Parfaits and Paramours Read online

  Copyright © Leena Clover, Author 2018

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, organizations and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Parfaits and Paramours – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Series Book 7

  By Leena Clover

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

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  Books by Leena Clover

  Strawberries and Strangers – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 1

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSW34GB/

  Cupcakes and Celebrities – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 2

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CYX5TNR

  Berries and Birthdays – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 3

  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D7GG8KV

  Sprinkles and Skeletons – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 4

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW91NKG

  Waffles and Weekends – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 5

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FRJ1FC1/

  Muffins and Mobsters – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 6

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GRBCZG8/

  Gone with the Wings – Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 1

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071WHNM6K

  A Pocket Full of Pie - Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 2

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Q7B47P/

  For a Few Dumplings More - Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 3

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072V3T2BV

  Back to the Fajitas - Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 4

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748KPTLM

  Christmas with the Franks – Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 5

  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077GXR4WS/

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  Chapter 1

  Jenny King maneuvered her van around a steep curve and climbed over a small hill. She was still in awe of this exclusive part of Pelican Cove. The island’s wealthy residents had their estates in this part of town. Sprawling mansions, extensive grounds and private beaches were the norm here. So were sparkling swimming pools and an army of domestic staff.

  “Can you turn the heat on, please?” Jenny’s friend Heather Morse asked with a shiver.

  Spring had come early to Pelican Cove, bringing warmer days. Flowers were beginning to bloom along Main Street, promising a riot of color in the coming weeks. But the temperature dropped as the sun crept closer to the horizon. A large mosaic of pinks and mauves was scattered across the March sky, heralding sunset.

  Jenny fiddled with the temperature knob and muttered an oath. The van was a relic, rarely used unless Jenny had any deliveries or catering jobs. Jenny didn’t remember the last time she had paid for a full tank of gas for the rundown vehicle.

  “We’re almost there, Heather,” she said in a chiding tone. “I told you to wear a warm sweater.”

  “Why don’t you fix the heat?” Heather asked with a pout. “At least get an estimate from the auto shop.”

  “I did that,” Jenny sighed. “I need to replace the thermostat. It’s going to cost more than this pile of junk is worth.”

  The two friends bickered as the sky darkened and the sun set on the horizon.

  “Give it a rest, Heather,” Jenny pleaded. “I need to catch my breath before Ada Newbury launches her list of complaints.”

  Ada Newbury was one of the richest women in Pelican Cove. The Newburys belonged to an elite class of the island’s population, the Pioneers. Their ancestors had come to the island hundreds of years ago and had been one of the first settlers. People still murmured about how the Newburys had become rich overnight, thanks to sunken treasure. But no one could deny that the Newburys were now rich as Croesus.

  “She won’t,” Heather dismissed. “She loves your food. Why do you think she’s paying double to have you cater this party?”

  Jenny’s face broke into a smile. Her life had taken an unexpected turn. She couldn’t believe people from far and wide came to Pelican Cove to visit her café and gorge on her delicious food.

  Jenny King had been a suburban soccer mom for most of her life. One day, her husband of twenty years had come home with devastating news. He was going out with a much younger girl who was now in the family way. He asked Jenny to clear out.

  Jenny had sought shelter on the remote island of Pelican Cove. Her aunt, Star, had welcomed her warmly and opened her house and heart to Jenny. After letting her mope and sulk for a few weeks, Star had cajoled Jenny into starting work at her friend Petunia’s café. The rest, as they said, was history.

  Jenny had started working her magic in the kitchen and now the whole town of Pelican Cove was singing her praises. People lined up to taste her food. Jenny didn’t disappoint, coming up with delicious new recipes every few days, using the area’s abundant local produce and fresh seafood.

  She had built a new life for herself on the island. She had made lasting friendships and found something she had never imagined she would have in her life again. Jenny King was in love.

  Instead of settling into the mid forties’ drudgery she thought was her lot in life, Jenny was writing a new chapter in her life.

  “Do you think we have enough food?” Jenny asked Heather worriedly.

  Ada Newbury had been too busy to go over the menu with Jenny. She had just wanted it to be fresh and modern. Jenny wondered what that meant. She just hoped the dishes she had come up with would pass muster with the old harridan.

  “Everyone’s going to be licking their fingers, Jenny,” Heather said loyally. “Just wait and see.”

  Jenny pulled up outside a set of massive iron gates. A security guard came out of a small cabin and waved at them.

  “Are you from the Boardwalk Café?” he asked. “You are late.”

  He spoke curtly into his phone and the gates swung open.

  “It’s two minutes past six,” Jenny cursed. “Plenty of time to set up.”

