Soft Serve Secrets: A Cozy Mystery (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book 3) Read Free Page B

How is Mr. Florez doing?”
     
    By this time I made it back out to the front from where I was mopping in the back and heard Stormi squeal. “Yes Trixie, how is Ben?”
     
    Trixie laid her handbag on one of the tables. “He’s doing much better and the hospital has released him to go home.”
     
    “That’s wonderful,” I exclaimed. “Where is he…in the car?”
     
    “No,” Trixie replied. “He’s at our home…with his daughter.”
     
    “Huh?” Stormi replied so eloquently.
     
    Trixie looked bedraggled. “She’s convinced him it would be better if I wasn’t there tonight and she was.”
     
    I couldn’t believe it. “That’s outrageous. How can she come into your home and kick you out?”
     
    “Technically it isn’t my home, its Ben’s…at least that’s what the deed says.” Trixie waved her hand. “That’s neither here nor there. Gracie has this idea of me in her head and nothing’s going to change it.”
     
    I could see Stormi’s blood pressure rising. “But how could Mr. Florez think you would harm him?”
     
    “I don’t think he does,” Trixie answered. “He gave me a wink behind Gracie’s back as we were talking in his hospital room and he was being released. I believe he wants me to go along with her wishes, at least for tonight, until he can talk some sense into her. Right now he’s too tired to fight with her and I don’t want to make things more difficult for him.”
     
    I wasn’t happy with Gracie. Not one bit. “Did the doctors ever figure out what happened with Ben?”
     
    Trixie shrugged her shoulders. “They’re still not sure. The imaging the hospital performed on his heart and brain came back with no irregularities. They took a bunch of blood samples, but they’re still analyzing those.”
     
    “Maybe it was low blood sugar,” Stormi offered. “I know when mine gets too low I feel dizzy and shaky.”
     
    “That’s a thought, but we just finished breakfast so I don’t think that’s it. I’m sure Gracie thinks I spiked his orange juice with something lethal.”
     
    I shook my head. “I just don’t see how someone could come to that conclusion so fast.”
     
    “I don’t know either girls. Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and let you know. I’m heading to the hotel by the freeway. Let’s hope it’s only for one night.”
     
    “No you’re not,” I replied. “You’re coming home with me.”
     
    Trixie shook her head. “Oh no Tara, I’ll be fine at the hotel.”
     
    I wasn’t taking no for an answer. “No, you’re not staying by yourself tonight. I insist you come home with me.”
     
    “Will there be mocha almond ice cream?”
     
    “You bet!”
     
    Trixie laughed and it was heartwarming to see that old familiar smile again.
     
    “Have a seat while Stormi and I finish up and we’ll be on our way.”
     
    I didn’t know what the evening would bring. However, what did transpire was not what I expected.
     
     
     
     
    *****
     
     
     
     
    That night Trixie and I changed into our pajamas and housecoats. I wore flannel jammies and my housecoat was pink, old and tattered, but it was comfortable. Trixie on the other hand wore maroon silk PJs with a matching housecoat. We were definitely a contrast, like royalty meeting hillbillies, but Miss Trixie was not one to put on airs. She was as down to earth as anyone.
     
    I scooped mocha almond ice cream into two bowls and brought them into the living room where Trix was sitting.
     
    “Oh hon, I need my ice cream fix bad,” she said taking one of the bowls. “Thank you so much.”
     
    We chatted about other items of interest as we ate. I wanted Trixie to talk about her situation only if she wanted to. At first, I didn’t think we would as she steered the conversation towards the upcoming senior fundraiser. The senior center in Caesars Creek offered several fundraisers every year to help with children’s charities. Last spring the center had a fundraiser to raise money for