“I wasn’t there,” Jasper says.
“I’m talking to the head detective in the case.” Leo gestures at me with a spring roll.
Jasper looks mock-offended. “I’m literally a homicide detective.”
“Yes,” Emmie says. “But Bizzy’s the one who gets lobster thrown at her while interrogating suspects.”
“That’s what happened,” I concede.
I take a bite of chicken and try to figure out where to begin. “Let’s just say the lobster boil was educational.”
“Educational how?” Jasper asks.
“I learned that Mackenzie’s friends think wearing a bib is beneath them. Right up until butter starts flying, and then it’s every woman for herself.”
Emmie laughs. “Someone’s manicure broke and you would have thought she’d been shot. The gasp that echoed across that beach could be heard in Texas.”
“Blaire tried to eat lobster in heels,” I add. “Actual heels. On a beach. While cracking shellfish. And, well, she accomplished the feat. So kudos to her.”
“These are the women who vacation in the Hamptons and think they’re roughing it,” Emmie says. “One of them asked if the corn was organic.”
Leo’s grinning. “What did you say?”
“I said it was corn and thatshewas organic so it was probably okay.”
We all share a good laugh, and it feels good. Normal. Like maybe we’re not actually investigating a murder and just living regular lives where the biggest crisis is whether the produce is organic.
“So what’s your next move?” Jasper asks, and his tone shifts just enough that I know he’s not joking anymore.
“I have nothing planned.”
He gives me a flat stare that could get nuclear codes out of the president.
“You’re meeting with someone tomorrow, aren’t you.” Jasper’s not asking.
I hesitate just long enough that everyone notices.
“Sloane offered to give me a quote on the sunroom,” I say with far too much excitement. “I’ve never been more anxious to part with my money.”
“The sunroom you’ve been wanting for a year,” Jasper says, breaking out into a genuine smile.
“That’sthe one.”
“And she can start when?”
“After the Fourth.”
His eyebrows go up. “Seriously? That fast?”
“That’s what she said. She mentioned they’re booked through September but she could squeeze us in. I guess maybe something fell through.”
“Sounds like you’ve got an in with the right people.” Jasper pulls me closer. “You’ve been wanting that sunroom forever. If she can actually deliver, that’s fantastic.”
“Really?”
“Really. Just get references first. Check out her previous work. Standard stuff.”
“I will. I promise.”
