Grave Decisions (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 7) (3 page)

“You’ve never beaten her,” Cooper challenged. “Being mean to her isn’t beating her, it’s beating yourself. Maddie already won. Her inside light is serene. Yours is a muddled mess, Marla. That’s on you.”

Was this guy for real?
Maddie couldn’t be sure, but she was convinced he was messing with her. There could be no other explanation for the things he said, or the show he put on. “You saw all of that when you closed your eyes?” Maddie asked, dubious.

Cooper nodded. “My gift is hard to deal with sometimes, but it’s never wrong.”

“I see.”

“What else did you see?” Christy asked, her eyes sparkling. “Am I going to be rich and famous one day?”

Cooper offered Christy a patient smile. “You’re going to end up happy, which is what you truly want,” he said.

“What about me?” Marla asked.

“You’ll never be happy,” Cooper replied, not mincing words and causing Marla to scowl.

“And what about Maddie?” Christy asked.

“I see Maddie … having dinner with me,” Cooper said, a dimple coming out to play when he smiled. The expression reminded Maddie of a fairy tale wolf.

“Oh, well … um … .” Maddie was caught off guard. “I already have dinner plans.”

“With who?” Cooper asked, refusing to let Maddie off the hook.

Maddie was about to ask why the psychic didn’t already know that, but she wisely kept her retort to herself. The man she loved was another story.

“That would be me,” Nick said, smoothly stepping behind Maddie. “She’s my dinner date, so I guess you’ll have to look elsewhere for yours.”

“
W
hat’s going on here
?” Nick pressed his hand to the back of Maddie’s neck in a proprietary manner as he locked gazes with Cooper. “Who are you?”

“I am Cooper Ashton.” The man tugged his black coat down and squared his shoulders, preening as if he announced he was President of the United States – or even a tabloid star. Maddie was sure he was used to being the tallest man in the room. Nick Winters was taller, though. Sure, it was only by an inch or so, but taller is taller.

“He’s the author Christy was gushing about earlier,” Maddie said, being careful to keep her tone light and fluffy as she turned her concerned blue eyes to Nick. “You remember. We were talking about him on the street in front of that store.”

“Oh, you were talking about me, were you?” Cooper asked, puffing his chest out as he smiled at Maddie.

“I was,” Christy answered, oblivious to anything but Cooper’s dimples. “Maddie and Nick were talking about how in love with each other they are. I was talking about you, though.”

Marla snorted. “Yes. I’m convinced Nick got a head injury while playing football as a kid and that’s why he’s pretending to be in love with Maddie Graves,” she said. “I can’t think of one other feasible reason why he would be with her.”

Nick finally dragged his eyes away from Cooper and focused on Marla. “Because she’s a good person and I’ll never love anyone but her,” he replied, guileless. He wasn’t embarrassed to make his feelings public. “You don’t understand that because you manipulate people and are desperate to win at all costs. The problem is, you can never win if you’re a miserable person. You, Marla, are the most miserable person I know, so you’ll never win.”

“I hate you,” Marla hissed.

“I can live with that,” Nick said, running his hand down Maddie’s back and resting it on her hip. “Are you ready for dinner, love?”

“I’m not done talking to Cooper yet,” Christy protested. “We just met. We have a lot to discuss.”

“So do we,” Marla challenged.

Nick rolled his eyes. “Well, no one is demanding you have to leave Cooper,” he said. “He was just saying he’s looking for a dinner date. I think Christy would be perfect for that, Mr. Ashton. She grew up here and no one knows the area better.”

“What about me?” Marla challenged.

“I’m sure you’ve gotten crabs from someone in almost every corner of town, so if Mr. Ashton is interested in that, you’re his girl,” Nick replied, not missing a beat.

Maddie bit her lip to keep from laughing, ducking her head into Nick’s shoulder to hide her mirth. Nick rubbed the back of her head as her shoulders shook with silent laughter.

“I truly do hate you,” Marla said, furious.

“Right back at you,” Nick replied.

“Well, I am hungry,” Cooper said. “How about the four of us eat dinner together? I would love to learn about Blackstone Bay, and it looks as if you’re a police officer.” He pointed toward the badge on Nick’s belt. “Maddie said she reads tarot cards. I would love to get to know all of you.”

Nick was caught. He didn’t want to appear rude – or jealous, for that matter – but he also didn’t want to share a meal with this guy. “Well … .”

“We can’t,” Maddie interrupted, pressing her hand to Nick’s chest. “We appreciate the offer, but we’re having a quiet dinner with my grandmother. It’s a family thing. I’m sure you understand.”

“I do understand,” Cooper said, nodding. “I’m sure Christy and Marla are up to the challenge of filling me in on Blackstone Bay – and all of it’s very lovely residents.”

