Part 5 (1/2)

14Melody Carlson

”I know Jed doesn't think that at all. He loves having you

around, Leah. But if you're worried about the business

aspects, maybe you could ask Kate to stop by and give you

some tips.”

Leah pressed her lips together. ”I don't really like Kate

very much.”

”Oh.” Maggie thought a moment. ”I used to feel like that

too, but I'm trying to be more open. And I'm finding there's

more to her than meets the eye.”

”Maybe. But I think I'd rather try to figure things out for

myself around here. I learned a lot just working for Buckie.

In many ways these businesses aren't all that much dif-

ferent.”

”You're probably right.” Maggie glanced at her watch.

”Okay, then, I'll see you tonight. Is Jed still coming for

dinner?”

Leah's eyes lit up. ”Yes. And I'm still cooking. He gave

me a venison roast from a deer he shot on his property.

Audrey promised to give me a hand with it.”

”I'm looking forward to it.

Maggie walked slowly back to the Pine Cone to pick up

her briefcase before her interview with Mr. Westerly. Some-

thing in the tone of her conversation with Leah bothered her

a little. Why was Leah becoming so defensive? Maggie

hadn't ineant to infer that Leah's help in the shop was inad-