Poisoned Prose (A Books by the Bay Mystery)

because I couldn’t have the only woman who could ever complete me.”
    Olivia rolled her eyes. “If you’re going to spout greeting-card poetry or quote lines from romantic comedies, then you need to turn around and go back to the kitchen.”
    Haviland groaned, as if in agreement, but Olivia knew he was just disappointed that the chef had showed up empty-handed.
    “No poetry,” Michel promised. “But you must help me, my dear friend. Shelley’s been married. She’s already had the solitaire diamond, the church wedding, and the white dress. I want to do something simple and intimate. Quiet. But I want still to sweep her off her feet.”
    “You? Simple? Quiet?” Olivia teased and then said, “I like it, Michel. How about an antique ring? It’s unique and infinitely more affordable. Fred Yoder of Circa Antiques could help you pick one out.”
    Michel frowned. “A used ring? Sounds second-rate.”
    Olivia shrugged. “That’s not how I view old things. I think of them as being pieces of history. Of having their own story. You and Shelley aren’t young lovers. You already share a past, so a vintage ring seems to fit you both better than one produced in some diamond factory.”
    “You’re right! I
knew
you’d have the answer!” Michel seized Olivia’s hand and planted a kiss on it. “After Shelley and I are wed, you and the chief should tie the knot. You’re made for each other. You should ask
him
. That would be so modern.” He rubbed his hands together in expectant glee. “Go on, take the plunge.”
    Olivia gave him her fiercest scowl. “I’ll plunge
you
in boiling water if you plan to continue to flit about like a love-crazed cupid.”
    Beaming, Michel backed out of the office. “
Violà!
It’s this passion that makes the chief so hot for you,
non
?” He ducked as a box of rubber bands sailed over his head.
    “Go cook something!” Olivia shouted and then tried to focus on paying bills. However, she glanced at the clock on her computer screen so often that she made very little progress. Finally, she closed the accounting program and began researching the value of loose diamonds. She became so absorbed in this task that she was nearly late for her meeting at Decadence.
    Leaving Haviland at The Boot Top, Olivia drove to the desserterie. Normally, she’d walk, but she’d barely make it there in time as it was. There were no parking spots to be found, so Olivia decided to look for a space in the alley behind the shops and was lucky enough to find one right next to Shelley’s car.
    “Where’s Harris?” she asked upon joining Laurel and Millay at the table nearest the front door.
    “Late,” Millay said. “And so are you.”
    “I know, but I had an idea that I wanted to check out before sharing it with you.” She paused as Shelley came over with a root beer float for Millay and a creamy-looking martini for Laurel.
    “It’s a tiramisu martini,” Laurel said. “They’re utterly divine.”
    Olivia looked at Shelley uncertainly. “Can you recommend something lighter?”
    Shelley suggested a peach Bellini, white sangria, or a mango mojito.
    “A plain mojito, please,” Olivia said, thinking of how refreshing the combination of fresh mint, limes, white rum, and soda water would taste. “Light on the sugar. Oh, and Shelley. I parked out back. Is that okay?”
    Shelley waved her off. “Of course. Gives me the chance to show off my hibiscus to someone. It’s actually blooming! Did you happen to notice?”
    “I didn’t,” Olivia admitted. “I vaguely remember a parched twig in a pot from the night of your grand opening.”
    Shelley snapped her fingers. “Rats. And here I thought you might be my mystery gardener. Someone’s been coming by every day to water that little tree. They even put one of those fertilizer sticks in the soil.”
    Olivia immediately thought of Flynn. He’d noticed her watering the plant the evening of the opening. Had he taken an interest in its welfare? “Was it watered today?” she asked Shelley.
    “Sure was. The dirt was dry as sand when I came in this morning but was moist to the touch after lunch. This do-gooder is elusive, I tell you.” She sighed. “I’d like to thank them with some chocolates or a cheesecake or something. So if you hear any rumors about a green-thumbed miracle worker, let me know, okay?”
    Olivia nodded. “I will.”
    When Shelley left, Millay raised her spoon and pointed it at Olivia. “You had a lightbulb moment when she