“Yeah, have fun with that,” Nick said, linking his fingers with Maddie’s and tugging her in the direction of the carnival. “What kind of junk do you want to eat tonight, love?”

“We need to find Granny first,” Maddie said, falling into step with Nick. “I haven’t seen her all day. She’s probably getting into trouble.”

Nick arched a challenging eyebrow. “Probably?”

“Okay, she’s most definitely getting into trouble,” Maddie said, risking a glance over her shoulder as they moved away to see if Christy even noticed their departure. Nope. She happily chatted away while Marla tried to interrupt and drag Cooper’s attention to her. For his part, Cooper ignored them both and watched Maddie and Nick walk away, his expression unreadable. “Let’s find Granny,” Maddie said brightly. “I’m starving, and I’m dying to spend the night with you around the bonfire.”

“Oh, you know the best way to my heart, Mad,” Nick said, squeezing her hand. “As long as I have you and food, I’m good for the rest of my life.”

“
I
DON’T
like that guy,” Nick munched on his hot dog as he watched Christy and Marla fawn over Cooper at a nearby table. “He’s … full of himself.”

Maude Graves, Maddie’s grandmother, made a hysterical face behind Nick’s back as Maddie bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud.

“Do you want to know what I think?” Maude asked.

“Not even remotely,” Nick replied, turning back to his dinner.

The small family unit sat at a picnic table, the sun waning quickly as the Michigan days shortened. The days were still warm enough to enjoy with a light coat, but the nights grew increasingly cold and Halloween would be the last outdoor hurrah before spring unless you enjoyed winter sports.

“I think you’re jealous,” Maude said, ignoring Nick’s sarcastic response. “I think you’re worried because Casanova over there keeps staring at Maddie when he thinks no one is looking.”

“I think you should eat your dinner and stop talking,” Nick replied, earning a light smack on the arm from Maddie.

“Don’t talk to Granny that way,” Maddie chided. “It’s not fair to her, and it’s rude.”

Nick sighed and offered Maude a rueful smile. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I’m not jealous, though. I don’t get jealous.”

“That’s a load of horse pucky,” Maude said. “Jealousy is part of human nature. You’re jealous of that guy’s interest in Maddie, just like Maddie can’t help herself when she sees Cassidy. It’s normal to be jealous.”

“I’m not jealous when I see Cassidy,” Maddie scoffed, although she didn’t believe the words as they escaped her mouth. When she returned to Blackstone Bay, Nick was in a relationship with Cassidy Dunham. She tried to keep her distance from her best friend, but Nick’s pull proved to be too much and when Cassidy realized Nick was going to break up with her she made several scenes around town before he got a chance. Things were still tense between the group, although Cassidy had moved on to a local contractor and the overt hostility seemed to have dissipated. “That’s … ludicrous.”

“It
is
ludicrous,” Maude agreed, popping a French fry in her mouth. “Everyone with eyes can see that Nick is in love with you. He always has been and he always will be.”

“That’s true,” Nick said, poking Maddie’s ribs to cajole a smile. “I’m putty in your hands, love. There’s no reason to be jealous of Cassidy. You’re it for me.”

Maddie’s cheeks burned at his words and her heart warmed. “Thank you, but I already know there’s no reason to be jealous. I guess sometimes – and they’re very rare times, mind you – I do feel a little jealous. I have everything I ever wanted, though, so I try to be the bigger person when those little … flashes … pop up.”

“Oh, there’s no reason to be jealous, my Maddie,” Nick cooed, kissing her cheek. “You won me over when we were teenagers. There’s never been anyone else but you.”

“Except the parade of women you dated to forget about Maddie while she was down south,” Maude replied, referring to Maddie’s time in Southeastern Michigan.

“You’re a real joy tonight,” Nick said, wiping the sides of his mouth with his napkin. “For the record, I am not jealous of … that guy.”

“You shouldn’t be,” Maude said. “You being jealous of that empty shell is even more ridiculous than Maddie being jealous of Cassidy. Maddie has literally only ever had eyes for you. You pretended to have eyes for everyone else when you were mad at her. There’s a difference.”

“Is there a point to this little life lesson?” Nick asked, irritated. “Maddie is my girl and she’s always going to be my girl. I’m not jealous of Cooper Asshat.”

“Ashton,” Maddie corrected, giggling as she rested her head against Nick’s shoulder. “I hate to admit it, but knowing you’re jealous gives my ego a little boost. It’s wrong, but there it is.”

Nick groaned. “I’m not jealous. Stop saying that. And, by the way, your ego should always be huge because you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.” He dropped a quick kiss on her upturned mouth. “That doesn’t mean that I’m jealous.”

Maddie wasn’t ready to let it go. “So that wasn’t you who came up behind me and put his hand on my neck to make sure Cooper realized I was taken an hour ago?”

