Raspberry Tart Terror (Murder in the Mix Book 30) Unknown (christmas read aloud .TXT) 📖

a little. “Well, it used to be her place. It has recently been taken over, too.”

Mom and Carlotta scuttle this way as Mom slinks in close to Sugar.

“You’re that new bookstore owner,” she says with a touch too much excitement in her voice. “We meet again.” She gives a cheesy wink. “I just can’t wait to do my signing.”

“I’m excited, too,” Sugar is quick to tell her. “I’m game for whenever you are. Just spread the word, and I’ll do the same. I’m hoping to have a big turnout for you.” She looks to Carlotta. “For the both of you. I’m sure all of your fans will be there. You must be over the moon about the big news.”

“That’s right,” Carlotta says, rocking back on her heels. “I only had five copies left of my book last night when all was said and done. And if that girl hadn’t kicked the bucket, it would have been a sellout.”

“Carlotta,” I whisper her name through the side of my mouth like a ventriloquist.

A choking sound emits from Sugar as she looks to Carlotta.

“You don’t know the good news, do you?” she asks.

“Lay it on me, blondie.” Carlotta turns her ear toward the girl. “Let me guess. You’ve got a hot dude who needs a hot date, and he likes to ride ’em hard and put ’em away wet?”

Sugar laughs. “My dad does ride motorcycles, but I’m talking about the book list that came out this morning. A Whole Lotta Lovin’ ranked number ninety-eight on the Vermont best-seller list for nonfiction.”

Carlotta belts out a sharp howl, and I think my mother just belted out a sharp moan.

Our small circle breaks out into a series of congratulations for her.

“Yes, Carlotta.” My mother sniffs while forcing a smile. “Congratulations on achieving such a highly coveted accolade right out the gate. I’m sure it’s just a case of beginner’s luck.”

Carlotta winces over at her. “Did you make the Vermont best-sellers list right out the gate?”

“Well, no, but—”

Carlotta howls twice as loud, “That’s what we authors call getting our letters.” A prideful smile blooms on her face. “Next up is USA TODAY, and then after that the New York Times, and then after that—is whatever comes after that.”

“A movie deal.” Keelie nods.

Mom is quick to wave off the idea. “Let’s not get carried away.” Her voice wavers as if she might cry, and I decide to change the subject before the waterworks start.

“Let’s not get too celebratory just yet either,” I say. “I’m pretty sure both of these women knew that poor girl who passed away last night. I’m sorry for your loss.” I cringe a little as I look to the two of them.

Sugar sniffs back tears. “Growing up, Verity and I were the best of friends. It’s a horrible loss for everyone. She had a legion of fans. She was loved the world over.”

Juliet nods. “I worked with her back when she was still just Verity.”

“Oh?” Mom tips her head. “What did the two of you do?”

“We worked for the Craft Emporium.”

“Ooh!” Keelie’s eyes light up. “Lottie and I are addicted to the Craft Emporium. We used to pop in once a week just to see what’s new. I’m addicted to the scrapbooking stuff, and Lottie used to buy up all the seasonal decorations.”

“Still do,” I say. “As soon as they put out all the fall and Christmas stock on display in the summer, I’m right there scooping it all up. I bought all of my Valentine’s decorations there, too,” I say, waving my hand around at my haul. “Come to think of it, I should really make another trip. There’s more heart-shaped fun to be had.”

Juliet laughs. “Actually, Verity and I worked as online support for big vendor buyers like schools, churches, hospitals, stuff like that. So I never really had the chance to work on the store floor. But I’ve spent more than my fair share of time inside of the store, too—as a consumer. I’m a knitting addict.”

“You must be thrilled to take over the knit shop,” I say. “I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with The Knit Wit.”

“First thing’s first, I’m changing the name. The new name is The Social Knitwork. The new signage is coming tomorrow.”

“The Social Knitwork!” Keelie and I coo in unison.

“That’s adorable,” I tell her. “Welcome to the neighborhood, to the both of you. Are either of you holding a grand opening?”

Juliet and Sugar glance at one another and shake their heads.

“We should do something,” I tell them. “Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. How about if we host a block party and invite the whole town? We could call it something cute like Love is in the Air on Main Street, and each of the businesses could have an open house. I’m sure everyone will be running a special on that day anyhow.”

“No, no.” Mom wags a finger my way. “The B&B—I mean, the Rendezvous Luxury Resort is hosting a Valentine’s Day party to end all Valentine’s Day parties. The entire town is invited.” She turns to Sugar and Juliet. “In fact, once the new owners discovered that Verity had close to twenty million followers on her social media sites, they decided to hold the event in her honor—sort of a memorial.” She frowns a moment. “It’s their way of bringing more patrons to their new establishment.”

“Riding on the coattails of Verity’s murder? That’s low,” I say.

“Slimy.” Keelie shudders.

“Innovative,” Carlotta retorts.

“It’s perfect.” Sugar nods. “Verity only ever wanted one thing in life, and that’s to be in the spotlight.”

A spray of pink stars appears around her shoulder, and right before my eyes a koala bear appears with its arms wrapped around Sugar’s neck as if it was holding on for dear life. Both Carlotta and I gasp in unison—as we should since we’re the only two who can see it. I hope.

“Aw,” Carlotta coos. “I love me some koala bears! Especially a fuzzy little cutie patootie like this one.” She leans