Page 101 of New Day at the Beach House

He shrugged and put his menu on the table as well. “We could do it anytime. You know what you want for lunch?”

She nodded. “Greek salad with chicken. You?”

“Same.”

“Good,” she said. “Maybe if we both eat onions it won’t bother us.”

He laughed. “Maybe. Do you want to talk any more about getting yourself moved over here?”

She exhaled. “We can, but I don’t think I can do much until the Clarkes are ready to move. One of my girls suggested I use the garage at that house to store my things, but being in the tile shop made me think the workers might need that space for some of their supplies.”

“They might. Why not just get a storage space? It’ll only be for a month or two.”

“I could. And I would like to get my house sold as soon as possible. Foremost, I’d like to get my car. It’s not fair that you always have to pick me up.”

“I don’t mind doing it, you know that. But if you really want your car, why don’t we go tomorrow? We can leave first thing and be back before you know it. That will give you a chance to bring a few things back with you, too, if you want.”

“Tomorrow.” She thought about that. “It would mean no writing.”

“Not necessarily. If I drive on the way there, you could write longhand. Then I can type it in when we get back.”

“You have a solution for everything, don’t you?”

He smiled. “I’m a Marine. It’s what we do.”

“I would very much like to have my car. You sure you don’t mind driving me to Landry?”

“Not at all. Be happy to.”

“You have to at least let me pay for your gas. And your lunch, because we’ll have to eat.”

He gave her a tight smile. “As much as I would love to argue that, I won’t.”

She laughed. “Then it’s a deal. Tomorrow we’ll get my car.” She reached across and took his hand. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He leaned toward her. “You realize I’d do just about anything to get you moved over here permanently.”

She squeezed his hand. “Your enthusiasm is appreciated.”

It was such a treat to be wanted the way Conrad wanted her. She’d missed it more than she’d realized. Spending time with him seemed to be all the grief therapy she needed. Which was how she already knew that the trip to Tuscany would be happening.

She didn’t know when, but they’d figure that out.

Roxie parked as close to the Lady M boutique as she could, then she, Willie, and Trina got out and went inside. Roxie had only been in the shop once, just to look. It smelled as good as she remembered. The music was soft and pleasant, and the carpeting was so plush, her flipflops sank into it.

Trina whispered, “This place is fancy.”

Willie nodded. “Let’s hope they have something.”

Roxie didn’t think that would be a problem. The racks were full of clothes, some of them covered in frills and bling. Lady M was known in Diamond Beach as the place to shop for any special occasion, but there were some women who dressed like this all the time.

“Good afternoon, ladies.” A woman of about Roxie’s age approached them. “Can I help you find something today?”

Roxie nodded. “My mother is looking for something she can use as a wedding dress.”

The clerk’s eyes widened as she looked at Willie. “You’re getting married?”

“Yep,” Willie said. “Believe it or not.”

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