Chapter 19

“Something’s better than nothing,” Fancy decided. “Let me cash this before it bounces. We’ve got to pay for all this new staff you’re hiring.”

“Just one embalmer,” I pointed out.

“Your daddy used to stay up all day embalming and never miss a beat,” Fancy offered.

“I love you,” I said.

“That don’t pay the bills,” she huffed.

She left my office.

Charlie looked perturbed.

I grinned.

“Can I tempt you into dinner at the Mexican restaurant?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” he said, “my schedule is pretty busy.”

“Be nice or I’ll invite Mama too,” I replied.

“So it’s like a date or something?”

“Or something,” I said.

“Do I have time to shower and change?”

“If you’re going to get naked, take all the time you need—and meet me back here. I’m going to finish this up.”