Page 34 of Already Home

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Jenna practically danced in impatience when Violetwalked into the rear entrance Wednesday morning.

“Tell me everything,” she said by way of greeting. “You saidhello and he said hello and then what?”

Violet laughed. She was wearing her usual dark makeup and dozenor so bracelets, but still she looked different.

“You’re happy! I can see it in your eyes.” Jenna examined her.“Are you blushing?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. It’s crazy. I barely know this guy.”

“But?”

“But I like him. He’s nice. Funny and charming and normal. I’venever wanted to be with a normal guy before. They don’t interest me. But I gaveCliff a chance and it turns out I like him.”

“See!” Jenna grinned. “This is so cool.”

“It kind of is.” Violet put her purse on a shelf, then movedthrough the stockroom into the store. “He deals with the stock market. Helpingcompanies raise money. He travels, he likes wine, he’s into football andbaseball. He’s divorced.”

“Why?”

“College sweethearts who grew apart. He says he wants kids anda family, that he’s looking for something serious.” Violet hugged herself. “Ican’t believe he actually said that, but he did.”

“Did it sound needy?”

“No. It was nice. He was sincere.” She closed her eyes, thenopened them. “He wants to see me again.”

“Of course he does. If he hadn’t, he would be an idiot.” Jennaignored the twinge of jealousy she felt. “I’m glad it went well.”

“It was the dress. Pure magic. I’m getting it dry-cleaned, thenI’ll return it.”

“There’s no rush. Unlike some people, I don’t have a personallife.” She glanced at her watch. “I’d better open up.” She impulsively huggedViolet. “I’m really happy for you and only slightly bitter.”

“There’s still the sexy doctor.”

“That will be its own brand of fun,” she admitted, then hurriedto the front door.

Ever since the grand reopening, there had usually beencustomers waiting to get in. Today a couple in their late forties or earlyfifties stood patiently.

She opened the door. “Good morning,” she said cheerfully.

“Good morning,” the woman said, stepping inside.

She was about the same height as Jenna, with dark red hair thatfell to the middle of her back. She was thin and dressed in a flowing floralprint dress that nearly went to her ankles. More striking than pretty. The manwith her was a little taller and ruggedly handsome.

Probably her husband, Jenna thought. The attractive coupledidn’t look old enough to have retired, and yet they were in the store on aweekday morning. People had interesting lives.

“Feel free to look around,” she said with a smile. “Violet andI are both available if you have any questions.” She glanced at the clock on thewall. “There’s a class on risotto starting at eleven, if you have time.”

“I love risotto,” the woman said, tilting her head. “You’reJenna, right?”

“Yes.” Jenna didn’t remember meeting her, but there had been somany customers lately. “Have you been in before?”

“No, but we’ve heard about the store. It’s very nice. It feelsfriendly and welcome. No dark spirits here.”

“Good to know,” Jenna said, taking a step back. She glanced atViolet, who was obviously trying not to laugh. “Okay, then. I’ll be right hereif you need anything.”

The man and woman exchanged a glance. The woman moved closer.“Have you owned other stores?”

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