Creamy Casserole Murder: Book 15 in The Darling Deli Series Read Online Free PDF

meal was going to be delicious. Lightly browned breadcrumbs topped the dish, forming a crispy top over the creamy chicken, broccoli, carrots, peas, and rice that made up the rest of the casserole. The salad was crisp iceberg lettuce topped with cottage cheese, walnuts, and halved canned pears.
    “This is amazing,” Moira said after taking her first bite. It was the perfect meal to assuage her hunger, both filling and healthy.
    “Thanks,” the other woman replied, blushing. “I’ve been wanting to start cooking more since I moved here, though it’s a hard resolution to stick to with two great restaurants nearby.”
    “Nothing beats homemade food,” Denise said. “It may be easier to go out and pick up food from some place, but I’ve never found it as satisfying as eating something you make yourself.”
    The deli owner nodded. “That’s one reason I love the deli so much. I love watching people enjoy the food that I make. It’s a great feeling.”
    “It definitely is,” Denise agreed. She owned the Redwood Grill, a nice steakhouse on the outskirts of Maple Creek. “Though I don’t spend as much time in the kitchen these days. With two chefs, things are already pretty crowded.”
    Martha, who had been sitting quietly, listening to their conversation, chuckled. “At least you can cook. I’m lucky if I don’t burn my oatmeal. I’ve done that before, in fact, and had to stop at the deli on the way to work and get one of Darrin’s quiches. It was delicious and got me hooked—now I stop in at least twice a week for breakfast.”
    “You might want to stop in more often, now that we have the breakfast cookies,” Moira said.
    Martha groaned. “I love being your friend, but you and Denise are absolutely terrible for my waistline.”
    “I think we all have that problem,” Karissa said. “That’s another reason I wanted to start cooking for myself—if I don’t start paying more attention to what I eat, I’m going to have to replace all of my pants with the next size up.”
    They laughed and chatted about food for a few more minutes. Then, as Moira was reaching for a second serving of chicken casserole, Karissa cleared her throat.
    “How are things going with David?” she asked.
    The deli owner smiled. “Good,” she said. “Really good, I think.”
    “That’s good.” Karissa gave what almost seemed like a relieved smile. “You seem like you’re good for him, Moira. I hope things work out.”
    The conversation continued, moving into the realm of future vacation plans. Moira smiled and laughed along with the rest of them, but she couldn’t help wondering what Karissa’s non sequitur about David had been about. Had the private investigator asked his sister to do some digging? If so, did it mean that David thought she was having doubts about their relationship? I have been busy lately, she thought. I hope he doesn’t think I’ve been avoiding him. He’s one of the most important people in my life… I hope he knows that.
     
     

CHAPTER SIX
    The concern that David might feel that she wasn’t fully invested in their relationship lately stuck with her, so later that evening she called him to see if he was interested in getting dinner at the Redwood Grill the next night. He agreed and sounded happy enough over the phone. Eager to make the evening special, on Sunday she went shopping for a new dress after her deli shift ended. She was just packing the bag with her new dress—dark green with a pattern of white roses along the hem—into her SUV when her phone rang.
    It was Candice.
    “Mom, can you come to dinner tonight with me and Eli at Misty Pines?” she asked.
    Moira bit her lip. “I’d love to, sweetie, but I’ve got plans with David. We’re going to the Grill for dinner.”
    “He can come too,” her daughter pleaded. “Reggie’s really down, and Eli thinks talking to you will cheer him up. I guess he has some new ideas about that lady that died there last week.”
    The deli owner