Free Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson Page B

of chocolate arranged on a paper doily. “Care to sample a lavender truffle?”
    â€œThanks!” Anna reached for a small piece and slid it into her mouth. “Oh my.” She nodded with approval. “That’s fabulous.”
    The woman smiled. “One of my specialties.”
    Anna blinked. “Are you Elsie?”
    She laughed. “Yes, I am. The way you say that makes me feel like a celebrity.”
    Anna grinned. “Well, owning this shop should make you feel like a celebrity. But as it turns out, I sort of know you. Marley is my—”
    â€œOh, you must be Anna!” Elsie came around from behind the counter, extending her hand. “Max said you were arriving today.” She looked Anna up and down. “But he didn’t tell me you were such a gorgeous girl.”
    Anna smiled nervously. “Well, Max probably still remembers me as his kid sister’s scrawny little friend who was always in the way. Marley and I used to drive him nuts. We’d sneak his video games when he was gone, and if he caught us he’d threaten to throttle us.”
    â€œYes, well, he’s still protective of his electronic stuff.” She laughed. “Have you met the Newmans yet? I just saw Vincent about an hour ago.”
    â€œNo, my interview isn’t until tomorrow.” Anna waved down to her casual outfit. “I was going incognito today. You know, playing the tourist. I just wanted to get a sneak peek at the hotel. Marley made it sound pretty grand.”
    â€œIt is pretty grand. Denise has pulled out all the stops.”
    Anna nodded. “Yes, even from the outside, it’s impressive. I can’t wait to see more tomorrow.”
    â€œI wish Max were here to see you. He’s working at home today.” Elsie glanced to the door as another customer entered the shop.
    â€œTell him hi for me. I was surprised that he actually remembers me.”
    â€œOh, sure he does. And if you’re here for a while, maybe we can have you over for a meal.”
    â€œThat’d be great.” Anna moved aside, making room for the woman who was behind her. “I’ll just look around a little. There’s no way I’m leaving here without something.”
    As Elsie waited on the woman, boxing up two dozen assorted pastries, Anna decided on what looked like a chocolate éclair. She was just paying for it as well as some more lavender chocolate truffles when several more customers came in.
    â€œIt always gets busy this time in the afternoon,” Elsie whispered. “People need their three o’clock sugar hit.”
    Anna nodded, clasping her little pink bag. “Makes sense. Thanks, Elsie. I’ll see you around.”
    â€œGood luck tomorrow,” Elsie called.
    Anna thanked her and exited. Trying not to look conspicuous, she slowly walked alongside the hotel, taking it all in. From its restored brickwork to its gleaming glass windows to the big, beautiful mahogany and glass doors leading into a foyer with rich-looking travertine floors, it was all perfection. She wished she could just stand there and stare at it, but she did not want to accidentally run into the owners. One thing she remembered from school was that first impressions arelasting, whether it’s the first impression of a hotel building or an employee.
    As she hurried on her way back to the apartment, she wondered if the suit she’d picked for the interview was really going to work. Marley had assured her that it was perfect, but Anna had gotten the Ralph Lauren suit more than two years ago. What if it was dated and she just didn’t know it? Marley had suggested adding a scarf, even offering to loan one from her own closet. Perhaps Anna should do some browsing there. Anna considered her shoes. She’d brought the black Nine West pumps, but she’d been wearing them a lot lately. What if they showed it more than she realized? She reminded herself that she’d used