Easy Bake Coven: Book One of the Vivienne Finch Magical Mysteries Read Free Page B

coffee.
    Clara
grimace in response. “Use one of the paper cups and be sure to put a cardboard
sleeve on it.”
    “Oh
right.” Stephanie blushed and rushed to complete the order per Clara’s
instructions.
    “I
could have it here I suppose.” Joshua smiled at Clara. “Sheriff Rigsbee wants me to get to know the town better.”
    “Why,
of course!” Clara smiled warmly and directed him to one of the little stools
that lined the counter. “Would you like to see a menu?”
    “No
thanks, I don’t want to spoil my appetite for dinner. I’ve been setup on a
blind date tonight.” Joshua sat down on the stool, where his long legs barely
folded under the counter.
    “Just
kill me now.” Vivienne whispered to Kathy.
    “What
are you talking about?” Kathy whispered back. “He’s adorable.”
    “I’m
the blind date tonight.” She tried to lower herself in the booth.
    “Get
out.” Kathy tapped her hands with excitement.
    “Nora.”
She explained.
    “Damn.”
Kathy admired Joshua’s body a few more times and then pouted. “This may be the
only time I wished your mother was my own.”
    “Stephanie,
can we have our check please?” Kathy snapped her fingers.
    “What
are you doing?” Vivienne’s eyes widened.
    Kathy
winked at her. “I have a business to run and you need time to get ready for
your date with mister tall, dark, and handsome.”
    “You
sound just like her.” Vivienne muttered under her breath.
    “Hey,
if you don’t want to go out with him I’m more than happy to act as the proxy.”
She grabbed the check as Stephanie dropped it off. “This is on me.”
    “Okay,
okay. I’ll do it.” Vivienne snuck a glance at him and for once wasn’t
disappointed by her mother’s choice. He was a very handsome man and, based on
how he was charming Miss Clara, had a good personality to match.
    “Color
me so surprised.” Kathy raised her finely shaped eyebrows and handed a ten
dollar bill to Stephanie. “Keep the change, sweetie.”
    “Thanks!”
Stephanie gushed at the generous tip.
    “Excuse
me.” Kathy removed herself from the booth and walked slowly, her hips swaying
side to side with great effect to show off her trim figure. As she passed
Joshua, she pretended to drop her purse. “I’m such a butterfingers.” She tossed
her hands up to her mouth and feigned embarrassment.
    Joshua
bent down to retrieve her purse which afforded all the women a great view of
his rear. He filled his fitted brown pants out quite nicely, a testimony to the
many hours of hard work spent at the gym.
    Clara
mouthed a silent ‘Oh my God!’ to Kathy in response.
    “Here
you go, Ma’am.” Joshua handed her purse back with a smile.
    “Ma’am?”
Kathy extended her hand with perfectly French-manicured nails to him in
response. “I’m Kathy Saunders, owner of the Trade
Winds Clothier on Main Street.”
    “Joshua Arkins .” He took her hand in his where it disappeared
into his enormous grip.
    “Feel
free to stop by when you’re out and about on patrol.” She cooed. “I like to
know those brave souls who serve and protect the public.”
    “I’ll
do that.” He smiled at her, flashing white teeth that were straight and well
cared for.
    “Always
nice to see you, Miss Clara.” Kathy waved goodbye and exited the diner with a
little extra swish in her step.
    “You
too, Kathy.” She waved back as the door to the diner slammed closed, ringing
the bell.
    Vivienne
chose that moment to try to make a quick exit from the diner. She smiled at
Joshua and waved to Clara. “See you soon, Miss Clara.”
    “Don’t
be a stranger, Vivienne.” Clara smiled back.
    “Vivienne?”
Joshua looked at her in surprise. “You wouldn’t happen to be Vivienne Finch
would you?”
    Her
cheeks flushed warm. “Uh, yes I am. I’m opening the new bakery on Main Street.”
    “Your
mother is a very nice lady.”
    “Yes
she is.” She was surprised how weak and hollow her voice sounded.
    “Honestly,
I was a little worried about this