blonde girl who was probably his girlfriend. Oh well, it didn’t matter. She would have two new bathing suits and couldn’t wait to go back to the lake.
At the counter, Shelby paid for one of the bathing suits as promised.
Alice bought her one of the others, some shirts and shorts that actually fit, a sundress and hat, and a new pair of sandals. She handed the bag to Shelby. “Here you go. You will be the best dressed girl in town.”
Outside in the courtyard, Shelby hugged her grandmother. “It made me feel good to buy one for myself, too.”
“You worked hard for it,” Alice said. “I’m very proud of you.”
“You are the best, Grandma.”
“Oh dear,” her grandmother said, wiping away a tear. “I’m so pleased we can be together.”
“Me too,” Shelby said, feeling tears well up.
“And look what we have here,” Alice said.
Shelby turned and they were standing in front of a cell phone store.
“With your new dog walking business, you need to have a cell phone. It’s only practical. Let’s stop in and get you one on my plan.”
“Even after all the clothes?”
“Come on,” Alice said. “It makes me happy to see you happy.”
The store was offering a special on a small silver phone if they signed up today. Now Shelby would have her own number to give out to clients and to anyone she wanted. She’d be able to do some texting. Maybe, just for now, she might not give her number to her mother. They left with the new phone in Shelby’s bag to activate when they got home.
"I’m exhausted,” Alice said. “Let's go find a coffee shop to sit down and celebrate. Not to mention get off my feet for a while.”
Along the brick promenade they spotted people sitting outside under red and white striped umbrellas with the Lake Brew Coffee logo on them. Shelby ordered a tall iced hibiscus tea blended drink, and her grandmother a cup of coffee. Their special for the day was lemon bars and Alice ordered a couple of those to share. They found a seat at one of the petite tables on the outside patio and watched the people go by.
"It's the first time I've been out in a while, and it feels good," Alice said. "I really haven't been myself since your grandpa died."
"I know how much you miss him,” Shelby said. “He was the best grandpa anyone could ever have.” Shelby was happy to see her grandmother had put on linen pants and a nice blouse, and a touch of makeup like she used to. Her eyes looked sad, but her energy seemed to be returning.
Alice sipped her coffee, staring into space. "I really do miss him.” She looked up at Shelby. “I just don't know what to do with myself with him gone. We were together so long.” She patted Shelby’s hand. “But you’re here with me now, and we will have a wonderful summer together.”
Shelby felt a glow inside. She had to thank her mother. Whether Dana knew it or not, this summer with her grandmother was the best thing that could have happened to them both.
Shelby sipped the icy, sweet drink. It was nice to be out among people, hear them talking, dig into a lemon bar and let her worries go. “Why don’t you come out with me one day when I take Scarlett for a walk? Get some fresh air, see some people.”
Alice smiled. “I’ll think about it.” She paused. “You are right though, and I certainly could use the exercise.”
“You always liked helping people,” Shelby said. “I told you about that nice man, Theo. I think he's going to volunteer at the vets center and do some photography lessons. Maybe you could volunteer somewhere, too.”
“I remember seeing his work. Wasn’t he a photographer? His shots were often displayed at the arts and crafts festival. He's talented, and they are lucky to have him. But I don't know what I can offer."
"You bake a mean cookie,” Shelby said. “And you used to work as a nurse. You're good with people. You could volunteer at the hospital."
"I've had enough of hospitals after your grandpa’s illness," said Alice. "Maybe something a little lighthearted, something a little more fun. Baking classes might work."
"I'm sure we can find something." Shelby made a mental note to come up with more ideas. Watching her grandmother enjoy herself during their shopping trip made Shelby more determined than ever to keep that direction going.