Read Once and Again for Free Online Page B

really did hate her, and she was just deluding herself to think he might want any kind of relationship, even a friendship, with her.
    She was still clutching her half-eaten buttered roll, and while she didn’t much feel like eating it now, she couldn’t let it go to waste, either. The sky was getting darker, so she walked back to the clubhouse. As she reached the staff entrance, she saw Jane Pringle coming out carrying a tote wider than she was. The dark-haired woman gave a little wave.
    “Hey,” Jane said, pulling her jacket a little more tightly around her slim body and hitching up her bag. “It got chilly all of a sudden.”
    Carolyn forced a smile onto her face and waved back. “I think it’s going to rain, but you’ll make it to your car. It’s a few minutes off.” As if on cue, the wind picked up. “Were you here for Susumo?”
    Jane nodded. “I’m not complaining. Having the extra business is good.”
    “So is your work. I heard from Bebe Knowles that her flower cake was a huge hit. I told Susumo how pleased the client was, but I’m glad to have the chance to tell you in person, since I know you did the bulk of the work on it.”
    “Thanks,” Jane said, flushing with pleasure. “I thought it turned out well, but it’s not my opinion that matters.” Jane studied her for a few moments, then cocked her head and looked at her sideways. “Say, are you all right? You look a little pale.”
    “I’m fine,” she said, pushing her hair behind her ears. “I just have a lot on my mind.”
    “Well, I can imagine, what with the new owner and all. Is he as scary as everyone says?”
    “Scarier,” Carolyn told her.
    “Oh, well, I can’t wait to meet him, then,” Jane said with a grin. She pointed to Carolyn’s roll. “You want a bag for that?”
    “Um, sure. Do you actually have one?”
    “I usually have a couple of spares.” Jane reached into her giant bag. “Let’s see here. Ah, yes.” She pulled out a clean plastic baggie and handed it to Carolyn.
    “Thank you.” She tucked the roll inside and peered at Jane’s bag, fascinated. “What else do you have in there?”
    “Oh, headache medication, a sewing kit, some knives and baking implements. My kid’s artwork. A pair of clean socks. A leaf. You know, the usual.”
    “That’s funny.”
    Jane shrugged. “That’s my life.”
    Carolyn laughed and shook her head. “Okay. Speaking of the scary new owner, did Susumo talk to you about the welcome party I’m planning?”
    “He mentioned it, but didn’t give me dates.”
    “I’m glad he said something to you because if he didn’t ask you to come onboard, I was going to. Obviously, I need a cake.”
    “You’re in luck,” Jane said. “I do cake!”
    Carolyn grinned. Jane’s cheeky personality was infectious, plus her willingness to do anything to help out was exactly what she needed right now. “So what do you know about the event?”
    “Nothing yet, but let me guess—it has to be super luxe and organized on short notice?”
    “However did you know?” Carolyn said, letting wryness seep into her tone.
    “Experience,” Jane said. “I’ve planned a few in my time.”
    Carolyn blinked. Was Jane saying what she thought she was? Where had this woman come from, anyway? All Carolyn knew about her was that she worked at a bakery in Eastbridge, made a killer cake, and couldn’t be more down-to-earth.
Intriguing.
And maybe worth delving into more deeply.
    “Why don’t you tell me what week the party is going to be held so I can clear it with my boss, Evelyn, if I get called in?”
    “Right now I’m looking at the third week in May. I think we have two other parties that week, which would be a huge amount of work in a short amount of time. I’ll get Susumo the details when I have them, and he can pass them along to you.”
    “Great, great. If I can swing it, I’ll make it happen.” Jane was silent for a moment. “You know, I’ve been thinking we should grab coffee