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"She did Ben, too, although they were hit with the news about David’s baby the ot home, which upset therinancy, since both partners had played a role in that, but he’d clearly lied to the poor girl about his intentions And his behavior afterward had been appalling--his refusal to acknowledge the baby or accept his responsibilities as a father
"I think this is the final straw as far as Ben is concerned," Olivia said, s her napkin across her lap "Apparently he’s only spoken to David once since they got hoain, he doesn’t want to talk to him"
"I can understand why Ben’s so upset"
"So can I," Olivia said "He’s taking this hard Ben’s such an honorable irl like Mary Jo--makes it all the more painful" She shook her head "I didn’t stop by to discuss David, though The subject depresseslately?"
"Youyou?" Grace joked It was co up on Olivia every few days
"She’s been collecting all her favorite recipes for Justine’s tearoo some of them down for the very first time"
Grace had driven past the construction site that ress that had been , isn’t it?"
"When et it"
"She’s another Charlotte in thea brand-new business, balancing that with looking after her fa?"
"Very well, she says She’s just begun to show I hope she has a girl this time" Olivia hesitated as if she’d suddenly realized what she’d said "Of course elcorandson with equal enthusiasirls?" Olivia asked
"Maryellen and Kelly are doing great"
The door opened at that moment and in walked Sheriff Troy Davis He touched the briesture of his, then stepped up to the counter and ordered coffee to go
As Grace was filling Olivia in on the latest news about her grandchildren, Troy ca
"Nice to see you both," he said He frowned at the wool cap Olivia wore, then quickly glanced away
Grace could see that Olivia was trying to squelch a smile "Hey, Sheriff, don’t be so worried I’ll live"
"Glad to hear it So, what are you two doing here at--" he looked pointedly at his watch "--the middle of the afternoon?"
"I’h she kneell aware of that
"I’ a late lunch," Grace added
He motioned toward the front"Is that your vehicle in the disabled parking space?"
"Ah…n"
"Oh, dear Did you give me a ticket?" Usually she was more observant than this
"No, but I’d advise you to move it before one of rateful for the warning "I’ll be right back"
"Take your ti her as she left
Grace saw that as soon as she was out the door, Troy slid into her seat Not until she reached her vehicle did she realize the disabled space was one down froal exactly where she was
It wasn’t like Troy to make that kind of mistake, and she started back toward the deli Then it dawned on her that Troy had purposely sent her on a wild-goose chase because he wanted ti that was the case, she’d accommodate him
Grace slid inside the car and circled the block twice, then located another slot close by She figured that would give Troy ae whatever he had on his mind Naturally she intended to drill Olivia the instant they were alone
When she returned to the deli, their soup and tea had been served, together with a basket of sourdough bread When Troy saw her, he stood and made his farewells
The moment the door closed behind him, Grace said, "I wasn’t parked in a disabled space"
"I know"
"Troy just wanted to get rid of me"
Olivia’s spoon hovered over her soup "I know that, too He asked ize"
Grace waited for an explanation that didn’t see She couldn’t understand why her friend was suddenly so tight-lipped "Aren’t you going to tell me why he found it necessary to speak to you alone?"
"I haven’t decided," Olivia answered with an exaggerated sigh
"Olivia! Don’t hold out onher best to hide a smile "He wanted some advice"
"About what?" Grace narrowed her eyes "I didn’t realize you and Troy were such bosom buddies"
"We aren’t He just knows me better because of rief, we all went through twelve years of school together What could he possibly say to you that he couldn’t say to ht out Olivia and not her
"Okay, if you must know," Olivia said, "he wanted to ask me about Faith Beckwith"
Grace shook her head "Faith’s our tenant, re out, he could’ve asked , and--"