Read New Beginnings for Free Online Page A

everybody how much he likes Ambler. I just stand there, listening and nodding, and trying to smile without looking too fake.
    â€œGreat job, you two,” Dad says as we leave the deli.
    â€œI think you get the idea,” he says. “Just be friendly, introduce yourself, and tell them briefly about Wrenches and Roses. Give them a free yardstick no matter what. Got it?”
    Josh and I nod.
    â€œOkay,” Dad says. “Josh, see if you can hit these three shops on the other side of the street. Jules, how about you drop in on the bakery and the yoga studio—”
    â€œWait,” I say, “aren’t Josh and I going together?”
    â€œNo,” Dad says, smiling and handing me a couple of yardsticks. “Not enough time. Divide and conquer—you can do it, Jules. Let’s all meet in front of the sporting goods store one block down—in fifteen minutes, okay?”
    â€œOkay,” Josh says, heading across the street with his list and yardsticks.
    â€œOkay,” I say. I pause and take a deep breath. I do not want to disappoint Dad. This is a family business and I can do this.
    I’m still telling myself,
I can do this, I can do this
as I push open the door of the yoga studio.
    New age music is playing quietly in the background, and the door squeaks closed behind me. There’s a yoga class going on beyond the curtain in the next room. I don’t want to interrupt the class, but a slim woman in a purple tank top and black yoga pants gets up from her mat in the back of the room and asks if she can help me.
    â€œAre you interested in joining our class?” she whispers.
    â€œOh no. I’m so sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to introduce myself.”
    The woman smiles and raises her eyebrows.
I can do this, I can do this.
    I smile back at her. “I’m Jules and my mom and dad bought the hardware store. It’s a family business—Wrenches and Roses. We have garden stuff, too.” I’m not sure what to say next, so I reach for the flyers. “We’re having an opening sale. Here’s a flyer and a discount coupon if there is anything you or your yoga studio needs.”
    â€œThanks,” she says, tucking the flyer and coupon under the counter.
    â€œOh, I almost forgot,” I say, juggling the remaining flyers and coupons. “Here’s a free . . .” Oh no, I drop the two yardsticks and they go clattering to the floor. “Sorry, sorry. A free yardstick,” I say, picking them up and giving her one.
    â€œThank you. And bye now,” she says in a quiet but firm voice.
    I tiptoe toward the door, gripping the last yardstick so I don’t drop it. I try to open the door quietly, but it has a loud squeak. I think about telling her that our store carries a great spray that stops squeaks, but I leave before I make any more noise.
    Three buildings down, the bakery is full of customers and lots of noise, thank goodness. It smells great, too. I wish I’d brought some money. I’d buy a fresh baguette for dinner to surprise Mom. I stand there, breathing in the great aroma of freshly baked bread. That and the warmth relaxes me.
    I can do this,
I tell myself again when a man behind the counter asks what I need. I introduce myself and tell him about Wrenches & Roses and give him the flyer, coupon, and yardstick.
    â€œThank you, my dear,” he says. “I’m glad someone is opening the hardware store again. Bread stick?” He offers me one covered in sesame seeds.
    â€œOh, no thank you,” I say.
    He frowns. “No one turns down Mario’s bread sticks. It hurts my feelings.”
    â€œIt looks great, and smells even better,” I say. “I just didn’t bring any money.”
    â€œFor you, Jules, a free bread stick,” he says with a big smile. He hands it to me over the counter. “You gave me a lovely measuring stick, after all. Besides, I insist.”
    â€œOkay,