Free Hope Callaghan - Garden Girls 04 - Death by Dumplings by Hope Callaghan Page B

I’m going to try that sampler plate myself, she vowed. 
    She pulled out the grocery store ad and started a short list as she ate her soup.  Her fridge was almost empty. Even though she didn’t mind going to the store, it wasn’t at the top of her list of favorite things to do.
    She carried her dishes to the sink when the phone started to ring.  It was her daughter, Jill.  “Hi Mom.  How did your trip to Tennessee go?” 
    Gloria propped the phone on her shoulder and picked up the dishrag and bowl.  “It was fine.  Margaret and I had a very nice time.  Your Aunt Liz was a bit of a stinker but straightened up towards the end,” she added.
    Jill chuckled.  Her Aunt Liz was a bit of a handful.  But in a good way.  “The boys and I thought we’d make a trip to the flea market next Monday.  You want to go with us?” she asked.
    Gloria didn’t get to see much of Jill and the boys these days.  It would be nice to spend some time together.  “Yes, of course.  What time?”
    “How does 9 sound?  We can eat breakfast at Dot’s and then walk over to the flea market,” Jill said.
    Oh no.  Jill didn’t know about Dot’s !  “You don’t get the newspaper, do you?” Gloria asked.
    “No.  Why?” Jill replied.
    “Because Dot’s is closed right now.  Someone died after eating her chicken and dumplings last Wednesday.”
    Jill sucked in her breath.  “You’re kidding!”
    “I wish I was.  No.  The place is shut down until the health department and police department gives them the okay to open back up,” Gloria explained.
    Tears filled Jill’s eyes.  Her heart went out to poor Dot, who was like a second mother to her.  “Poor Dot.”
    “I’m trying to figure out what happened and clear Dot and Ray’s good names,” Gloria said.
    “If anyone can figure out what happened, it’s you,” Jill said confidently.
    Gloria smiled.  That was the second compliment she got just today on her sleuthing abilities.  But the smile faded when she remembered one of her favorite sayings, “Pride Goeth Before a Fall!”
    Jill yelled into the phone.  “Tyler, put that down.  Listen, I gotta go.  Tyler’s spraying the dog with air freshener!”
    “Okay, see you next week,” Gloria quickly replied.  But Jill was already gone.
    Gloria shook her head and offered up a small prayer for Jill and extra patience with her grandsons.
    Gloria glanced at the clock.  It was time to start on her secret weapon.  Dessert.  After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.  She remembered him mentioning to her that he loved coconut.  With that in mind, she knew what to make.  Creamy Coconut Cake. 
    She plugged in the radio and turned it to a Christian radio station. Then she pulled the ingredients from the cupboard.  The afternoon flew by as she busied herself with the special dinner. 
    Her mind wandered to Liz and Al as she worked.  Maybe the two of them would hit it off.  Al seemed laid back while Liz could be high maintenance.  But one never could tell.  Opposites do attract.  He might be the perfect balance to her personality.  She shrugged.  It was worth a shot.  If nothing else, maybe they could be friends…
    The ringing phone pulled her from deep thought.  She wiped her hands on her daisy print apron.  “Hello?”
    “Hello, Gloria.” Gloria felt her face flush.  It was Paul.  She pulled the phone closer.  “Don’t tell me you’re calling to cancel dinner,” she said.
    “No, no,” he reassured her.  “I’m getting off a little early and thought I’d head over to your place now…” he trailed off.
    Everything was pretty much ready to go.  All that was left was freshening up.  “Sure. Come on over!”
    After they hung up, she made a beeline for the bathroom.  He was only half an hour ahead of schedule so it wasn’t a big deal. 
    Gloria freshened her make-up and checked her outfit one last time.  She decided on a pair of dark blue capris and baby blue silk