The Postman Always Purls Twice by Anne Canadeo

needs gluten?” Phoebe’s tone was persuasively logical.
    â€œVery true,” Suzanne agreed. “What are you working on, Phoebe? That looks too big to be a bootie . . . unless it’s for a giant baby? Hey, I thought you broke up with Josh, at least a month ago.”
    They all knew Phoebe had dumped her slacker musician boyfriend, Josh, with no regrets. Though his memory and the name of his band, the Big Fat Whining Babies, still supplied a few laughs.
    â€œGood one. I’m filling an order. I got a lot of hits this week on Crafty-Cricket.com.”
    â€œReally? That’s fantastic. Another female entrepreneur in our midst,” Suzanne said.
    â€œI’m so impressed,” Lucy added.
    â€œGood for you, Phoebe,” Dana said. “Good things happen when you follow your bliss.”
    â€œThanks, guys. I’m wondering why I didn’t think of this sooner. I was definitely giving a former boyfriend—who shall not be named—way too much of my precious time, energy, and brain power.”
    â€œHow true. You’re unleashed, Phoebe. Go for it, girl,” Suzanne advised.
    Phoebe’s knitting passion had always been socks. But instead of making them for herself, or an unappreciative boyfriend, Phoebe was busily filling orders.
    Encouraged by her knitting pals, Phoebe had begun to sell her footwear originals online at Crafty-Cricket, a site that gave fledgling designers and artists a way to market their handmade products without setting up and servicing their own website.
    Her knitting friends were very proud of her. She was making extra money for college tuition and gaining a lot of confidence, too, Maggie thought.
    â€œShe’s turning into the Betsey Johnson of socks, right before our eyes. Pretty soon you’ll quit your day job,” Suzanne predicted.
    â€œOh . . . I hope not.” Maggie had returned with the cupcakes and a pot of decaf. As she set the dessert on the table, she and her assistant shared a warm smile.
    â€œDon’t worry, Mag. I’m not running out on you yet,” Phoebe promised. “I’d miss the knitting group . . . and the food around here.”
    Suzanne leaned over and helped herself to a cupcake. “A consolation prize for being stood up,” she added glumly.
    â€œNow you agree?” Lucy asked.
    Suzanne just shrugged. But before she could reply, the bell on the front door sounded and they all turned to see who was coming in. Suzanne’s cheeks were stuffed like a squirrel, her eyes bugging out as she caught sight of Jennifer Todd, followed by Alicia Littel.
    â€œHello, everyone. Sorry we’re late. We were shooting at the beach today and it went way overtime. Hope you’re not done with your meeting?”
    â€œNot at all! We’re just getting started,” Suzanne managed.
    â€œCome right in. We’re just having some coffee and dessert. Gluten free,” Maggie added. “I was showing everyone this summer tank top pattern. I also pulled a quick baby bootie pattern for you, Jennifer. The needles and materials are all set out for both,” Maggie said graciously.
    A short time later, Maggie was showing Jennifer how to start the summer sweater. And how to act like a knitting teacher.
    Alicia took a seat beside Phoebe, content to watch. The bandage on her hand made it hard to hold the needles. “I’m pretty uncoordinated anyway. Even with two hands in working condition,” she apologized with a laugh. “It does look like fun, though. Maybe Jen can teach me sometime.”
    â€œDon’t be silly, Alicia. You’d be very good at it. You’re very creative,” Jennifer encouraged her. “I’ll teach you,” she promised. “We’ll be a mini knitting group on the set.”
    Alicia seemed to like that idea, but still didn’t want to try now. She was interested in Phoebe’s socks and took a moment to look at the