Free Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson Page A

arrival and that she would be using Marley’s bed. Anna knew it was a two-bedroom apartment and that Marley shared her room with Tia while Sophie and Kara shared the other room, but she wasn’t prepared for how small it was once she got inside. Although there was a window, the shades weredown, so the small space was dimly lit—and very cramped. Besides a love seat and a pair of wicker chairs, the room was filled with boxes and plastic storage containers. Clearly this was only a stopping place.
    â€œHello?” Anna said quietly. “Anyone home?”
    Marley had warned her that due to their differing schedules, someone was often sleeping in the apartment, even in the middle of the day. She had also told Anna that her room was the door to the right. “It’s away from the street, so it’s a little quieter.”
    Anna quietly tried the doorknob. Worried that Tia might be sleeping in there and not wanting to disturb her, she barely cracked it open, cautiously peeking in. But to her relief, both twin beds in the tiny room were empty. Anna set her carry-on next to the bed on the left side of the room, let out a long sigh, and sat down. She had made it!
    Before she unpacked or did anything else, Anna called Grandma. “I’m here,” she said happily. She told her about seeing the Statue of Liberty and how the neighborhood she’d been dropped off in seemed perfectly charming. She even gave her a description of the tiny apartment. “Looks like I have the whole place to myself.”
    â€œYou’re off to a fine start,” Grandma told her. “Good luck with your interview tomorrow. I’m sure you will impress them.”
    â€œI hope so.” Anna felt some of the wind going out of her sails. How do you impress someone with no references for the past two years?
    â€œYou’ll be in my prayers,” Grandma continued.
    â€œThanks . . . I’ll need it.” As Anna hung up, she thought once again that she’d probably come to New York on a fool’s errand. Even so, she would make the most of it!
    After settling into the apartment a bit—mostly just unpacking her carry-on bag and hanging and steaming her dark blue interview suit—Anna set out to explore the neighborhood. Marley had given her directions to Elsie Dolce, and Anna intended to “happen” by to pick up a pastry and hopefully get a sneak peek at the Rothsberg hotel. She didn’t want to be too obvious, and if she saw anyone who looked like owners or upper management, she would keep a low profile. But she was so curious to see this place, she couldn’t help herself. Wearing sunglasses, casual-looking khaki capris, and a T-shirt, she carried a walking map (hoping to look more like a tourist than a spy) as she strolled around the Greenwich and eventually SoHo neighborhoods.
    By the time she located Elsie Dolce, Anna was in love with New York City. At least with this section of New York. According to her walking map, she’d only seen a teeny-tiny percentage of the huge city. But she was definitely in love.
    As soon as the bell tinkled against the door of Elsie Dolce, Anna could smell an intoxicating mix of aromas: chocolate, cinnamon, and other scents she couldn’t even identify. With its black-and-white checkerboard floors, white Carrara marble countertops, and sweet pink walls, the shop was adorable.
    â€œWelcome,” a petite blonde wearing a pink chef’s apron called out from behind the glass case that was filled with fabulous-looking treats.
    Anna looked around in appreciation. “What a delightful shop,” she said as she approached the counter.
    â€œYour first time here?”
    â€œMy first time in New York.”
    â€œWell, I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”
    â€œI absolutely am,” Anna assured her.
    â€œAnything in particular you’re looking for?” The blonde woman held out a silver tray with some bite-sized pieces