A Cookbook Conspiracy by Kate Carlisle Page B

with Savannah, either.”
    But why? Was Kevin resentful of Savannah? Was she in love with Baxter? That was impossible.
     She had to know he was a complete cheat when it came to relationships. Of course she
     knew. She’d been there in Paris when he cheated on Savannah. She had felt the same
     way we all did. Hadn’t she?
    I had too many questions and no answers.
    The tables began to empty as customers paid their bills and left for the evening.
     We were sliding out of our booth when Savannah returned to chat with us.
    “Everything was delicious,” Derek said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
    “Thanks.” She was beaming and I could tell she was on cloudnine. Except for those last few moments, the evening had been a big success.
    I hugged her. “The
bignolès
are to die for.”
    “They’re my favorites, too,” she said.
    Since she was planning to stay overnight with us, I asked, “Are you ready to leave
     now?”
    “No. Do you mind? I’m so wired, and some of us are going to stay and have a drink
     together. We want to catch up with each other, and Baxter needs to discuss the schedule.
     I can catch a cab back to your place or have one of them give me a ride.”
    “We weren’t sure what you wanted to do,” I said, “but we were planning to stay in
     the Mission for a while anyway. Derek’s partner recommended that we check out a Brazilian
     band over at the Elbo Room.”
    “That sounds like fun,” she said.
    “It should be. So we can swing by after that and see if you still need a ride. And
     by then I’ll be ready to grab an ice cream cone around the corner at Bi-Rite.” I looked
     at Derek. “Best ice cream in the city.”
    “Ice cream?” Savannah glared at me. “You’re still hungry?”
    “No, but I will be. That’s a whole hour from now.” Did I really need to explain this
     to her?
    She threw up her hands. “Stupid question. You’re like a bottomless pit.”
    It was hard being misunderstood by my own sister. “We are talking about ice cream.”
    She sighed, then chuckled. “I know. Go. Get out of here.”
    “Dinner was fantastic,” I said. “You’re awesome.”
    Derek touched her shoulder. “We’ll be by in an hour or so and see if you’re still
     here and need a ride. If not, we’ll see you at home.”
    I pulled my key out of my purse and handed it to her. “Just in case you get there
     first.”
    “Thanks,” she said. “I’ll probably hitch a ride from one ofthese guys.” She gave me another quick hug. “The book box is gorgeous. I think Baxter
     was blown away.”
    In more ways than one
, I thought. “He looked a little shell-shocked.”
    “I know,” she said, beaming.
    I hated to bum her out, but I had to tell her what I’d seen. “Kevin didn’t look too
     happy about it.”
    “What do you mean?”
    I hooked her arm in mine and leaned closer. “Trust me, if looks could kill, you and
     Baxter would be dead on the floor right now.”
    Savannah shook her head. “You must’ve misread her. Kevin’s been in a great mood all
     evening.”
    “Maybe so, but the minute Baxter held the cookbook in his hand, her whole attitude
     changed. She looked furious.”
    “Brooklyn, you can’t be serious.” Savannah looked around furtively, not wishing to
     be overheard. “She was probably reacting to something else, or she’s just tired. We’re
     all exhausted. You must be mistaken.”
    “I don’t know. Derek saw the same thing I did. And I’m sorry, but I have to admit
     that Baxter didn’t look happy, either. Is there something about this cookbook you’re
     not telling me?”
    She was taken aback, but that turned quickly to annoyance. “For the hundredth time,
     it’s just a damn book. Get over it. Seriously, you’re imagining things.”
    She started to walk away, but I pulled her back. “Fine. I’m sorry I said anything.
     But just in case, please be careful, especially with Kevin. She really didn’t look
     happy. In fact, why don’t you just come home with