“Rosemary, may I come in?”
The soft voice drifted from behind the boutique door two days after their last meeting. Rosemary, who had been arranging donated fabrics from a collector, looked up in surprise. Her chest tightened with unease. She almost refused outright, but then drew a deep breath.
“Come in,” she replied flatly.
The door opened, and Cassandra stepped in with a sweet smile, carrying a large box. “I brought you something. Think of it as a small gift… a sign of a new beginning.”
Rosemary eyed the box with suspicion. “What is it?”
Cassandra placed it carefully on the table. “Rare fabric from Italy. I know your boutique was ruined in the fire. I wanted to help, even just a little.”
Rosemary narrowed her eyes. “And you’re giving me this… just like that? No strings attached?”
