Nell glanced toward the café tables to see if any of the customers who loitered there were as awestruck as she herself. But no one seemed to notice the woman or the temper swirling around her like water on the boil.

She inched out to get a better look, and those gray eyes shifted. Pinned her.

“Hello. Can I help you?”

“I was . . . I thought . . . I’d like a cup of cappuccino and a bowl of soup. Please.”

Annoyance flashed in Mia’s eyes and nearly sent Nell back behind the shelves. “I can handle the soup. We have lobster bisque today. I’m afraid the espresso machine is beyond my current capabilities.”

Nell looked at the beautiful copper-and-brass machine, felt a little tingle. “I could make it myself.”

“You know how to work this thing?”

“Yes, actually, I do.”

Considering, Mia gestured and Nell scurried behind the counter.

“I could make you one while I’m at it.”

“Why not?” Brave little rabbit, Mia mused, as she watched Nell take over the machine. “Just what sent you to my door? Backpacking?”

“No. Oh.” Nell flushed, remembering her pack. “No, just exploring a little. I’m looking for a job, and a room.”

“Ah.”

“Excuse me, I know it was rude, but I overheard your . . . conversation. If I understand it correctly, you’re in a bit of a jam. I can cook.”

Mia watched the steam rise, listened to the hiss. “Can you?”

“I’m a very good cook.” Nell offered Mia the frothing coffee. “I’ve done catering, I’ve worked in a bakery, and I’ve waitressed. I know how to prepare food and how to serve it.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-eight.”

“Do you have a criminal record?”

A giggle nearly burst out of Nell’s throat. For a moment it danced lively in her eyes. “No. I’m tediously honest, a dependable worker and a creative cook.”

Don’t babble, don’t babble! she ordered herself, but she couldn’t seem to stop. “I need the job because I’d like to live on the island. I’d like a job here because I enjoy books and I liked the, well, the feel of your shop as soon as I walked in.”

Intrigued, Mia angled her head. “And what did you feel?”

“Possibilities.”

Excellent answer, Mia mused. “Do you believe in possibilities?”

Nell considered. “Yes. I’ve had to.”

“Excuse me?” A couple stepped up to the counter. “We’d like to have two iced mochas and two of those éclairs.”

“Of course. Just a moment.” Mia turned back to Nell. “You’re hired. Apron’s in the back. We’ll work out the details later today.” She sipped her cappuccino. “Well done,” she added and stepped out of the way. “Oh—what’s your name?”

“I’m Nell. Nell Channing.”

“Welcome to Three Sisters, Nell Channing.”