugh bounces from her. “I’m afraid that was Terri in a nutshell.” She twists her lips and glances past me. “You know, Terri was friends with Clementine Greenbaum—or at least for a while. I think yesterday I was witness to a few sharp words between her and Terri as well. Anyway, she might be a better person to ask than me.” She blows out a breath. “I’m just picking up a few cookies for the staff. Everyone is so down at the office. I thought they could use a little pick-me-up.”

“I’ll be glad to help you with that.” I quickly help her select our most popular sweet treats, double fudge brownies, fresh baked white chocolate chip and macadamia nut cookies, apricot thumbprints, lace cookies, about a half a dozen crullers, and even a few cannolis. “I think this might be comforting on a small scale if nothing else,” I tell her. “I hope the staff enjoys it. And hey, if you can think of anything at all that might help the sheriff’s department, please feel free to call them.”

Her expression grows dark. “You really don’t think Terri died from natural causes, do you?”

I shake my head.

She glances over her shoulder a moment before leaning in. “You know what? Neither do I.” Her brows hike a notch. “I’ll see about reaching out to the sheriff’s department if it does turn out nefarious.”

“Contact Detective Noah Fox,” I whisper. “He’s in charge of the case.”

“Noah Fox?” She glances to the floor as she struggles to process it. “Wait, wasn’t he with you up onstage yesterday?”

“Yes, actually. He’s my daughter’s father, but not my husband. I guess I could have used some serious counseling about a year ago.” Not that I would change a thing. Lyla Nell is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

We share a warm laugh at the thought.

“It was nice meeting you, Lottie. And if you ever do need any counseling, my door is always open to you.”

She takes off just as Keelie comes my way and lands my precious baby girl in my arms.

“Thanks for giving me all the baby feels, Lottie,” Keelie says as she adjusts the bow in Lyla Nell’s hair. “Do you think it’s too soon for me to try for a girl? I was going to wait until little Bear turned two, but Lyla Nell looks like a doll in her pink dress and matching bow. I have a sudden craving to dress someone in pink.”

“You’re welcome to come over and dress Lyla Nell anytime you want. And once both she and Bear start howling at the very same time, that should take the edge off to deviate from your two-year plan.”

“You’re so right.” She shudders. “But in two years I think we should synchronize our pregnancies.” She snatches up a vanilla whoopie pie and takes off with a wave.

“Hey there, cutie,” I coo as Lyla Nell flashes a dimpled smile at me just as Charlie and Naomi get up and head this way.

“Ta ta for now.” Charlie waves as she heads for the door with Binky lying across her shoulders like an exotic black and white scarf. “Wish me luck. I’m off to start my new career as a waitress at Mangias.”

“Break a pizza,” Carlotta shouts as Charlie sails out the door.

Naomi shakes her head my way. “That girl is a breath of fresh air. Sure, she’s got your face, but I actually like her. Did you know she’s been communicating with the ghost of Greer Giles? I knew those rumors were true. Greer really is haunting the B&B. And she’s got a boyfriend, a creepy kid, and a cat. The best part? I think I just gained a new best friend.”

She takes off and I glance to Lily since she and Naomi have spent a majority of their lives holding that bestie title.

Lily shrugs as she heads for the kitchen. “I sort of feel the same. Charlie is my new BFF.”

“Great,” I say, pressing a kiss to Lyla Nell’s forehead. “I’m glad Charlie has forged a few friendships in record time. Besides, I’ve got other things to think about. Like how