Already Home. Susan Mallery

easy. But smiling in the face of harried customers? Not so much.

      “Most days,” Violet said with a laugh. “I think the difference between a place like this and, say, a big-box store is branding. You go to a retail chain with certain expectations. Sometimes it’s price or convenience. But making a special trip to your store requires a little more thought. Customers have to want to come here.”

      She ran her hands across the stainless steel counters by the stove.

      “I think the key to success is to give customers an experience they can’t get anywhere else. Not only different products, but personalized service. You have to make them want to come back.” Violet smiled again, her eyes dancing with excitement. “I do love a good challenge.”

      “Good thing—because we’re going to have that here.”

      Violet faced her. “Maybe not. What’s the competition? I don’t think there are any other places like this in the area, but I didn’t do the research.”

      Jenna stared at her. Research? She did her best not to wince. Right. Because most people had a plan when they opened a store. They checked out the area, ran the numbers, worked on a profit and loss statement. Things Jenna would have done had she been opening a restaurant.

      “We’re going to offer something unique here,” Jenna said. “Neighborhoods like that.”

      “You’ve owned retail stores before?” Violet asked.

      “Not exactly. I’m a sous chef.”

      “Oh, wow. That’s great.” Violet moved to the open area in front of the sink and held her arms open wide. “We could set up cooking stations here. People love to get their hands dirty. With that big oven and the six burners, they can all be cooking and baking together. People would kill to get real tips from someone like you.”

      Jenna shook her head. “I wasn’t going to have the customers cook. I’ll be doing demonstrations. Showing techniques for different dishes.”

      Violet’s arms dropped to her side. “That would be good, too,” she said with measurably less enthusiasm. “Will you have prepared the dishes in advance so they get to sample what you’re doing?”

      “Of course.”

      “That’s nice.” She walked toward the boxes and read the labels. “So you’ve never exactly run a store before?”

      “No.”

      Violet bit down on her lower lip. “Are you hiring a manager?”

      “I’ll be the manager. At least for now.” Jenna squared her shoulders. It was time to get to the interview. “I’m looking for someone to work full-time with me. We’ll be open six days a week. I’d prefer you take your second day off on Monday through Thursday. I’m guessing Friday and Saturday will be busiest. I’m going to offer different kinds of cooking classes. Classic recipes, easy to make, foods that can be frozen and served days or weeks later.”

      Stuff she could do in her sleep.

      A part of her whispered it might be fun to experiment a little. To have customers surprise her with ingredients and then come up with something on the fly. She could—

      Without wanting to, she remembered experimenting with bread pudding as an appetizer rather than a dessert. Using savory flavors, chilies and spices rather than sugar. Aaron had grabbed one of her samples before she could taste it herself. He’d taken one bite and quickly spit it back into his hand.

      Then he’d patted her on the back and said, “It’s good that you try.”

      As if she were some kid who’d made a mud pie. Some kid who had trouble learning and needed a lot of praise.

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

      No. She wouldn’t be experimenting anytime soon. The reality of that thought made her sad. No, sad wasn’t the right word. It broke her heart.

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

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

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

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

      “No, why?”

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

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

      Fifteen minutes later Violet had run through her work experience. She had two letters of recommendation and an easy way about her. Jenna knew her own personality tended toward the control freak end of the spectrum. 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 America isn’t my thing. I want to be part of a community. I’ve been in Austin a couple of years but I still feel like I’m settling in.” She waved her hand at the shelves. “This is going to be a challenge and that’s what I’m looking for. If you’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 references and had been impressed with what she’d been told. At this point someone who knew what 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 twenties walked in.

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

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

      “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.” She wrinkled 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 in knitting.”

      Violet laughed. “I’ve been in your place before. It’s beautiful. 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’re interested.”

      “Thanks.”

      Jenna found herself feeling shy and awkward. She reminded herself 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 the kitchens where she’d worked had been guys. While Aaron had always had a pack of friends hanging around, she’d had more trouble finding women to relate