asked Kendall with what seemed genuine interest. “I’ve eaten there a lot.” “Yes. They’ve owned it for about fifteen years. “Also, they own Casa Del Rey in downtown Portland—they started it up about five years ago.” “So …” Kendall seemed to study her closely. “Are you a good cook?” Anna laughed. “Well, I suppose so. Not as good as my mom, but I pretty much had to learn how to do everything.” “What’s your specialty?” Anna shrugged. Cooking really wasn’t her favorite thing, but if it would help get her foot in the door … “My dad thinks I make the best tamales.” “I love tamales. Do you use cornhusks and everything?” Anna laughed. “Yes. Cornhusks and everything.” “But you’re working at Erlinger Books?” “As a children’s book editor,”
