Free Harbor Nights by Marcia Evanick Page A

an abundant amount of sunlight. Two crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and there were even a dozen yellow roses in a antique silver vase near the cash register. Elegant described the shop and the merchandise.
    Joanna didn’t know what she wanted to do first—ask if they were accepting applications, or try on the gorgeous silk skirt with matching sleeveless blouse the mannequin by the front door was wearing. The calf length skirt was a swirl of blues and greens, while the top was a solid blue with big silver buttons. She already had the perfect shoes and bracelet to match the outfit.
    The temptation bore a designer label and was one hundred percent silk.
    The fact that both dressing rooms seemed occupied curbed her temptation for the moment. Job first, shopping spree second. She walked over to the distressed white armoire filled with lightweight summer sweaters and wanted to drool. Thoughts of employee discounts started to dance through her head.
    â€œMay I help you with something?” A pleasant-looking, middle-aged woman wearing pearls and a classic linen suit stood beside her.
    Joanna glanced around the shop and counted one other sales clerk and two other customers. Claire’s was doing a nice, brisk business this morning. Hopefully, they would need some extra summer help. “I’m Joanna Stevens.” She held out a hand. “My daughter and I just moved to town.”
    The woman shook her hand as her mouth turned up into a warm, friendly smile. “Claire Bonnet, and welcome to Misty Harbor.”
    â€œClaire Bonnet, as in Claire’s Boutique?”
    â€œThe one and the same.” Claire glanced around her store with pride. “Twenty years in business, and I still marvel in wonder every morning when I open up.”
    â€œIt’s a magnificent shop, and I’m already in love with three different outfits.” The white capri pants matched with the red, white, and blue Americana sweater would be perfect for a cool summer day. And who could resist the lavender sundress displayed in the front window?
    Claire beamed. “Well, what would you like to try on first?”
    â€œOh, I didn’t come here today to shop. I stopped in to see if you were hiring.” She watched the expression on Claire’s face. She knew what the answer was before the boutique owner spoke.
    â€œI’m sorry, Joanna; there aren’t any openings. My sister, Emma, works here full time, and during the summer months, we both have daughters who help out when needed.” Claire gave her an apologetic smile.
    â€œThat’s okay, Claire. I was just walking around town, and your shop struck me as being a wonderful place to work.” She glanced at the mannequin by the front door, the one wearing the stunning blue outfit. “I’ll make you a deal. If you can give me any leads on who might be hiring, I’ll stop back in to buy an outfit.” The type of clothes she would be buying would depend on what kind of job she landed.
    â€œOh dear,” Claire fingered the pearls at her throat. “I can’t think of anyone who is hiring off the top of my head. Most of the places in town hire teenage help for the season. Have you checked the local paper?”
    â€œNot yet.” There were a dozen copies of last week’s paper sitting at home on the coffee table. Norah’s first byline in Maine was in that paper, and she wanted to make sure she had plenty of copies for posterity’s sake. She should have pored over the “Help Wanted” ads while drinking her morning cup of coffee.
    â€œYou could check down at The Catch of the Day, the local restaurant. Gwen might be looking for some extra help. She had a baby a couple months ago, and her business is thriving.”
    â€œGreat.” She turned away from the temptation of the blue outfit. “Thanks for the tip, Claire.”
    â€œI hope to see you back.”
    â€œOh, you’ll see me back. As