Page 58 of A Shore Fling
She looks up. “No, I’m just browsing.”
I shrug. “Call it a reward for surviving your first biking injury.”
Reed raises a brow but wisely keeps his mouth shut. Nina glances between the two of us and finally drapes the hoodie over her arm, then wanders toward the back, where boards in every size and color line the long wall like artwork. When she finally returns, she’s got the hoodie and a tank top in hand.
“Do you sell beach coverups for women?” she asks.
He shakes his head. “No.”
“What about beach hats for women?”
He points toward the right side of the store. “There are some different colored caps and beanies over there.”
She wrinkles her nose. “I saw those, but I’m looking for something with a wider brim.”
“She’s looking for something more stylish,” I add, smirking at her.
She smiles, shrugging. “Just because I’m at the beach doesn’t mean I don’t want to look my best.”
Reed considers what she said. “I never thought about carrying that kind of stuff.”
“Do a lot of pre-teens and teenagers buy their boards here?”
Reeds nods vigorously. “It’s the only place in town. That demographic makes up a huge part of my sales.”
“Who takes them shopping for their boards?”
“Their parents.”
“Right. And I bet more often than not, if it’s during the day, it might be their mom shuttling them around.”
He takes a moment to think about it. “I think you’re right.”
“Why not take advantage of them being in your shop and offer items they could be interested in purchasing for themselves?”
His eyes light up. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
She laughs, patting him on the arm. “Because you didn’t have me helping you.”
“Are you some kind of marketing guru?” he asks, looking at her as if he’s seeing her in a new way.
“I don’t know about a guru, but I’ve learned a lot about marketing over the years.”
“Well, now I want to pick your brain for more ideas. Would you be willing to help me figure out what items would appeal to women?”
“Sure, but you could also ask Willow.”
He laughs. “Will? She’s like one of the guys. I don’t think she cares about fancy hats and coverups.”
“One of the guys?” Nina scoffs. “Have you looked at her? She’s so sexy, she makes me question my heterosexuality.”
Reed holds up a hand. “I’m not saying she’s not pretty, but it’s hard to see her that way. She’s been part of our circle since we were kids, and can probably kick most of our asses if she tried.”
Nina smiles. “You guys are lucky to have such a great group of friends.”
I nudge her arm with mine. “Now they’re your friends too.”
Her smile widens. “Yeah, I guess so.”
