Page 31 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

I laughed. While it might seem silly to others, many women felt as we did, that we couldn’t measure up to the images we were constantly shown on television, in the movies, and in publications.

“C’mon, let’s go,” said Rhonda.

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We drove to the Seashell Swim Shop in the center of town and headed inside. I was thankful it was mid-afternoon when the lunch crowd normally headed back to their lodgings for relaxation.

The young woman manning the store was helpful and politely suggested certain suits for Rhonda, who told her that she was looking for sexy, not a conservative suit for a middle-aged woman.

The store clerk hung several bathing suits in a changing room and left. “Let me know if I can bring you other sizes or colors.”

“Thanks,” said Rhonda.

I sat in a chair outside the dressing room. “I’m right here. Show me what you like.”

“Okay, here goes,” Rhonda said, closing the door behind her.

Several minutes later, Rhonda opened the door. “What do you think?”

I studied her. She’d chosen a two-piece suit in a bright blue. “How about that style in the bold print we saw?”

“I tried it on but I’m not sure. Oh, Annie, what am I doing here? I should be wearing a blanket to cover me up.”

“No, we’re not going there,” I said firmly, even as I noticed Rhonda’s lower lip trembling. “Show me the print suit.”

After a few minutes, Rhonda stepped outside the dressing room. “There. Do you like it?”

“Yes, that’s the one. It looks great on you. I think Will is going to like it.”

“Really?” Rhonda sounded excited. “Okay, then. I’ll get it.”

I laughed when Rhonda gave me a big squeeze. “You’re the best, Annie. Remember that awful black suit you wore when I first met you?”

“Yes, I do.” I’d never forget how she told me I looked as if I was going to a beach funeral.

“Your taste has gotten better,” Rhonda said. “Thanks for coming with me.”

Rhonda had helped me loosen up and discard many of the demands my grandmother had made of me to be quiet, ladylike, and not stand out but to become my own person.

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We left the shop and I drove home to talk to my nanny, Liana Sousa, about putting in more hours while Rhonda was away. Though I’d told Rhonda not to worry, I wanted to make sure I had the flexibility I might need if any trouble came up.

Robbie and Liana were in the kitchen when I arrived. Robbie was eating an after-school snack, and Cindy was sitting on the floor next to him waiting for any crumbs to drop.

I loved seeing the three of them comfortable like this. Liana was a bright young woman who was taking courses at the local Community College and would eventually need to leave us. In the meantime, I treasured her.

I changed my clothes, eager to have time with Robbie. He was growing fast, and I sometimes felt as if I was missing out on being part of his life. Vaughn assured me that though Robbie and I didn’t chat about things like I used to do with Liz growing up, Robbie was still close to me. Just much quieter and far less talkative.

Liana and I sat in the kitchen discussing her classes and setting a schedule for the next couple of weeks. Then we said goodbye.

I went to check on Robbie. He was in his room playing video games when I went in to talk to him.

“How’s it going?” I asked. “You don’t have a swim meet for a while. What are you going to do to keep busy after your schoolwork?”

Robbie grinned and pointed to his video game.

“Are you interested in playing other sports?” I sat down on his bed.

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