Page 92 of Sunsets at the Beach House

Liz laughed like that was hilarious. “I didn’t sneak up on you, silly. I’m just naturally quiet. All those years of ballet, I suppose. You can’t unlearn that gracefulness.”

Trina grabbed the can of soup she needed, clutching it in her hand like it might save her from any further interaction. “I should go find Miles.”

“Absolutely. I just wanted to say again that I would really love that receptionist job. I think I’d be perfect for it. And I can start immediately, which I know must be important to you. When do you think you’ll be open?”

For a moment, Trina was at a loss for words. “Soon. That’s the best I can do right now. Someone will call you in a few weeks to let you know about the position.” She made up her mind right there that her mom would be the one to call Liz. Trina didn’t want to have any further interaction with her.

“A few weeks?” Liz’s eyes narrowed. “I can’t wait that long.”

“I’m sorry, that’s the best I can do. As I said, I still have other people to interview.”

“Why can’t you just give me the job now?”

“Because it doesn’t work that way.” Trina took a step back. “Bye now.”

Liz went after her. “I need that job.”

“There are lots of places hiring. Maybe you should apply at a few more.” Trina’s heart was starting to beat a little faster.

“You don’t understand. Being a receptionist is about all I can do. I don’t have the skills to do anything else.”

“You could be a server. I’m sure you could learn to do that.”

Liz scowled. “And wait on people? Bringing them their food? No, thanks.”

Trina had had enough. “I’m sorry, but you’re not qualified to be a receptionist, either. You don’t have any experience, or the right kind of attitude or personality. Let’s just consider the interview good practice for your next one, okay?”

Liz’s face went blank. Then her eyes narrowed. “You sure are uppity for white trash.”

Trina felt like she’d been slapped across the face. “I’m leaving. Don’t ever speak to me again.”

She turned and went as fast as she could toward the frozen foods. Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything about Liz not getting the job, but she thought it would put an end to things. Now all she could think about was that if Liz was really connected, she might start a campaign against the salon, badmouthing the place before it even got open.

By the time she found Miles, she was nearly in tears.

“What’s wrong?”

Trina sniffed but a sob clogged her throat. All she could get out was, “Liz.”

Miles looked angry, but he pulled Trina into a hug. “Are you okay?”

Trina exhaled and did her best not to make a scene in the middle of the freezer cases. “I’m all right. She just sort of ambushed me.”

“You want to get out of here?” His words came out almost like a growl.

“N-no.” Trina made herself breathe through the bad feelings. “But let’s get what we need as soon as we can.”

“Stay here,” Miles said. “No one upsets you like this and gets away with it.”

He took off, leaving the cart with her. She put the can of soup in it. The frozen peas and tater tots were already in there.

She took another breath, feeling better already. She didn’t like that Liz had upset her so much. Trina shook her head. She could not let anyone get to her that way again. It wouldn’t do for her to break down in the salon over a confrontation.

It was sweet that Miles wanted to protect her. She smiled. She’d never really had a hero in her life before. And now she was dating one.

When Roxie got back to the beach house, she made herself a salad and sat on the back porch to eat, her thoughts still filled with her visit to Paulina’s.

She was glad that she’d gone. She’d certainly gotten a better understanding of Paulina’s side of things.

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