“I put my hand on your neck because I like touching you,” Nick argued. “Your skin is soft and you’re always warm and … I blame you for this.” Nick turned his dark eyes on Maude. “We were having a perfectly delightful evening before you showed up and ruined it. What’s your deal?”

Maude shrugged. “I don’t have a deal. Why do you think I have a deal?”

“You do look like you’re up to something, Granny,” Maddie said after a few moments of watching her grandmother. “Your skin has a certain … glow. That usually means you’re about to go and get into mischief with your friends.”

“I agree,” Nick said. “What are you up to?”

“Last time I checked, I was an adult,” Maude sniffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “I don’t deserve to be talked to as if I’m a teenager. You’re not the boss of me.”

Nick locked gazes with Maddie. “She’s up to something.”

“Definitely,” Maddie agreed.

“I’m the law around these here parts, ma’am,” Nick said, tipping an invisible cowboy hat as he regarded Maude. “I know you’re up to something. You should know if it involves property damage … or public humiliation … or drinking in public … or locking Harriet Proctor in a car trunk and dropping her in the woods to find her way home … you’ll be in big trouble.

“Just because we live together, that doesn’t mean I won’t arrest you,” he continued. “Keep that in mind when you carry out whatever dastardly plan you’re about to embark on.”

“You can’t arrest me,” Maude protested. “Maddie would stop calling you her ‘love muffin’ and force you to sleep on the couch if you did. We both know you can’t live with that.”

Nick cast Maddie a sidelong look. “Is that true, love? Would you toss the man you adore more than anything out of your bed if I arrested your rule-breaking granny?”

“You can’t put it like that,” Maude challenged. “That makes it sound as if I’m doing something wrong. I never do anything wrong. I’m a good woman.”

Nick snorted. “You’re a pain in the butt,” he said. “I love you dearly, Maude, but you like finding trouble. Other women knit or sew. You like to rile people up. That’s your hobby.”

“I’m not taking sides in this,” Maddie said. “Just keep that in mind.”

“But you’d kick him out of bed if he arrested me, right?” Maude pressed. “You wouldn’t stand for that, would you?”

“It depends on what you did, Granny,” Maddie replied. “I’m not about to let you use me as a weapon to get your own way with Nick. I have faith that if he did arrest you … well … you would probably deserve it.”

“I can’t believe my own granddaughter would turn on me like this,” Maude muttered, her eyes busy as they scanned the growing crowd. The festival wasn’t technically scheduled to kick off until the next day, but the bonfire was an annual event for residents. The area would be packed within the next hour. “Fine. Do you really want to know what I’m plotting?”

“Not particularly,” Nick answered, not missing a beat. “If it’s illegal and I do nothing, then I would become an accessory. I’m far too handsome to do time.”

“I agree with that,” Maddie said, giggling when Nick tickled her ribs.

“Harriet Proctor is doing an end run around the Pink Ladies,” Maude explained, referring to her social group. They were supposed to do charitable work for the county – it said so in their bylaws and everything – but mostly they sat around drinking tea and bourbon and playing euchre. “She knows we’ll never give her entrance, so she’s starting her own club.”

In addition to being Maude’s sworn enemy, Harriet Proctor was Marla’s grandmother. The Proctor and Graves family battle was as long and storied as the Hatfield and McCoy feud.

“This isn’t the first time Harriet has threatened to start her own club,” Nick pointed out. “She does it once a week. Why do you care?”

“Because this time she’s going to call them the Purple Ladies and two of my members are considering defecting because they say purple is a better color than pink,” Maude said. “I can’t stand for that.”

Maddie loved her grandmother beyond words. She was her only living relative. Well, sure, she had a father out there somewhere. He hadn’t been in the picture since before Maddie was born, though, so he didn’t count. When it came down to it, Maude and Nick were Maddie’s family. She would always take her grandmother’s side no matter the battle, but Maddie couldn’t help but wonder if Maude only picked fights with Harriet for lack of anything better to do.

“Well, if someone would pick Harriet’s group over yours because of a color, that’s on them,” Maddie said. “Besides, even if they did leave, two minutes with Harriet as the boss would have them running back to you. Maybe you should just let them learn their lesson the hard way.”

“Did you just meet me?” Maude was incensed. “That’s not how I do business.”

“How are you going to do business?” Nick asked. “It’s not illegal, is it?”

“Of course not,” Maude said. “That being said … um … the less you two know about my business, the better.” She pushed herself to a standing position. “Thank you for dinner, but I have to round up my posse before the bonfire. I’ll see you guys later.”

Nick frowned. “No drinking and driving,” he ordered, wagging a finger for emphasis. “I know how you guys get with your bourbon … and don’t bother denying it.”

“I would never drink and drive,” Maude said. “I’m not that kind of lady.”

“Whatever,” Nick said, his interest in the conversation waning. “We’re going home right after the bonfire. If you need a ride, find us before you get soused and forget.”