Wedding Day Murder by Leslie Meier

to becoming the next Bill Gates.”
    â€œAw, Mom,” said Ron, looking down at his feet.
    â€œIt’s true.” Thelma patted her bosom, a gesture that served to emphasize both her jewelry and her ample endowment. “Sidra is one little miss who’s doing very well for herself.”
    Lucy saw Sid’s face redden, but he didn’t say anything.
    Just then Sue returned with a tray of drinks. Her eyes widened in reaction, but she graciously recovered.
    â€œI think they’re both very lucky. Here’s a toast to our wonderful children.”
    â€œHere, here,” said Lucy, raising her glass.
    Thelma also raised her glass and clinked it against Sue’s, but Ron didn’t seem to notice. He downed his tea in a gulp and sat holding the empty glass.
    â€œCan I get you another?” asked Sue, determined to be the gracious hostess.
    â€œNah,” said Ron, tapping his foot impatiently.
    â€œI think having the wedding up here in Maine is a wonderful idea,” said Thelma, taking a ladylike sip of tea. “It’s lovely here and so much more private for Ron. Ever since his company began to be so successful he’s been a bit of a celebrity, you know.”
    Lucy glanced at Ron, but he seemed abstracted and lost in thought. Probably advanced computer stuff, she guessed. HTML or HTTP or ISPs and DSNs, whatever those were.
    â€œIt’s true, you know,” continued Thelma. “He gets requests for interviews all the time, but he always turns them down. I don’t know why. People want to know about him.”
    â€œGee, Mom,” groaned Ron, rolling his eyes.
    â€œThat fellow from CyberWorld magazine called again. I really think you should talk to him. He’s not like the rest, you know. He’ll understand all about what the company is doing.” She turned to face Lucy and Sue. “Ron says it’s just so difficult talking to most interviewers because they don’t have the faintest idea what he’s talking about. They’re not computer savvy, you see, and he has to explain everything.” She turned back to Ron. “But you see, you wouldn’t have to explain to him. If he works for CyberWorld magazine he must know all about computers.”
    â€œI’ll think about it,” said Ron in a firm voice, for the first time giving a hint of the qualities that had made him so successful. “I thought you wanted to talk about the wedding.”
    â€œOh, the wedding,” chortled Thelma. “So exciting, isn’t it? And using a gazebo—what a lovely idea. Sue told me all about it. I can’t wait to see it. And you know, Sue,” she said, resting a bejeweled and manicured claw on Sue’s arm, “I’ll be happy to help with the wedding any way I can.”
    â€œThank you,” said Sue, placing her hand on top of Thelma’s. “That’s so kind of you. I don’t know how to thank you.”
    â€œYou don’t have to thank me. It’s my pleasure.” Thelma beamed at her. “Now, tell me all about your plans so far. But I guess I’m getting ahead of myself. What about a shower? When is that going to be?”
    â€œA shower?” Sue repeated the word, unsure she had heard correctly.
    â€œOf course! Aren’t you giving one? For Sidra’s friends. So they can give her gifts.”
    â€œI can’t give a shower.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œI’m her mother. Relatives don’t give showers. Only friends.”
    â€œI never heard of such a silly rule,” said Thelma. “But if you insist it’s so, just ask one of her friends. How about Lucy here?”
    On the hot seat, Lucy squirmed. Sue came to her defense.
    â€œI can’t do that, either,” she said, firmly.
    â€œWhy not? Showers are fun, and her friends will want to give gifts. That’s why they call it a shower, you know. You can even put little cards from the stores she’s