For Better or Hearse by Laura Durham Read Free Book Online Page A

adorable idea.”
    Darla rested a hand on my arm. “Do you think we could find a magnolia china pattern or would that be too much?”
    The wedding had already passed “too much” months ago.
    â€œMaybe we could use that new leaf plate at Perfect Settings for the salad course,” Kate said. “It’s shaped kind of like a magnolia leaf.”
    Darla glanced at Kate next to me and a look of surprise crossed her face. “Kate, dear. I didn’t see you there.”
    How many martinis had this woman already gone through? Kate elbowed me, and I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing.
    Debbie put a hand to her cheek. “I didn’t recognize you in that turtleneck.” I’m sure they’d never seen fabric even remotely close to Kate’s neck before.
    â€œYou look practically Republican.” Darla giggled.
    Kate flinched. “It’s technically a cowl neck—”
    I cut her off in mid-sentence. “Have you tried the scones yet? They’re one of Richard Gerard’s signature items.”
    â€œWe haven’t gotten to the food.” Darla’s eyes flitted to the buffet, and then dismissed the bowls of cream and berries with a shudder. Darla would as soon let a scone pass her lips than she would drink her morning orange juice straight.
    Debbie raised her glass. “We’re on a liquid diet until the wedding.”
    â€œBut you both look fabulous.” I couldn’t imagine either woman getting more willowy, and I’d bet the only nutrition Darla had gotten for years came from the garnishes in her drinks.
    â€œI have to fit into my Monique Luillier slip dress.” Debbie downed her drink in one final gulp.
    I had visions of Debbie walking down the aisle in a narrow slip dress holding a bouquet, her father’s arm, and a martini. Kate and I would need a drink after this wedding. Or during it.
    â€œCan we get you anything from the bar?” Darla cooed as she peered at the lonely olive in the bottom of her glass. “Our drinks need a little freshening up.”
    â€œI think I’m going to start with some food, but thank you.”
    â€œSuit yourself, sugar.” Darla patted my hand, and then teetered off across the room to the bar with Debbie close on her Ferragamo heels.
    â€œI hope Richard didn’t invite anymore of our clientsto this,” Kate whimpered. “We can’t count on all of them to be drunk on a Sunday afternoon. I would hate to have to pull off a coherent conversation.”
    â€œI’m going to be incoherent if I don’t eat soon,” I whispered to Kate as I tried to see through the crowd to the buffet. “Are there any scones left?”
    â€œI can’t see.” Kate grabbed my elbow and pulled me forward. “Follow me, and don’t make eye contact with anyone.”
    We maneuvered past clusters of chattering brides comparing bridesmaid dress colors and swapping favor ideas. I crossed my fingers no one would recognize us. We reached the food display, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw several scones left on the tray. Maybe everyone at the party was dieting to fit into their wedding dresses.
    Kate held up a heart-shaped scone. “Is this a theme or has Richard gone soft on us?”
    I looked at the trays of heart-shaped cookies and tea sandwiches that filled the table from end to end. I placed a tiny butter heart on my plate and reached for a scone. “It’s official. He’s finally lost his mind.”
    Kate laughed and handed me a napkin.
    â€œCan you believe this, Mother?” The girl next to me motioned at the food. I guess she wasn’t a big fan of hearts, either.
    â€œWhat is it now, Viola?” The woman beside her sounded less than patient.
    â€œThere isn’t a thing here that’s vegan.”
    â€œYou’re not still on that kick, are you? Don’t think for a second that your father and I are paying for a