Easy Bake Coven: Book One of the Vivienne Finch Magical Mysteries by J.D. Shaw Page A

commercial ovens in the bakery. “I saw the closed sign, but
I thought a little sneak peek might be okay for the Mayor’s wife.”
    Vivienne
was at a loss for words. She had so much to do, but the chance to get some
inside information from Mona was too much to resist. She gestured for her to
enter. “What a delightful surprise. Come in.”
    Mona
breezed into her store, trailing some sort of floral perfume that completely
overpowered the baking smell. “What a beautiful little shop you have.” She
gushed, taking in the view.
    Vivienne
closed the door and gave her apron a quick pat down to shake off some of the
flour that had spilled during her morning baking. “Thank you. I did most of it
myself, except for the electric and the plumbing.”
    “It’s
just so charming and warm.” Mona walked over the display case and admired the
fresh cookies inside. “These look absolutely scrumptious.”
    “Would
you like a free sample?” Vivienne asked. “I’ve got plenty on hand.”
    Mona
removed her coat and set it on the back of one of the bistro chairs. “That
would be wonderful, dear.” She knelt down to check her reflection in the glass
of the case, making sure her light blond hair, swept up into a fancy style with
a bejeweled clip, was still picture perfect.
    “I
was just about to have some tea.” Vivienne sailed into the kitchen area and
turned on the electric kettle. “How about some honey lemon?”
    “Don’t
go to any trouble.” Mona answered as she sat down.
    “It’s
no trouble at all.” Vivienne put the tea bags into two ceramic mugs and
returned to the table with two peanut butter cookies on a small saucer.
    “I
don’t know if you’re aware of the Cayuga Cove Women of Small Business
Association.”
    “I
just received one of your newsletters the other day, actually.” Vivienne
answered.
    “Wonderful.”
Mona folded her hands together on the table, catching the late morning sunlight
with her diamond encrusted wedding band. “I’m the Director and we’d love to
have you join our little group.”
    “That
would be nice.” Vivienne answered politely. “Aren’t you also involved with the
Historic Commission?”
    “I
am indeed.” Mona reached for a cookie and took a tiny bite as a knock on the
front window startled them both.
    Vivienne
saw the smiling face of Victoria Clemens peering in. She was dressed in workout
sweats that somehow looked better than any of the everyday clothes she wore.
    Victoria
gave a little wave and then continued on what must have been her morning power
walk to work off breakfast. ‘How many calories could Irish coffee actually
have?’ Vivienne wondered to herself. Given Victoria’s trim figure, she doubted
a sugared doughnut or deep-fried fritter ever crossed her Botox-enhanced lips.
    Mona
waved back and then let out a little sigh. “Unfortunately, we already have the
voting member chairs filled.”
    “Oh,
I wasn’t interested in joining that.” Vivienne corrected.
    “But
the meetings will be open to the public, of course.” Mona added with a little
smile. “We’re not expecting much of a turnout for the first one.” She took
another bite of the cookie. “These are just divine.”
    “Thank
you.” Vivienne retuned a smile. “So why are you expecting a small turnout?”
    Mona
paused for a moment, as if she were composing her thoughts in advance before
speaking. “Well, I hate to say it but our agendas will probably be quite dull
for the general public’s attention. First meetings usually lack a cohesive
flow.”
    “I
would think quite the opposite to be the case.” Vivienne leaned forward in her
chair. “If you’re going to be taking on the challenge of updating Main Street
to attract more tourism, I think that’d generate quite a bit of buzz.”
    There
was an uncomfortable silence as Mona listened to her words and processed them.
“I guess we’ll find out tonight for sure.”
    The
tea kettle whistled and Vivienne jumped up to grab the hot water.