  Ada Newbury was throwing a party for her grandson. He was recently engaged to a girl from the city. Their impending nuptials were the talk of the town. No expense was being spared and the locals were vying for an invitation to the country club extravaganza the wedding promised to be. Ada had arranged the party in lieu of a wedding shower. She called it a meet and greet for both sides of the family.

  Jenny drove her van to the back of the house. A marquee had been set up on the lawn and linen covered tables stood ready for the food. A life sized ice sculpture depicting an embracing couple graced the centre of the lawn. Fairy lights were woven through the trees and large paper lanterns swayed in the breeze.

  “This place looks beautiful,” J
enny gushed.

  “Ada hired a party planner from the city,” Heather supplied. “The planner works with a city based caterer but Ada stuck to her guns. She wanted your food for this party.”

  A tall, slim woman stepped out on the porch before Jenny had a chance to reply.

  “You’re late,” she complained. “I hope you got everything?”

  “Don’t worry, Mrs. Newbury,” Jenny hastened to assure the woman. “It’s all under control.”

  “It better be,” Ada snapped. “The guests arrive at seven.”

  She turned toward Heather.

  “Your grandmother is here. We are having tea in the parlor.”

  Heather’s grandmother and Ada Newbury were staunch rivals. Betty Sue Morse was formidable even in her eighties. She had been married to John Newbury, the older of the Newbury brothers. Amicably separated, she still blushed every time she came across the dapper old man.

  Betty Sue was the descendant of the island’s founder. It had been called Morse Isle then. Her family had originally owned the island. She was the fourth generation descendant of James Morse who had travelled south from New England with his family in 1837. He had bought the island for $125 and named it Morse Isle. He built a house for his family on a large tract of land. Fishing provided him with a livelihood, so did floating wrecks. He sent for a friend or two from up north. They came and settled on the island with their families. They in turn invited their friends. Morse Isle soon became a thriving community.

  Being a barrier island, it took a battering in the great storm of 1962. Half the island was submerged forever. Most of that land had belonged to the Morse family. A new town emerged in the aftermath of the storm and it was named Pelican Cove.

  Betty Sue had retained the Morse name even after her marriage. Heather was the last Morse on the island. Single at thirty five, she was a source of constant worry for her grandmother. Betty Sue wasn’t ready to let the Morse bloodline end with Heather.

  The Newburys and their money could not compete with Betty Sue’s pedigree. She made sure Ada knew that every time they met.

  “I’m going to help Jenny set up here,” Heather told Ada.

  Ada shrugged, the look she directed at Heather full of disdain.

  “Don’t forget you are a guest here, Heather,” she said, giving Jenny a withering look.

  “She’s right, Heather,” Jenny said hastily. “Why don’t you go meet Betty Sue? I can take it from here.”

  Heather mouthed a brief apology as she followed Ada inside the house.

  The food was being served buffet style. Jenny worked quickly, aided by some of Ada’s domestic staff and stood back to admire the lavish spread. She had taken different tastes into account and believed there was something for everyone.

  The guests started trickling in at seven.

  Ada leaned on a short, stocky young man with cobalt blue eyes. Jenny surmised he was the grandson.

  Heather sipped cold soup from a small glass and sighed with pleasure.

  “These gazpacho shots are genius!”

  Jenny smiled proudly and looked around. Guests were exclaiming over the food, smacking their lips and going for seconds.

  Ada walked over to Jenny.

  “Do we have any crab dip?” she asked.

  Jenny pointed toward a chunky dip resting in a sourdough bowl. It nestled on a platter with an assortment of crackers.

  “Brandon loves it,” Ada said, walking toward it.

  She didn’t bother to introduce Jenny to her grandson. Jenny was the help after all.

  “That’s Brandon,” Heather whispered in her ear. “He’s got a big job in the city, aide to some senator. His parents are proud of him.”

  “Where are they?” Jenny asked, looking around.

  She had never set eyes on Ada’s offspring before.

  “Brandon’s parents are on a world tour,” Heather told her. “They have been on a cruise for six months. They are expected back before the wedding.”

  “And where’s the bride?”

  A short brunette with highlighted hair and violet eyes walked up to Jenny just then. Jenny found herself smiling back as the girl beamed at her. Jenny secretly admitted she envied the girl her youth and beauty.

  “Your food is simply super,” the girl gushed. “I can’t have enough of that beer boiled shrimp. That cocktail sauce has just the right zing. And the caprese bites and the olive tapenade! A couple of my friends are vegetarian and they are amazed at all the veggie options. They thought they would have to starve here, you know.”

  Jenny thanked the girl politely.

  “Meet the bride,” Heather said, hugging the girl. “Kelly, this is my friend Jenny. She’s the genius behind this whole spread.”

  Kelly popped a pimento cheese sandwich in her mouth and wiped her hand before extending it toward Jenny.

