Room for Murder - Tim Myers [15]
“You know me better than that. I like the smell, not the taste. So, when are we going to start offering sweet tea with our little spread here?”
“Whenever you want to get up early and make it,” Elise said.
“You’re in a good mood today.” Alex said.
“I always wake up happy, you know that.”
Alex said. “I do. We know each other’s patterns pretty well, don’t we?”
Elise said softly. “So all the mystery’s gone, is that what you’re trying to say?”
Alex laughed softly. “Just the opposite. I’m looking forward to seeing more of you than I already have.”
“Not on the first date, you won’t” Elise said.
Alex stammered, “That’s not what I meant. I was...what I meant to say...”
She finally took pity on him and snapped him lightly with a tea towel she had used for the muffins. “You can stop squirming; I know exactly what you meant.”
Alex was about to say something else when Lenora walked in. “That coffee smells like ambrosia.”
“Help yourself,” Alex said.
As she poured a cup and selected a blueberry muffin, Lenora said, “Alex, I was hoping you had some spare time this morning. I really need to speak with you.”
“Sorry, I don’t normally have any free time until around lunch,” Alex said. “We keep pretty busy till then.” He and Elise worked at their housekeeping chores together in the mornings, though they would probably have to adjust their schedules now that they were running two separate buildings.
“That will be fine. May I treat you to a meal at this Buck’s Grill I keep hearing about?”
“No need. We can go Dutch,” he said.
“Ah, but then I can’t ask you my favor. I’ll meet you here at noon.”
After she was gone, Elise said, “I know it’s none of my business, but what exactly was that all about?”
“I don’t have the slightest idea. But hey, how can I say no to a free lunch?”
“Well, you could always try ‘no’. Then there’s ‘no thank you’, ‘sorry I can’t’ and the old reliable ‘no Ma’am, but I appreciate you thinking of me’. Any of those would work.”
Alex said, “It’s just lunch, and she is our guest. Besides, I’ve got to admit, this whole ‘favor’ thing she’s been dropping hints about has me intrigued. I can’t imagine what she wants.”
Elise cocked her head to one side, then said, “No doubt that’s her intent. Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough.”
The bickering honeymoon couple joined them, filled their plates and mugs, then grabbed a table away from everyone else, presumably so they could have some privacy.
Alex asked Elise, “So, should we keep tag teaming the rooms together, or should we split up now that we have so much ground to cover?”
Elise said, “Tell you what. You take Main and I’ll handle Dual. We can do the sheets after lunch together, if you get back from your rendezvous in time.”
Alex said, “I’ll be here. You know, it’s going to be kind of odd doing the rooms alone again.”
“We’ve both gotten spoiled with the light workload. I’m afraid that’s about to end.”
“I’ve got a feeling you’re right. Before I get started on my rooms, I’ve got to call Mor.”
“Is it about Emma’s ex-husband?”
Alex admitted sheepishly, “Actually, it’s a handyman job. I tried to turn on the lens last night and the switch was broken.”
Elise looked surprised by the admission. “I thought the Town Council banned you from doing that.”
He said, “I don’t know, all of a sudden I just had to see the light, fine or no fine.”
Elise nodded. “I’m surprised the urge doesn’t hit you more often. Do me a favor the next time you get the yen.”
“What’s that?”
“Come get me first. I would love to see the sky lit up again.”
Alex smiled. “I promise.”
It left things on a much better note as Elise headed off to start on Dual.
Mor picked up on the third ring when Alex called. “Mor or Les,” he said automatically.
Alex said, “I thought you usually let Les answer the phone.”
Mor said, “Believe me, it’s not by choice. He’s off visiting family in Florida, so for the next four days, I’m it. Has something happened with the case?”
Alex admitted, “I haven’t heard a thing. How did your interview with the sheriff go?”
“Armstrong blustered