Heather Horrocks - Who-Dun-Him Inn 02 - Inn the Doghouse by Heather Horrocks Read Free Book Online Page B

young woman on the sidewalk, her pregnant belly too big for her to zip her stylish pink ski jacket over it. She held a cell phone to her ear and looked upset.
    Back with a tray, Crystal set a steaming mug of hot chocolate in front of me, along with a napkin and a spoon.
    “Thanks,” I said, looking up at her.
    “Oh, no problem,” she said as she set down the two plates in front of the men. Then she hesitated. “I heard you talking about that Silver Creek development. My dad thinks it’s a crying shame things can’t just stay the same as they are now.”
    DeWayne looked up and smiled. “What do you think?”
    She giggled. “I think the homes are real pretty. I wouldn’t mind moving up there myself. When I get married again, I mean.” This she said with a meaningful look at DeWayne.
    Paul’s cell phone rang and he answered it. “Okay, we’ll be right over.” He slipped the phone into his pocket “Come on, DeWayne. Homer’s cows got loose again.”
    Homer Dodd had more cows than anyone else in the county, and more trouble keeping them on his property than anyone else, too.
    Crystal said, “I’ll box these meals up for you.”
    “Thanks.” DeWayne watched her more closely this time as she walked away. He hadn’t already noticed? Really?
    She returned with the boxes, which she handed to the men.
    “I’m waiting here until David texts to say that he and Zach are leaving the library and heading to the pet store.” Pets and Vets was right across the street from the library.
    They waved and headed toward the door.
    Crystal and I watched them leave. As the door closed behind them, Crystal sighed. “That is one good man.”
    Two good men , I thought. And, oh, boy, Crystal definitely had her sights on DeWayne.
    Crystal’s father, seated at the Round Table in the corner, raised his mug of root beer. “You could do a lot worse than DeWayne Smith, Crystal, baby.”
    Oh, yeah, DeWayne had better watch his step with this one! If she had Daddy’s approval, he was as good as gift-wrapped. Paul might never forgive him if he got invited to sit at the Round Table first.
    I watched the two men climbing into Paul’s police car before they pulled out.
    The pregnant woman was no longer out front, and when the door to the café opened, I saw it was her. She didn’t make eye contact with me or anyone else, concentrating on her cell phone as she ended the call and followed the hostess to a booth. She still looked like she was crying.
    Crystal seated her two booths over from where I sat. I turned back to my mug, drinking half of it. My cell phone sounded its Despicable Me minion laugh as a text message popped up, saying David and Zach found some really cool books on dogs and would be a little longer than originally planned.
    I decided to wait here in the warmth of the café for a few more minutes. Maybe even have some dessert. Perhaps some of that symbolic pie I had planned on earlier today to show I really was moving on with my life.
    And boy was I ever. I just knew David was about to kiss me. And, more importantly, I was about to let him.
    The cook, Monica Bailey, came out from her usual post in the kitchen, and hugged me. “Crystal said you were here. How’re you doing, honey? It’s been forever since I’ve seen you.”
    “Whatever.” I laughed. “You were at my parents’ party last night.”
    “I know, but I mean, seen you here . We miss you. You could have your job back any time, you know.”
    “Thanks, but it’s working out better for me to be home with Zach. And my business is doing well.”
    “I know. It’s for the best, yada, yada, yada.” She laughed. “Well, I’ve missed you, anyway. Do you want a dessert or something?”
    I nodded. Time for some symbolism. “I’d love a piece of cherry pie.”
    “I’ll send Crystal out with a piece. Á la mode?” When I nodded, she gave me another quick hug before making her way back to the kitchen.
    It was the noon hour and the Moose Muffin Café began