“And you’re crashing in the apartment over the empty storefront?”
“Nothing stays a secret around here, does it?”
“Gossip train,” Muddy said.
Jane snorted. “Or pillow talk.”
I nodded and popped the yolks of my eggs. “Yeah, it’s really cute, but I still need some stuff for it, like a coffee maker and maybe a little table and a set of chairs. There’s nowhere to sit except the bed, and that’s awkward.”
“I should take you to my place,” Jane said. “My apartment lease ends in a few months, but I have my furniture still there. I’d considered donating it all after I moved in here, but I haven’t gotten around to it. You can pick through things, if you want.”
“Seriously?” I asked.
Jane nodded. “I can take you now, if you want. I have the morning free.”
I looked at Muddy. “Do you mind?”
“Mind?” Muddy asked. “No, not at all. There will be plenty of time to work on the cookbook. Trust me.”
“Are you sure I can have this?” I asked as I held up the coffee maker.
“Take it.” Jane smiled. “There are some coffee filters in the drawer.”
Her phone rang and she pulled it from her pocket. She stared at the screen. “I’ve got to take this. But make sure you open all the cabinets—there’s some kitchen gadgets I’m sure you could use in your new place.”
She strode to the back sliding door and went out onto the balcony, closing it behind her as she put the phone to her ear.
I sat on the floor of the kitchen and began riffling through the cabinets. I was in the middle of adding a blender to the pile of appliances when I heard the balcony door open.
“Poet?” she called.
“Down here.”
Jane came around the counter, her expression tight.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She swallowed. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine.”
“Well, I am.” She gestured to the stash. “Good haul. Careful with that mandolin though. Make sure you use the guard.”
“I promise,” I said. “I’m fond of my fingers.”
She nodded. “Swivel around and open the drawer.”
I did as she said and pulled out matching dish towels.
“These are great.”
“Let me show you something else.” Jane waved me toward the kitchen table. “It folds in.” She reached underneath it to release the latch and then collapsed in the two ends.
“Oh, that’s perfect,” I murmured. “Not sure I really have room for four chairs, though.”
“Take them anyway,” she suggested. “You can leave two of them downstairs in the store and use them when you need them.”
Thirty minutes later, her car was packed up with all my new treasures.
