Free A Frozen Scoop of Murder: A Cozy Mystery (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book 1) by Constance Barker Page A

know it. But Trixie laughed it off. In my book, Trixie was a saint.
     
    “I want to order an ice cream cake for my book social on Thursday evening,” Greta growled.
     
    I grabbed my order tablet from the counter and said, “Would you like a custom cake Greta or one that we already have in the freezer?”
     
    “Oh I want a custom cake and I want it made fresh that day. No day old cake mind you,” Greta said as she slammed her purse on the counter next to the register.
     
    “Well, an ice cream cake should sit in the freezer for at least a day to ensure the ice cream is set properly,” I replied holding my pen aloft and hoping this wasn’t a reflection of how my day would go.
     
    “Oh Greta, how would anyone know if an ice cream cake is made fresh or two weeks old?” Trixie chided. “Besides, these ice cream cakes are so delicious they’ll be consumed within seconds and no one will ever wonder how old they are.”
     
    Yep, I loved Trixie.
     
    “Fine then,” Greta harrumphed. “Make it one day prior. But that cake better be moist!”
     
    “It will be Miss Greta,” I said cheerily while inside I cussed. “Is there anything else I can get for you ladies today?”
     
    “No that’s it,” Greta replied.
     
    “Speak for yourself woman,” Trixie exclaimed. “I’ll take one dip of the chocolate fudge in a sugar cone Tara.”
     
    “You’re paying for that,” Greta said.
     
    “Of course, don’t get your panties in a bunch. But you’re paying for your fresh ice cream cake sister.”
     
    Greta grumped and pulled out her billfold. I took down the order, chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream, and delivered Trixie her cone.
     
    “Now remember, I’m allergic to peanuts. Don’t get peanuts anywhere near my cake, do you hear me?” Greta said as she placed her billfold back into her purse. “I’m deathly allergic. Even if you use the same scoop to dish out ice cream with peanuts in it and then my ice cream you could kill me!”
     
    “I remember Miss Greta,” I answered. How could anyone forget. She’d told the entire town 102 times she’s allergic to nuts. I’m surprised no one hasn’t slipped her a slivered almond or even a peanut skin. The way she acted either one would be a death knell.
    “Your ice cream cake will be ready by 2pm on Thursday,” I stated.
     
    With that, Greta turned on her heel and walked towards the front door. Trixie smiled and waved at me as she gave her chocolate fudge a nice long lick. As they walked out the door, my friend Stormi walked in.
     
     
     
     
    *****
     
     
     
     
    “Oh Lawdy, I’m glad I missed the calamity that is Miss Greta!” Stormi exclaimed as she tossed her purse in the back cabinet.
     
    “Yeah, she was her usual pleasant self,” I replied as I added her order to the others that needed filled that week. “I’m use to her though, if that’s possible. And of course Trixie is a treat.”
     
    “Trixie must have nerves of steel. I would’ve booted Greta to the curb a long time ago,” Stormi claimed as she slid on her pink The Frozen Scoop apron.
     
    “Maybe Trixie’s use to her as well. They’ve been friends since high school…at least that’s what I heard,” I said as I removed the empty barrel of vanilla from the ice cream case. As boring as vanilla was, it still outsold the rest of my flavors.
     
    “What I don’t understand is, how does Miss Greta have a man and Trixie doesn’t?” Stormi asked. “That guy Greta is dating, Mr. Florez, he’d be much better suited with Trixie. I mean he’s tall, works out, sophisticated, nicely coiffed grey hair. What in the Sam hill is he doing with Miss Grumpy? Just irritates me to no end.”
     
    “Stormi, you get worked up about the funniest things,” I laughed.
     
    “I know,” she giggled. “I just like everything to be in its proper balance in the universe, and Greta and Mr. Florez are tilting my view of what’s normal.”
     
    “At least you didn’t have to deal with her