Read Online Undone (A Country Roads Novel) by Shannon Richard - Free Book Online Page B

credit for those, but my granddaughter Gracie makes most of the pastries,” she said, indicating a petite blonde in a pink T-shirt who was behind the register and taking care of some customers.
    “Where are the twins?” Tara asked, making her way to one of the display cases.
    “On the way,” Lula Mae said, going behind the counter. “Paige, what would you like to drink?”
    “Try the mango sweet tea,” Tara said. “It’s divine.”
    “Sounds good,” Paige said, looking at Lula Mae.
    “Just pick whatever you want in there,” Lula Mae said, pointing to the display case that Tara was hovering over.
    “It’s all made fresh,” Tara said when Paige came up next to her.
    They had chicken salad made with fruit and nuts on croissants, tomato and mozzarella on focaccia, and roast beef on French bread.
    The bell rang again and Paige turned to see two short, thin women walking through the door. They were both in their midfifties with strawberry-blonde hair, big green eyes, and large chests, but that was where their similarities stopped.
    One of them wore her hair very short and had gelled the strands to stick up all over her head like a stylish porcupine. Her eyebrows had been waxed within an inch of their lives, and she wore so much green eye shadow that it was ridiculous. She had on a tie-dye T-shirt, a black leather biker vest, and jeans. The other wore her hair longer, her big, thick curls brushing the top of her shoulders. Her eyebrows were still intact and her lips were as red as a cherry. She wore a green dress circa 1950 that made her look like Lucille Ball.
    “I don’t know,” Porcupine said. “He just can’t be that oblivious.”
    “Oh, I think he can be,” the Lucille look-a-like said, sounding a little agitated.
    They both looked over to the display and spotted Tara and then they zeroed in on Paige.
    “Paige,” Tara said, grabbing her arm and pulling her along to the duo. “These are the twins. Pinky,” she said, indicating Porcupine with her hand. “And Panky Player,” she said, moving her hand in the direction of the Lucille look-a-like.
    “And this is Paige,” Tara continued with her introductions.
    “Nice to meet you,” Paige said, shaking their hands in turn.
    “They both work part time at the funeral home. Pinky does the hair and makeup for the deceased, but she also owns a hair salon. And Panky does all of the flowers for the funeral home but she also has her own shop. They’re Lula Mae’s cousins.”
    “How are you liking the funeral home?” Panky asked.
    “I’m still settling in,” Paige said.
    “Wait until I tell you guys about Verna,” Tara said excitedly.
    “You better wait for us before you talk about anything,” Lula Mae said from behind the counter. “Gracie and I want to hear all about this too.”
    Someone else took over Grace’s position at the register. She came around the counter, wiping her hands on her apron. She had bright blue eyes and light blonde hair. A few pieces of her hair had fallen out of her low ponytail and framed her heart-shaped face. She had a light tan, like she was used to spending lots of time in the sun with sunscreen.
    “So you’re Paige,” Grace said, her eyes lighting up as she stuck out her hand. “I’m Grace.”
    “Your scones were delicious,” Paige said, unable to think of anything else. She wasn’t sure why she was so nervous about meeting a bunch of new people. She’d made friends easily enough before moving down here. Maybe it was her bad luck with first impressions these days.
    “Thanks.” Grace laughed and pointed to the display case. “What do you want for lunch?”
    “The chicken salad,” Paige said.
    “Make that two,” Panky said.
    “I’ll have the roast beef,” Pinky said, walking over to a large round table tucked into the corner of the shop. She hung her purse on the back of one of the chairs and sat down.
    “Tomato and mozzarella,” Tara said, following Pinky.
    “Coming right up,” Grace said,