Sunset on Moonlight Beach - Sheila Roberts Page 0,54
shit, Sherlock,” Courtney said, looking around.
Many of the clothing racks were empty, and she was pleased to see that those were the ones with her own designs and label, Beachside by Courtney.
“That was awesome, Court,” said Jonas, who’d stayed until the end.
“The models or the clothes?”
He frowned at her. “The clothes, of course.”
“Okay. I could have sworn I saw drool on your chin when Rian slinked past you.”
“I save my drool for you. You’re amazing.”
He put an arm around her and smiled down at her like she really was the most amazing thing in the world. Ha ha. Boy, did she have him fooled.
“My feet are killing me,” Jenna said. “And I’m pooped. I don’t think I want to be in retail.”
“This was an unusual day,” Courtney told her. “Grand opening, Memorial Day weekend. Normally it probably won’t be this busy.”
“I wouldn’t count on that,” Jenna said. “Word’s going to get out.”
“If she’s right, I hope I can keep up,” Courtney said to Jonas after Jenna had left.
“You will. You’ve got everything in place to make this work, got your elves sewing away. It’s all good.” He checked the time on his cell. “When are we supposed to have dinner with your parents?”
“Six.”
“It’s only five. Want to go back to my place and relax?”
She knew what that meant. His place sounded good.
“Absolutely,” she said.
Jonas had champagne in the fridge and had ordered a small cake from the bakery. It was shaped like a dress, frosted blue, and had Congrats, Courtney scrawled across the top in red icing.
“Aww, that is so sweet,” she said, and took a picture with her phone. “You are the best.”
“Yes, I am,” he agreed, and pulled her to him. And then the cake was forgotten.
Almost an hour later she said, “We’d better get over to the house. I’m sure Mom’s wondering where I am.”
“I bet she’s figured it out.” He traced a finger along her collarbone. “Guess we may as well take the cake and champagne over there.”
“Good idea. We can have it after dinner.”
They got to the house to find her mom and stepdad in the living room, visiting with Annie and Emma.
“Cake,” Emma squealed at the sight of the bakery box. “Can we have some?”
“After dinner,” Annie said firmly.
“Speaking of dinner,” said Dad. “Let’s go. I’m starving.”
They wound up at Sandy’s, Courtney and Jonas’s favorite casual dining restaurant. Even though it wasn’t right on the beach, it reminded customers that the beach was nearby with a mint-green lifeguard chair posted outside over a makeshift sandy beach complete with shells. Inside, a net hung on one wall, holding starfish and a glass float. The place was already two-thirds full, with more people coming in.
“Must be a good place,” said Dad, looking around.
His theory was that good food always attracted a crowd. He was sure right in the case of Sandy’s. Although, really, she couldn’t think of a single restaurant in town that wasn’t good.
“It’s really nice of you to include me,” Annie said to Courtney’s parents once they were all seated.
“You’re like a sister to our girl. Of course we have to include you,” Mom told her. “Anyway, we can always use another child.”
“Oh, thanks,” Courtney said, pretending to be offended.
Considering what a pain she and her older sister had been, two should have been enough, but Mom was ready for more, especially grandkids. Courtney’s older sister, Angela, hadn’t done her duty and provided them. Neither had Courtney. Mom had been thrilled when she first got married and then horrified when she got divorced.
Until she learned that Courtney’s ex was a cheater. Then she’d been ready to hunt him down and tie him to a telephone pole with a sign that said Cheater hanging from his neck.
“I’ll provide the rotten tomatoes to throw,” she’d said. “Or better yet, grenades.”
Fortunately for the loser ex, Courtney had reminded her mother that living well was the best revenge.
“When does that include a new man?” Mom kept asking.
Then Jonas came along, and her parentals had met him and given him their seal of approval, and Mom started asking a new question. “When are you two going to get married?” This was usually followed by, “I want grandchildren before I die. And you’re not getting any younger.”
Her stepdad, God bless him, kept his mouth shut and stayed out of those conversations.
They ordered—fish tacos for Jonas, popcorn shrimp for Emma, and Crab Louie for the ladies. And a steak for Dad, who wasn’t all that fond of seafood. As they ate,