Chapter 32
“I can’t wait to meet her. You like her books, too, don’t you, dear?” asked Mom.
“Yes. I do.” My head was spinning. How on earth did Veronica get involved with Delbert’s roommate? And Jacquie’s stepson, no less. He had been nice enough to Bob and me the day we paid them a surprise visit. But I couldn’t forget that he had also been going out with Helen.
“Florrie, would you take these appetizers to the guests, please?”
“Sure.” I picked up the platter and carried it outside. I greeted Mr. and Mrs. Spratt.
Veronica said, “Scott, this is my sister, Florrie.”
“Hi, Scott. We met before at your house. How’s Lance?” I asked.
Scott’s sandy hair was almost the same shade as Jonquille’s. Just like Bob had said, it stood up on the top of his head in a wave from his forehead. Both sides were cut close. He wore a short mustache over a pretty mouth, but he hadn’t shaved in a couple of days. It was a popular look. Very trendy, but not my style.
“The poor guy lost his job for good. He’s a mess right now. If Delbert were still alive, he might be tempted to do him in.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. He seemed like a nice guy. I hope he lands on his feet.”
“Who is this you’re talking about?” asked Norman.
“My roommate.” Scott helped himself to a crostini with pancetta on it.
“And I was horrified to hear about your stepmother. You must be worried sick.”
Scott swallowed a bit of the crostini. “We tried to keep it quiet, but she missed a couple of engagements and word got out.”
“What happened?” asked Veronica.
“We don’t know where she is. But she has done this before. My dad says all fiction authors are prone to drama. Hopefully she’ll show up again soon.”
“Your private investigator hasn’t turned up any leads yet?” I asked.
He stopped eating. “What private investigator?”
“You didn’t hire one? He came by asking if we had seen her. A lanky guy with a narrow face?” I watched Scott’s expression change to concern. “I can’t recall his name, but I have his business card at home. I could call and let you know.
“I’d appreciate it if you did that. It’s somewhat worrisome. I think Dad would have told me if he had hired someone.”
Mrs. Spratt edged over toward us. “Your mom says your little romance with the police officer didn’t work out, Florrie.”
Veronica tilted her head. “You said there was nothing going on.”
Ugh. How many times would that lie raise its ugly head again? “There isn’t anymore,” I said through clenched teeth, hoping Veronica would get the message.
“She’s not ready to date anyone else yet,” Norman informed everyone.
Dad looked uncomfortable. He was probably worried someone would say the wrong thing and my lie would be exposed.
“I hear you live at the Maxwell mansion,” said Scott. “Must be a beautiful place.”
Thank heaven he changed the subject. “Actually, I live in the carriage house in the back of the property, not with the high society in the mansion.”
“My stepmother, Jacquie, is always talking about the grand parties they used to have.”
“I can imagine. My mom said everyone knew about the Maxwells when she was growing up.”
And then Norman edged closer to me.
I passed the platter to Norman to hold and excused myself, saying, “Looks like Dad needs some help at the grill.”
He didn’t, of course, but I was relieved to get away from Mrs. Spratt and Norman. When we sat down to eat, I made a point of helping serve so that I could see where the Spratt family was sitting before I joined everyone.
I should have brought Jonquille. For the next hour, I dodged Norman, who swapped seats with his dad to be closer to me. Meanwhile, Veronica beamed and snapped selfie after selfie of herself and Scott. I wanted to think he was a nice guy, but I couldn’t help worrying about his relationship with Helen. It sounded like he had dumped her but I wasn’t sure.
When I cleared the table, I noticed that Scott had walked deeper into the yard to take a phone call. He put his phone away and rushed back, his face ashen.
“Excuse me for leaving early. There’s a problem with my dad.”
Veronica stood up. “Is he all right?”
He appeared to be at a loss. “I don’t think so. Please thank your mom for me.” He left at a jog.
Veronica stumbled after him in those impossible heels. “Scott! Wait up.”
We all heard him say, “Maybe Florrie can give you a ride home. I need to go straight to his house and possibly the hospital.” He planted a quick kiss on her and then he left Veronica standing there, watching him go.
She took off her shoes and walked back to the table barefoot and looking dejected. “I hope everything is okay with his dad.”
Mrs. Spratt said, “My, but you girls have melodramatic relationships. Florrie, you will be so much better off with Norman than with that policeman.”
I smiled as sweetly as I could. Veronica was the actress in the family, not me. But I had read enough books to know how to do a fairly decent Scarlett O’Hara type. “I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to love again after Eric.”
Mom scowled at me.
Veronica seemed surprised. “I can’t blame you, Florrie. Sergeant Jonquille is very cute.”
Mrs. Spratt’s nostrils flared. “Norman has a new haircut. Isn’t it handsome?” She bestowed a loving smile on her son.
Veronica’s eyes met mine. I had to look away quickly before I broke into uncontrollable laughter.
Happily, the torte was a huge success. Light and sweet, the perfect ending to our meal.
I slipped into the kitchen to wash dishes when the Spratts were departing. I didn’t think I could take any more of Norman.
He ruined my plan by sneaking into the kitchen and planting a smooch on my cheek. It was more slobbery than Frodo’s kisses. I danced away from him, holding up my soapy hands to defend myself. “Goodnight, Norman.”
“I’ll call you.” He waved and left.
When Mom returned to the kitchen, I said, “We have got to find Norman a girlfriend. That’s the only solution.”
“I understand now why you don’t want to date Norman. Honey, the next time you lie to spare his feelings, I promise I’ll back you up. Just let me know in advance so we’re all on the same page.”
Veronica handed Mom the dessert plates. “Did you take your pearls to the jeweler I recommended?” asked Mom.
“He’s stringing them now.”
I was afraid to ask, but I had to know. “What happened?”
“It was so embarrassing. My pearl necklace practically exploded. I didn’t know they could do anything like that. Pearls sprang and rolled all over the floor.”
“They’re supposed to be double-knotted so that won’t happen,” said Mom. “The most you’ll lose is one pearl. All I can think is that they weren’t strung properly to begin with.”
Dad joined us in the kitchen to ask about my safety. I told him about Jonquille and Cody setting up cameras, and how I had installed new locks. I didn’t mention that Jonquille was sleeping over nights. Even if he was staying downstairs on the sofa, I figured it wasn’t the kind of thing one’s father probably wanted to hear.
My mother had other concerns. She smiled at me doubtfully. “Maybe you can bring that nice Sergeant Jonquille with you next time?”
I tried to act casual. “Maybe.”
There was no mistaking the hope in her eyes. “Did Veronica send you the selfie she took with Scott? They make such a nice couple.” Mom picked up her phone and flipped through pictures. “Your dad gets mad at me when I say things like that. They haven’t been seeing each other long, but one of Veronica’s relationships has to finally work out, and Scott is adorable.” She held out her phone to me.
Veronica always took a great photo, even close up in a selfie. I hoped Scott wouldn’t end up hurting her.