Read Online Chicken Soup & Homicide by Janel Gradowski - Free Book Online

them healthy, nutritious food. I have volunteers who are willing to help in the spring, but we need some money to buy the seeds and supplies." Trisha stuck her hands in her apron pockets. "I've never heard of the Parade of Desserts. Can you tell me about it?"
    "Sure. It's a charity fundraiser put together by Bridget Mahoney, the same woman that organized the Chicken Soup Showdown. Basically, it's a cross between a bake sale and a silent auction. If you get in, you bake your best cookies, cakes, cupcakes…whatever, as long as it's a dessert. Bring as many things as you would like. Whatever money your desserts make from the silent auction will go to the charity of your choice. Attendees can also just donate to any charities they like, even if they don't win an auction. It's held in the ballroom at the K Hotel. Everybody wears cocktail attire. It's all very exciting and elegant." Amy leaned closer to Trisha and lowered her voice. "Of course, you're doing this for charity, but you get bragging rights for bringing in high bids."
    "That sounds like the perfect way for me to raise money for the garden." She looked down at her worn blue jeans and dirty work boots. "Do I have to dress up and attend too? Couldn't I just send a couple cakes to the hotel and collect the donations when it's over?"
    "I'm afraid not. All participants must attend, and Bridget strictly enforces the cocktail party dress code. I can help you find a dress if you don't have one, so don't worry about that. If Chet picked you for his partner, I'm sure you're a fabulous cook and can raise all kinds of money for the garden."
    "Thanks. I may have a dress that will work. I just don't like wearing it. Farming and skirts don't really go together." She held up her hands. Dark bands of dirt under her fingernails were like an Earth Goddess-style French manicure. She wrinkled up her nose. "Any suggestions for a manicurist who can do miracles?"
    "You can't go wrong with Elegance Salon, in my opinion." Amy twisted a lock of her straw-colored hair around her index finger. She wasn't trying to build her client list anymore, but she could always help her former coworkers add to theirs. "Of course, I'm a bit biased. I used to be a stylist there."
    "Really? You cut hair? I didn't know that, but I shouldn't be surprised. Your hair always looks so nice, while mine usually resembles a haystack in a windstorm." She patted her puffy ponytail full of white blonde ringlets and curls. "Do you have any tricks or product recommendations that can help me tame this crazy mess?"
    "Sure. I can help." Amy dug a notebook and pen out of her purse. She wrote down a list of products that could help subdue Trisha's unruly curls and handed the sheet over. "I would recommend these. The ones at the top are only available at salons, but the items at the bottom should be at most drugstores. They'll be less expensive if you're on a budget. And if you decide to go to the parade and want me to do your hair, just say the word. I'd be happy to."
    "Thank you and thank you. I am definitely on a budget, so I'll have to try the cheap ones. Not sure if I'll do the parade thing…yet." She grinned. "Now that I have my beauty dilemmas taken care of, let's tackle the big questions. When is the fundraiser, and do I have to make fancy desserts? I'm more into making oatmeal cookies or apple cakes than fancy cocktail-flavored cupcakes or something like that."
    "It's next weekend. Short notice, but I bet Bridget will let you participate. Her motto for everything seems to be bigger is better. As far as what to make goes, I think people like old-fashioned treats just as much as the fancy gourmet ones. Pretty packaging goes a long way in drawing interest. Cute boxes, bows, and ribbons can make simple chocolate chip cookies fetch some of the biggest bids." Amy raised her eyebrows and leaned toward Trisha. "So, do you want to do it?"
    Trisha held her arms up in surrender. "I suppose I can put on a dress if it means funding for