Read Online The Friendship Star Quilt by Patricia Kiyono, Stephanie Michels - Free Book Online

she had stuffed in her backpack. Thanks to the generous discount she got on sewing supplies from Myra’s suppliers—and the use of the shop’s sewing machines—Anne had managed to expand her wardrobe quite nicely. Now, her choices included a few skirts and slacks she’d made and an array of oversize blouses and sweaters she’d found in second-hand stores. She also had a couple of dresses for Sundays and two pairs of jeans. A warm coat she’d purchased at a sale last winter also hung in the closet beside her fleece jacket. Since she’d be climbing around to measure Mario’s windows later, Anne chose her favorite jeans and a pink chenille sweater. The sweater’s color flattered her complexion, but its bulk made her feel safely hidden from prying eyes.
    After dressing, she quickly made her bed and tidied the room. Her cozy apartment served her needs perfectly. It was small enough to require little cleaning and well within her budget. Best of all, living this close to the shop, Anne didn’t have to worry about how to get to work. She simply crossed the street. A variety of area restaurants and shops, also within walking distance, met most of her needs. When she wanted to go to the mall or to one of the large supermarkets, Anne sometimes borrowed Myra’s car, but most of the time, she caught the bus. Riding the bus might take a little longer to get places, but it was convenient and affordable. Yes, all in all, Anne enjoyed her quiet and content new life.
    Carrying the paperback book she’d started the night before, Anne headed for the kitchen. She popped a bagel into the toaster oven then brewed enough coffee to fill a large mug. When the bagel was lightly browned, she put it on a plate and slathered it with a bit of strawberry-flavored cream cheese. The little luxury had been on sale when she’d made her last trip to Meijer, so she’d indulged her sweet tooth. Now, paired with her coffee, the treat made a filling breakfast before the busy day ahead of her. She settled at the table and managed to read another chapter of the romance while she ate.
    When she finished her breakfast, she washed her plate and cup then slipped on her jacket and gloves. As always, she paused on the landing outside to lock her door then double-checked it to be certain the deadbolt had engaged. Satisfied the door was secure, Anne carefully made her way down the outside steps. The night’s cool temperatures had again created a thin layer of frost on the wood. She frowned, remembering how slippery they had been in the mornings last winter. So far, the area hadn’t had any snowfall, but their luck couldn’t last, not in Michigan. She made a mental note to add rock salt to the grocery list she’d been compiling for her next trip to the store.
    It took next to no time for her to cross from her apartment to The Stitching Post’s back door. Anne unlocked the shop then quickly re-locked the back entrance behind her since customers weren’t allowed to enter that way. Tucking her gloves and keys in her pockets as she walked, she switched on the bright overhead lights then headed to the office to turn on the computer. While it ran its startup protocol, she hung her jacket on the coat hook beside the desk then went back into the shop to open the blinds on the display windows.
    Humming a little tune, she lifted the blind on the front door then gasped and jumped back, clutching her throat. A man stood on the doorstep, nose pressed against the glass, trying to peer inside The Stitching Post.

Chapter Seven

    Behind his wire-framed glasses, the man’s eyes blinked in surprise, telling Anne he was as startled by the sight of her as she had been to see him. The coffee he held in a leather-gloved hand had sloshed over the edge of his cup when he’d jerked back in surprise. Some of it had splashed his elegant, caramel-colored overcoat, but the stranger didn’t seem to notice. His