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“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?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œThat’s nice.” She walked toward the boxes and read the labels. “So you’ve never exactly run a store before?”
    â€œNo.”
    Violet bit down on her lower lip. “Are you hiring a manager?”
    â€œI’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 alittle. 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.
    â€œI want someone who can grow into the manager position quickly,” she said before she could stop herself.
    â€œI 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?”
    â€œNo, why?”
    â€œYou 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.”
    â€œI 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.
    â€œWhy are you looking to make a change?” Jenna asked.
    â€œI 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