  “I’m Kelly Fox,” she said simply. “This is a wonderful party. Brandon’s grandma is so cute, isn’t she?”

  Jenny stifled a smile. No one had ever called Ada Newbury ‘cute’.

  “She wanted the best for you,” Jenny nodded. “I hope you enjoy your wedding shower.”

  A tall, brown haired man walked up to Kelly and put an arm around her. His other hand held a glass of champagne. He threw back his drink and picked up a canapé from a tray.

  “This is delicious,” he said.

  “Hummus and cucumber bites,” Kelly read off the label. “Please tell me you are going to cater my wedding too.”

  “Who’s this hunk?” Heather asked with a wink, staring at the tall and attractive stranger.

  “Oh,” Kelly cried. “Where are my manners? This is Binkie, my cousin. I’m an orphan, you see. I grew up in foster homes. Binkie is the only family I have here.”

  They chatted with Jenny and Heather and tasted everything on the buffet.

  “Those turkey and avocado wraps are to die for,” Binkie sighed. “You have a gift!”

  “Save room for dessert,” Jenny warned them. “We have banana mascarpone parfaits, and chocolate chip marshmallow cookies with ice cream.”

  Betty Sue Morse came over and chatted with Jenny.

  “You’ve done a fine job here, girl,” she said approvingly. “That crab dip is better than mine. And the shrimp is cooked just right.”

  Brandon came over with a ravishing beauty on his arm. She was shorter than Kelly but equally attractive. Her hazel eyes picked up the green in her dress and her carrot hair glistened in the soft light. Jenny was surprised the bride and groom weren’t plastered to each other.

  “Did you make those pimento cheese sandwiches?” the girl asked Jenny. “They are so yum! Everything is. I’m taking plenty of photos.”

  “Hello Megan,” Heather said stiffly. “Didn’t know you were in town.”

  “Brandon’s getting married,” Megan said brightly. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  Chapter 2

  A sunny spring morning dawned in Pelican Cove. Jenny had arrived at the Boardwalk Café at 5 AM. She baked her signature muffins and assembled a dozen parfaits. Jenny’s baking had taken a toll on her. She had gained at least twenty pounds in the two years since she had started dishing out her treats at the cafe. Personally, she preferred this slightly plump version of herself. She was certainly happier than she had been when she agonized over every leaf of lettuce she consumed. But she needed to fit into a wedding dress soon. This desire had inspired her to come up with healthier food options at the café. She was still experimenting with the perfect recipe for a berry yogurt parfait. Initial response had been encouraging.

  Jenny’s aunt Star arrived at the café around eight, looking sleepy. She guzzled a big cup of coffee and shooed Jenny out of the kitchen.

  “Aren’t you getting late? Don’t give that shrew any more reason to yell at you.”

  Jenny needed to go back to the Newbury mansion to collect her stuff.

  “I feel bad, making you work on a Saturday.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Star dismissed
. “Most of the food is already prepped. I can handle the café for a couple of hours.”

  Jenny got into her van and hummed a tune as she drove down the familiar road. She wondered when the party broke up the previous night. She had stuck on until nine the previous evening, refilling the food as needed. Her work was done once she finished serving the dessert.

  “You may go now,” Ada had told her curtly. “Come back tomorrow morning to clear up.”

  Jenny took the hint and drove home to rest her aching feet. She had spied Heather chatting with the bride in the distance. Heather was going to drive home with her grandmother.

  The security guard in the cabin didn’t come out this time. The iron gates opened and Jenny drove through, smiling back as the guard waved at her.

  Jenny was relieved to see she didn’t have much to do. Ada’s staff had done the bulk of the work. Her large serving trays and dishes had been washed and dried and stacked on a table. All she needed to do was load the stuff in her van and be on her way. She looked around for her giant punch bowl and spotted it under the table.

  Heather came out on the porch.

  “Need a hand with that?”

  “Heather!” Jenny exclaimed. “Did you stay over?”

  “Grandma and I were right behind you. Brandon invited me for breakfast. He wants to properly introduce me to Kelly.”

  “You hardly need an introduction from what I saw.”

  “Kelly’s a friendly soul,” Heather nodded. “We hit it off last night. But Brandon sounded so eager. I’ll let him show her off.”

  Brandon came out of the house. His face lit up when he saw Jenny.

  “Your food was amazing. Kelly can’t stop raving about it.”

  Jenny thanked him politely and took her leave.

  “Why don’t you stay for breakfast?” Brandon asked. “Kelly wants to talk to you about catering the wedding.”

  “Your grandma might have some other plans for that,” Jenny said.

  “Don’t worry about Grandma,” Brandon said confidently. “I can bring her around.”

  “Please stay,” Heather pressed. “It will be fun.”

  Jenny knew Ada Newbury wouldn’t be pleased. She hesitated.