First Impressions by Nora Roberts Page B

left it at the store.”
    â€œI did?” Shane thought about it a moment, then laughed. “Oh, that’s right. Thanks. Who’s minding the store while you’re out making deliveries?” Turning, she popped the can into a cupboard.
    â€œDave.” With a sigh, Donna plopped onto a kitchen chair. “His sister’s babysitting, so he kicked me out.”
    â€œAw, out in the storm.”
    â€œHe knew I was restless.” She glanced out the window. “It doesn’t seem as though this rain’s ever going to let up.” With a shiver, she frowned at Shane’s bare feet. “Aren’t you cold?”
    â€œI thought about starting a fire,” she said absently, then grinned. “It seemed like an awful lot of trouble.”
    â€œSo’s the flu.”
    â€œThe cocoa’s still warm,” Shane told her, automatically reaching for another cup. “Want some?”
    â€œYes, thanks.” Donna ran her fingers through her hair again, then folded her hands, but she couldn’t keep them still. Suddenly, she gave Shane a glowing smile. “I have to tell you before I burst.”
    Mildly curious, Shane looked over her shoulder. “Tell me what?”
    â€œI’m having another baby.”
    â€œOh, Donna, that’s wonderful!” Shane felt a twinge of envy. Hurriedly dismissing it, she went to hug her friend. “When?”
    â€œNot for another seven months.” Laughing, Donna wiped the rain from her face. “I’m just as excited as I was the first time. Dave is too, though he’s trying to be very nonchalant.” She sent Shane a beaming look. “He’s managed to mention it, very casually, to everyone who came into the store this afternoon.”
    Shane gave her another quick hug. “You know how lucky you are?”
    â€œYes, I do.” A little sheepishly, she grinned. “I’ve spent all day thinking up names. What do you think of Charlotte and Samuel?”
    â€œVery distinguished.” Shane moved back to the stove. After pouring cocoa, she brought two cups to the table. “Here’s to little Charlotte or Samuel.”
    â€œOr Andrew or Justine,” Donna said as they touched rims.
    â€œHow many kids are you planning to have?” Shane asked wryly.
    â€œJust one at a time.” Donna gave her stomach a proud little pat.
    The gesture made Shane smile. “Did you say Dave’s sister was watching Benji? Isn’t she still in school?”
    â€œNo, she graduated this summer. Right now she’s hunting for a new job.” With a contented sigh, Donna sat back. “She was planning to go to college part-time, but money’s tight and the hours she’s working right now make it next to impossible.” Her brow creased in sympathy. “The best she can manage this term is a couple of night classes twice a week. At that rate it’s going to take her a long time to earn a degree.”
    â€œHmm.” Shane stared into her cocoa. “Pat was a very bright girl as I remember.”
    â€œBright and pretty as a picture.”
    Shane nodded. “Tell her to come see me.”
    â€œYou?”
    â€œAfter the shop’s set up, I’m going to need some part-time help.” She glanced over absently as the wind hurled rain at the windows. “I wouldn’t be able to do anything for her for a month or so, but if she’s still interested, we should be able to work something out.”
    â€œShane, she’ll be thrilled. But are you sure you can afford to hire someone?”
    With a toss of her head, Shane lifted her drink. “I’ll know within the first six months if I’m going to make it.” As she considered, she twisted a curl around her finger—a gesture Donna recognized as nerves. She drew her brows together but said nothing. “I want to keep the place open seven days a week,” Shane continued. “Weekends are bound to