Free The Friendship Star Quilt by Patricia Kiyono, Stephanie Michels

solemnly. “No, Daddy did it all by himself.”
    â€œWell, let’s see how he did,” Anne said and read the neatly typed paper. She glanced up and nodded. “This is very good, Mr. Carmichael. It explains what you need quite clearly. But I was wondering…” She paused and bit her bottom lip.
    â€œI’m not sure what your budget is,” she continued, the words rushing out in a tumble. “But I have extra time in the evenings, and I’d be willing to do the project for you. I’m an experienced seamstress, and I work fast. I could even make a sample for your approval before you decide if you’d like.”
    The band director’s brown eyes widened. “Are you kidding me? That would be incredible. I don’t need a sample to decide. You’re hired! Just tell me how much you’ll charge.”
    Anne pursed her lips, considering how much time the job would take then named a price.
    â€œAre you sure it’s enough?” he asked. “Even with the cost of the materials, it’s a fraction of what the flag companies all quoted.”
    â€œI don’t have their overhead,” she explained, giving a little shrug. “Besides, it will give me a chance to contribute to a good cause and make a little extra cash.”
    â€œYou know,” Brad said, “if you’re serious about making some extra money, the band parents always need someone to do alterations for the kids’ uniforms. Every year, sleeves have to be shortened or lengthened. The trousers have to be hemmed or let down, too. Would it be okay if I have them contact you?
    Anne hesitated. She wasn’t sure how she felt about having her name passed around where anyone might see it. But the opportunity to earn some extra cash was too good to pass up. She reached over to the card holder on the countertop and handed him one of the shop business cards. “Here’s a card with the shop’s phone number. If you give this number to the parents, they can reach me here. I’m the one who answers the phone most of the time.”
    â€œWonderful. Be ready for a slew of calls. Symphony band starts after the holidays, so everyone will want their concert uniforms altered.”
    â€œFine with me. I can handle the volume. I altered more than a dozen choir robes for Pastor Lockhart last spring.”
    â€œWhat? You mean Gordon Lockhart knew about you and didn’t tell me?” Brad pretended to frown. “You better believe I’m going to have a few words with my preacher buddy about that.”
    Anne stifled a giggle, suddenly feeling like a teenager. It had been a long time since a male had teased her, and it felt good. Flattering. She had nearly forgotten what it was like to have a pleasant conversation with a nice man. If she weren’t careful, she could easily let down her guard.
    No! She could never allow it to happen. Never! Not with Brad, not with any other man. Anne knew how men were. They started out so sweet and pleasant then they turned. The change would be gradual, so slow she wouldn’t notice it at first. But all too soon, she’d find her life restricted. She wouldn’t be able to have friends or indulge in hobbies. He would control who she could talk to and would listen in on her phone conversations. He’d read her email and lock up the computer so she couldn’t get online unless he was standing over her shoulder. She’d be forced to quit her job, too. In short, he’d take over her life.
    She wouldn’t give up control of her life ever again. No matter how nice the man might seem. She pulled herself up short. Why was she even thinking such thoughts? Mr. Carmichael wasn’t actually flirting. The band director wasn’t asking her out for a date. He was just a customer, a customer who needed her help. She would be polite to him, nothing more.
    â€œThank you for your trust in me, Mr. Carmichael. I’ll order the materials for