A Roux of Revenge Read Online Free PDF

was reminded again how young and sheltered Janie was. Seeing her every day at the restaurant, marveling at her efficiency,it was easy to assume Janie was much more of an adult than she really was. The truth was that Janie was a kid just out of high school.
    “I doubt she was really mad at you or thought you did anything wrong. Maybe she was just frightened some man might be bothering you.” Lucky waited for a response. When none was forthcoming, she continued, “Just remember, she’s trying to adjust to being alone.”Lucky softened her voice. “Your Dad’s passing has been really hard for her. She wants to protect you, and she’s probably worrying too much about everything.”
    Lucky reached across the desk and retrieved a box of tissues. “Here. Blow your nose and wipe your eyes. I’m sure your mom felt bad as soon as she jumped on you. You’ll go home tonight, and she’ll apologize.”
    “I guess,” Janie replied,not sounding too sure of her mother’s apology at all.
    “She will. I can’t imagine how much I’d worry if I had a young daughter and I was alone in the world. You’ll see.”
    Janie sniffled and wiped her cheeks. “Thanks, Lucky. You’re the best.”
    Lucky reached over and gave her a quick hug. “Stay here for a few minutes if you like. Meg and I will be fine.”
    Janie nodded sheepishly. “Okay.Just for a minute if that’s okay. I’ll be out front in a bit.”
    Lucky slipped out the door and went down the hall to the kitchen.
    Sage looked up. The counter was piled with chopped vegetables. “Everything okay?”
    “Sure. She’ll be fine. Fight with Mom, that’s all.”
    Sage smiled ruefully and returned to his work.

Chapter 7

    L UCKY FOUND M ARJORIE and Cecily at the counter when she returned. Meg had already filled their order of tea and croissants while other customers had paid and left. Lucky quickly cleared awaythe cups, saucers and dishes, dropping them into a large plastic bin, and wiped off the counter. She approached the sisters.
    “More tea?”
    “No dear, we’re fine,” Marjorie replied. “We need to get to the shop.”
    “You’re earlier than usual today,” Lucky observed.
    “Yes. We decided that with all these new people coming through town, we’d have a bit more business.”
    The bell over thedoor rang, and an older gentleman in casual clothes stepped in. He approached the counter and took a seat one stool away from Cecily. Cecily, always friendly and outgoing, smiled and said hello.
    “How do you do?” he replied, smiling in their direction.
    “Would you like some coffee to start?” Lucky asked the new arrival.
    “Yes. I’d love some.” He checked the blackboard on the wall. “Howabout a bowl of that pumpkin rice soup?”
    “Sure,” Lucky smiled. “We have some very fresh bakery rolls in today too.”
    “That would be great.” He smiled charmingly, first at Lucky and then again at Cecily.
    Lucky noticed Cecily quickly checking her hair as though concerned about her appearance. She sat a little straighter on her stool while her sister Marjorie, on her other side, glancedcoolly at the newcomer.
    “Are you here for the Harvest Festival?” Cecily asked the stranger.
    “Uh, no. But I’ve heard about the festival. Is it interesting?”
    “Oh yes. It’s quite fun. Lots of things for the little kids with Halloween and all, but the smaller local farms bring their organic produce and handmade goods—all sorts of things to buy.
    “Do you live in the area?” Cecily chirped.

    “Actually, no. I live closer to Bennington, but I like to take day trips. Now that I’m retired I have way too much time on my hands.”
    “Oh, how nice. To be retired, I mean. What sort of work did you do?”
    Lucky set the bowl of soup and a bread plate with a roll and butter on the placemat. She caught Marjorie giving her sister a discreet nudge with her elbow. Marjorie, the more reservedof the two, was undoubtedly letting her sister know she was being too forward with a