cookie, or muffin. Even universally loathed vegetables like
brussels sprouts and broccoli succumbed to Kate?s wiles and became
big hits as croissant fillers.
Still in her early thirties, Kate was creative and intelligent. When
she?d partnered up with Jerry she revamped the back of the News
Store and turned it into a haven for the island?s artists and writers,
somehow managing to do it without turning up the snob factor.
Kate was careful to make sure that anyone who loved baked goods
and real coffee?from suits to poets, working-class townies to corporate
raiders?would feel comfortable sitting down at her counter
and reading a newspaper. She had a way of making everyone feel
welcome. Helen adored her.
When Helen got to work the next day, Kate was trying to stock a
&n
bsp; delivery of flour and sugar. It was pathetic.
?Lennie! Thank god you?re early. Do you think you could help
me . . . ?? Kate gestured toward the forty-pound sacks.
?I got it. No, don?t tug the corner like that, you?ll hurt your back,?
Helen warned, rushing to stop Kate?s ineffectual pulling. ?Why
didn?t Louis do this for you? Wasn?t he working this morning??
Helen asked, referring to one of the other workers on the schedule.
?The delivery came after Louis left. I tried to stall until you got
here, but a customer nearly tripped and I had to at least pretend I
was going to move the blasted thing,? Kate said.
14/395
?I?ll take care of the flour if you fix me a snack,? Helen said cajolingly
as she stooped to pick up the sack.
?Deal,? Kate replied gratefully, and bustled off with a smile.
Helen waited until Kate?s back was turned, lifted the sack of flour
easily on her shoulder, and sauntered toward the workstation,