Page 77 of California Dreaming

“I’m done. And we should head back soon. We still have your exercises to complete before dinner.”

“I’d like to help with cooking,” he said. “It would be nice to make food together.”

She nodded, looking forward to another comfortable evening stretching out in front of them. She could easily picture them chopping vegetables together and then maybe snuggling up on the couch to watch a movie.

Even though movies were his profession, he loved to watch a good film and always waited until the credits rolled to comment on the acting, direction, and anything else that had struck him about the craft. It was fascinating to hear his views. Plus, he was genuinely interested in her views, as well, since she saw a movie purely as a fan, not a professional.

It was so easy to fall into playing house with him.

And so simple to wish that it could be like this forever.

Chapter Thirty

The next morning, Tessa made her way to Saint Anna’s for coffee with Mila and Erin. Arch was on a conference call all morning, so she had a little more time than usual. She chose to walk rather than drive, wanting to savor the peace of the early morning and inhale that special Carmel-by-the-Sea air.

She was coming to love these Tuesday morning get-togethers and the warm way the Davenport sisters had welcomed her into their fold.

She’d made some overnight chia and mango pudding for breakfast, but had decided to skip her portion and have one of the café’s infamous pastries instead. Looking in the window now, the options seemed as tempting and endless as always, but her eyes were drawn to an almond croissant.

Both sisters were at their usual table in the corner, and after hugging them hello, she slid into the chair next to Erin.

“It was so nice to see you both out on the waves. You make surfing look so easy.”

Mila smiled broadly. She had caught the sun, and a smattering of new freckles had appeared across the bridge of her nose. “You’ll be fine.” Then she said, “I sealed the deal on a big sale yesterday.”

Erin laughed, flicking her glossy hair over one shoulder. “Your eyes are flashing dollar signs, Mila.”

“Nothing better than the thrill of the chase—unless it’s winning,” Mila replied, shrugging but happy to laugh at herself. “Plus, it means I can buy this gorgeous bag I saw the other day at Dominique’s. A gift to myself.”

Erin groaned. “Dominique’s again? That place is insanely pricey.”

Mila shrugged. “It’s pricey because everything is beautiful and made in Europe. Worth every dollar.”

A waitress appeared, and Tessa ordered a cappuccino and the pastry she’d spied in the window. Mila ordered another Americano, while Erin was happy with her iced matcha and beignet.

“I had a bit of a shopping disaster yesterday,” Tessa said. Omitting the part where Arch accompanied her, she told the girls about her visit to her favorite thrift store. She’d been sure she’d find something to wear to the awards event, but had come away with nothing. “The three dresses were all lovely in their own way, but either the fit wasn’t quite right, or it just wasn’t special enough. All I found was a little beaded bag, which I do love. But I’m in a real dilemma over what to wear now that the ceremony is just a few days away.”

Erin nodded in sympathy. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find something perfect.”

“I’m going shopping again this afternoon.” With the picture completed, she could give up an afternoon of painting to try to find the perfect dress. “There’s this thrift store a forty-minute drive away that always has unique stuff.”

Had Tessa imagined it, or had a conspiratorial look just passed between the sisters? She didn’t think they were judging her for sticking to the thrift store idea. Especially when they both knew she couldn’t buy a dress at a fancy boutique. Her wages, although higher with Arch than with her previous clients, didn’t justify spending that kind of cash.

Mila leaned across the table. “You can’t possibly want to drive that far for a dress. Why don’t you come and raid my closet? We’re not so different in size, and I have a ton of dresses that I’ve treated myself to but never wear.”

Erin clapped her hands. “That’s a great idea. Can I come? I love playing dress-up.”

Tessa was about to refuse, as she had Valentina’s kind offer a few days ago. She might not be in their league financially, but she didn’t take charity. However, before she could say no, Mila grabbed her hand.

“Please say yes,” Mila urged her. “I have a bad habit of impulse-buying fancy dresses and then having no place to wear them. I feel so guilty. You’d be doing me a huge favor.”

Erin nodded. “She’s not joking. Mila has a bit of a shopping problem. At least if someone wears one of her gowns, it will finally see the light of day. Finish up that pastry, and we’ll get going!”

Mila really was a great salesperson. Tessa had intended to say no, but now found herself nodding in agreement.

With Mila and Erin’s insistence that it would be fun to play dress-up, if nothing else, Tessa was glad. Wasn’t it better to hang out with her new friends than to drive a long way to shop by herself?

Mila jumped up and insisted on paying the bill—she felt flush and wanted to treat everyone after her big sale.

---