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She didn’t know which had been worse—the rest of the kitchenstaff watching, or the fact that when she’d tasted her creation later, it hadbeen delicious. But she hadn’t trusted herself enough to give it to anyone elseto try.

No. She wouldn’t be experimenting anytime soon. The reality ofthat thought made her sad. No, sad wasn’t the rightword. It broke her heart.

“I want someone who can grow into the manager positionquickly,” she said before she could stop herself.

“I would be interested in that,” Violet told her, lookingpleased with the information.

Jenna pressed her lips together. If she wasn’t managing thestore, she would have plenty of time on her hands. Time to figure out how tofind that lost part of herself.

Violet glanced around. “Are you going to sell the foodsthemselves? The various ingredients?”

“No, why?”

“You need something for the people to buy. Either a gadget or apan. Cookware doesn’t exactly break or go out of style. If you don’t offer thecustomers a reason to buy, they won’t. They’ll come in, get the recipes andtips, then leave. That means no money for you.”

“I see.” Jenna hadn’t thought that part through. “I’ll worksomething out. Maybe charge a fee for the classes. Why don’t you tell me aboutyour current job?”

Fifteen minutes later Violet had run through her workexperience. She had two letters of recommendation and an easy way about her.Jenna knew her own personality tended toward the control freak end of thespectrum. Violet seemed like a nice balance.

“Why are you looking to make a change?” Jenna asked.

“I like what I do,” Violet told her. “But corporate Americaisn’t my thing. I want to be part of a community. I’ve been in Austin a coupleof years but I still feel like I’m settling in.” She waved her hand at theshelves. “This is going to be a challenge and that’s what I’m looking for. Ifyou’re sure there’s a chance that I’ll be considered for the manager position,then I’m interested.”

Jenna was relieved. She’d already checked Violet’s referencesand had been impressed with what she’d been told. At this point someone who knewwhat retail was all about would be a big help. “When could you start?”

“Next week. Tuesday.”

“Perfect.”

The front door opened and a blonde woman in her late twentieswalked in.

“Hi. I’m Robyn. I own the yarn store next door. Thought I’dcome say hi and welcome you to the neighborhood.”

Violet moved toward her, smiling and holding out her hand. “I’mViolet Green,” she said. “I know. Crazy name. I think my mother was deep intomedication when she gave birth. Anyway, this is Jenna Stevens. She owns thestore.”

“Nice to meet you,” Jenna said, thinking Robyn looked familiar.Georgetown was small enough that they’d probably gone to the same school,although in different grades. Robyn looked a few years younger.

Robyn looked around. “Great space. It’s so light and bright.You’re going to love it here. I’m hoping we’ll be able to share customers.” Shewrinkled her nose. “I was terrified an auto parts store would move in next door.Not that I don’t love my car, but not a lot of guys are interested inknitting.”

Violet laughed. “I’ve been in your place before. It’sbeautiful. I love all the yarn.”

“Do you knit?” Robyn asked.

“No, but I’d like to learn.”

“We’ll be starting a beginner class in a few weeks. If you’reinterested.”

“Thanks.”

Jenna found herself feeling shy and awkward. She remindedherself it was simple conversation. She could handle that. But the truth was,she hadn’t been out in the “girl world” for years. Most of the people in thekitchens where she’d worked had been guys. While Aaron had always had a pack offriends hanging around, she’d had more trouble finding women to relate to. Whenshe’d lived here before, she’d had a lot of friends. She promised herself shewould call them soon.

“I’m going to be doing a lot of cooking here,” she forcedherself to say. “I can bring by samples.”

Robyn smiled. “This is why you’re going to be my favoriteneighbor. I can already tell. When do you open?”

Jenna gave her the date.

“Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help,” Robyn toldthem both. “Even if you just want to pop over and have some coffee to get awayfrom the craziness.”

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