Poison Me Read Online Free PDF

turned to face the group. “Now, I’m sweating and hungry, and neither work for me. Let’s go find some air conditioning and good food.”
    Ruby’s mouth dropped. “You want to skip out on Anne’s funeral and go to lunch? How can you be so selfish? We need to go to the cemetery and see them bless the grave.”
    “We saw the funeral. All you’re going to miss is another prayer.” Ellie rolled her eyes. “You really want to follow them all the way up to Mink Creek?” She harrumphed and gestured at the cars puttering into line behind the hearse, and the people still milling around the church’s lawn.
    Jennalou walked down the steps of the church, wiping the handrail as she gingerly maneuvered the decline. Olivia, the redheaded florist, bounced behind Jennalou with armfuls of flowers.
    Ellie pointed. “Look at all these people. Olivia’s going to make it all look beautiful. Jennalou even risked the germs or the police locking her up in a mental institution to make an appearance. Good heavens, they’ll never miss us. I’m craving a Big J’s shake.”
    Jake hoped his grandma would listen to Ellie this time. He’d love to skip the graveside service. He could do without the handkerchiefs and sobbing family members. He’d experienced enough sorrow to sustain him through the century.
    Ruby shook her head. “It’s not proper to miss the graveside service.”
    Marissa smiled, tiny cracks appeared in her painted-on lips. She reached an arm around Ruby’s waist, squeezing her friend. “Since when did we worry about what was proper? We’ve already seen too many loved ones lowered into the earth. Think about our friend Anne. She would tell us to go to lunch.”
    Ruby sighed but didn’t answer.
    Jake looked at Chanel. She held his gaze with a soft smile.
    “Chanel,” Ellie said. “You’re joining us for lunch.”
    “I should be getting back to work,” she said, not glancing away from Jake.
    “Oh, hogwash.” Ellie waved a white handkerchief. “You’re our activities director. You need to entertain us.” She linked her arm through Chanel’s. “Besides, Jake always pays for lunch, so you’d better not pass up on that gravy train.”
    Chanel turned to Ellie. “Oh, I couldn’t let him pay for my lunch.”
    Ellie shook her head. “What kind of a woman are you? I let every man I know pay for anything they’re willing to pony up for.” She held up three fingers. “My husbands. Buried ’em all. Married a richer one every time. The next sucker fish better be a billionaire, I tell ya.” She patted Chanel’s arm. “Now you take my advice and let the man buy you lunch. From the look in his eyes, he won’t mind at all.”
    Jake was the one blushing now. “Watch it, Aunt Ellie, or I’ll make you pick up the tab today.”
    She cackled. “Ha. We raised you to be a gentleman. After a comment like that, you’re going to have to take us to the nicest restaurant in town. Well, ladies, enough of this blubbering.” She kissed her fingers, waving them in the general direction of the hearse. “Love you, Anne, our dear friend. See you in the next life.” Ellie pointed toward the parking lot. “Let’s do this.” Plowing through the crowd, she dragged Chanel and Marissa to her car.
    Jake turned to his grandma. “If you want to go to the graveside…”
    Ruby shook her head, eyes red and sunken. “It’s okay, sweetie. It is a long drive. I’ll have you take me to visit the grave when there aren’t so many people around.”
    “If you’re sure…” He left it dangling, but his voice was full of hope that she’d follow her friends. Ellie was right—no one would miss them at the graveside service. He’d gladly pay for everyone’s dinner if he could keep studying Chanel.
    “I’m sure.” Ruby mustered up a smile and pivoted toward the street.
    Jake tucked her hand through his arm and walked to his Chevy truck. After opening the door, he gently lifted his grandma off her feet and onto the seat.
    She