Read Sewing in Circles for Free Online

didn’t get accepted for the gift fair.” Zoey sighed again.
    â€œWhat!” Marcus exclaimed. “Why not?”
    â€œThey’re cutting back on clothing vendors, because clothes don’t sell as well as other items,” Zoey said.
    â€œThat stinks,” Marcus said. “Haven’t you made a whole bunch of stuff for the fair already?”
    â€œI have.” Zoey sighed a third time. “And now it’s all going to go to waste, unless . . . Wait! I know!”
    Marcus stared at her, taking in the sudden transformation of her face from discouraged to cheerful.
    â€œWhy do I sense that you’ve had a sudden brainstorm?” he said.
    â€œBecause I have!” Zoey laughed. “I found the silver lining. Since I already like the pieces I made for the gift fair, and they’re relatively simple to make in different sizes, they’ll be perfect for Daphne Shaw’s pop-up shop. Can you drive me to FedEx? I just need a few minutes to pack a box to send.”
    â€œIf it helps turn your frown upside down, sure!” Marcus said. “Hey, by the way, did you see the other thing that came in the mail?”
    â€œWhat?” Zoey asked.
    â€œWe got the invitation to Aunt Lulu’s baby shower. And it’s addressed to you, me, Dad, and ‘guest.’ ”
    â€œWow—so . . . do you think the Mystery Lady is going to come?” Zoey asked. “Will we finally get to meet her?”
    â€œThat’s what I plan to ask Dad tonight,” Marcus said.

    When they posed the baby shower question to their father over dinner, he looked distinctly uncomfortable.
    â€œLook, kids, I talked to her about meeting you, and she’sjust not ready,” Dad said. “So she’s not coming to the baby shower.”
    Marcus looked mutinous. “I just don’t get it, Dad. What does she have against us?”
    â€œI promise you, she has nothing against you,” Dad said. “You’ll understand when you meet her, I promise.”
    But Zoey and Marcus weren’t so easily convinced. After dinner, Marcus joined Zoey in her room to complain about the situation.
    â€œI’m starting to think there’s something weird about this lady,” he said. “Why else would she be so afraid of meeting us?”
    â€œI know! We’re not that scary,” Zoey said. “Well, maybe you are, but I’m not!”
    â€œI’m not sure I want things to work out between them anymore,” Marcus said. “I’m worried that she’s strange or cold or something.”
    â€œMe too,” Zoey said. “Except . . . Dad still seems really happy every time he gets back from a date with her. So . . . there’s that.”
    Marcus sighed. “Yeah, there’s that. And it’s a pretty big that.”
    â€œI guess we have to be patient, like Dad says,” Zoey said.
    â€œTrue,” Marcus agreed. “But that doesn’t mean we have to like it!”

    Later that evening, Aunt Lulu called to speak to Zoey.
    â€œDid you get the invitation to the baby shower?” her aunt asked.
    â€œYes,” Zoey said. “It’s really cute.”
    â€œZo, I need your help. I’ve been looking for a simple, but cute, outfit to wear for the shower, but everything I’ve seen and tried on so far just makes me look big and dowdy,” Aunt Lulu complained. “Can you rescue me from mom-to-be madness and design me something stylish?”
    â€œI guess . . . ,” Zoey said. “I mean, I’ll try. It’s just . . . I have no idea how to make maternity clothes. I’m not sure how much room I’m supposed to leave for the bump.”
    â€œI don’t want you to stress about it,” Aunt Lulu said. “I’ll buy another dress as backup, just in case. But I love your designs, and I trust you to createsomething that won’t