Read Online Sweetheart Deal by Linda Joffe Hull - Free Book Online Page B

been obliged to investigate the untimely passages of both a haughty sales clerk who’d falsely accused me of shoplifting and a seemingly discontented member of my Frugarmy in the past six months, it was hard to dispute the fact of my proximity to death.

seven
    Despite the upbeat classical guitar music, fanciful papier-­mâché vegetable centerpieces, and specific instructions for all guests to dress in colorful, casual attire for the cameras, a pall permeated the postwedding brunch.
    Not only did the waitstaff look pale and stony-faced , but as I stood in the buffet line, it was clear that word of Alejandro’s fate had spread to anyone who had missed the disquieting news the evening before.
    I can’t believe something like this happened while we were dancing the night away …
    I had a feeling it wasn’t entirely safe to come down here …
    I can’t imagine how horrified Anastasia and Philip must have been when they went to take pictures and found that poor man …
    One of the servers dropped a fresh chafing dish full of chorizo into the heated steamer tray with a heavy plunk.
    â€œWhy didn’t you say anything to me when I got in last night?” Eloise whispered from beside me as we neared the fresh fruit and pan dulce table.
    â€œI didn’t want to bring down your evening with bad news,” I said, ever more concerned about just how bad the news would turn out to be. Particularly after Frank got up early and reported that the day’s call sheet had TBD written across the front as well as lines through Timeshare contract signing and shots of us Lounging and swimming in the very pool where we’d all witnessed the gruesome discovery of a man who might have been my dream date in another life.
    â€œI have to admit, it really was an awesome night,” Eloise said, the same lovesick smile plastered across her face that had kept me from saying anything about the incident last night. She helped herself to assorted melon, an empanada de pi ñ a, and two aptly named novias (brides). “We watched the fireworks from a cliff overlooking the resort and then we went on a really long walk down the coast. ”
    â€œI’m surprised you didn’t see any police activity when you came back up from the beach.”
    â€œWe came back onto the property by one of the other pools, but it was quiet as could be,” Eloise said. “I wonder if he knows yet?”
    A server sniffled as she added a helping of huevos rancheros onto Eloise’s outstretched plate.
    The waiter next to her shook his head.
    The subdued hush that permeated the banquet room was temporarily broken by hoots and clapping as the bride and groom made their entrance with camera crew in tow. They raised an imaginary toast to the crowd and began to work their way through the gauntlet of congratulatory hugs and good wishes.
    They’d about reached the first buffet table when Enrique, the general manager, appeared from behind the swinging kitchen doors.
    With an efficiency that belied his rumpled polo shirt, the heavy bags under his eyes, and the whiskers on his face, he nodded to two staff members. As they set about preparing plates with a little of everything, he beelined over to the bride and groom and escorted them to their reserved table for two at the front of the room.
    Seconds later, the waiters appeared with full plates and placed them on the table. As soon as the happy couple was seated, Enrique took a couple of steps over to the hostess desk that had been turned so it functioned as a perfect makeshift podium. With all eyes on him there was no reason to tap on a glass or otherwise quiet the room beyond clearing his throat.
    â€œ Buenos días, señores y señoras .” He waited while everyone put down their forks and the room stilled completely. “As many of you are aware, there was an incident here at the resort last night.” His voice cracked. “In fact, it was the