Page 65 of New Day at the Beach House

That gave her almost two hours. Perfect. It’s a date. She sent a smiley face, too.

The sliders that went into Claire’s bedroom opened and Claire stepped out. She was rubbing lotion into her hands and she was wearing a bright teal tunic with white leggings and a white tank top underneath. “I didn’t know you were out here.”

“Just chilling for a bit. You look amazing. What are you all dressed up for? Have I seen that outfit before? I love it.”

Claire smiled. “I’m not all dressed up but thank you. This is new. Sort of. New to me.” She laughed. “I did a little shopping today. With Roxie, if you can believe it.”

“Really?” Jules patted the cushion beside her. “How did that happen? And what do you mean ‘sort of’ new?”

“After the whole insurance check mess, we had a talk and just decided that we really are on the same team and that we need to act that way. I certainly didn’t know about her, and she definitely didn’t know about me. There’s no point in us being angry at each other. Bryan’s the one who deserves our anger.”

“That’s for sure,” Jules said.

“Roxie offered to take me to the grocery store, since she had to go anyway, and Kat was going to need the car to take herself and Trina to the beach. Roxie and I got to talking, I mentioned how I could really use some new clothes but didn’t want to spend the money, and she told me about one of her favorite places to shop.”

“Cool. Where?”

Claire’s eyes widened ever so slightly and she lowered her voice. “It’s a thrift shop.”

Jules snickered. Claire said the word “thrift” like it was four letters and not six. “‘Thrift’ isn’t a dirty word, you know. I’ve found some amazing stuff at thrift stores.”

Confusion filled Claire’s eyes. “You shop at secondhand places? But you have money.”

Jules shook her head. “It’s not about having money. It’s about finding unique and interesting pieces that nobody else has. A lot of my stage wear is vintage stuff. In some cases, it’s better quality. Things aren’t made the way they used to be. And getting something custom made these days, which I’ve done, will cost you a fortune.”

Claire sat back. “I had no idea. Does Mom know?”

“That I shop at thrift stores?” Jules shrugged. “I have no idea. I can honestly say it’s never come up in conversation.”

“Well, don’t tell her. I don’t think she’d like it very much.”

Jules made a face. “Claire. You’re a grown woman. You’re allowed to shop wherever you want.”

“I know. But you know how Mom is.”

Jules nodded. “Yeah, I do. I guess I’ve just lived my own life for so long that I don’t care as much as you do. But you shouldn’t be ashamed of where you shop. You shouldn’t care what anyone thinks, either. Buying from thrift stores is a smart way to save money. I don’t see what the big deal is.”

“I just…” Claire sighed. “I don’t want to hear about how I’m wearing other people’s hand-me-downs. Or whatever she might say.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t say a word.” Jules grinned. “So long as you tell me where this place is.”

Claire laughed. “How about I take you there, because I’m curious to have another look myself. This whole outfit was twelve dollars. Tank top, leggings, and the tunic. You should see the rest of the stuff I got, too.”

“Twelve bucks?” Jules blinked. “Oh, we are going there. And soon.” She hooked a thumb over her shoulder, gesturing at Claire’s bedroom. “Now, let’s go inside.”

“Why?” Claire asked.

“Because,” Jules answered. “I want to see the rest of your haul!”

Trina was glad she’d brought clothes to change into. She felt much better than if she’d been sitting around in a damp bathing suit with only her shorts and T-shirt over them. She’d not only washed her hair but dried it thanks to the blow dryer in the women’s locker room at the firehouse. They’d had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers, as well, along with towels.

She put a little makeup on, then helped Kat with some makeup, too, because Kat hadn’t thought to bring any. She’d French-braided Kat’s hair for her, after it was mostly dry, leaving little whisps out around her face. Trina was pleased with how they both looked. Cute but casual. Like surfer girls who’d just spent a fun day riding waves.

The guys had showered and changed into shorts and T-shirts.

Now the four of them were sitting at an outdoor table at Coconuts, which was right on the beach. The thatched roof overhead and the tropical music coming through the speakers made Trina feel like she was on vacation. The sand on the floorboards and view of the water helped, too.

“I like this place,” she said to Miles.

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