Page 27 of Tenderfoot

Florence gave me strength.

But even so, when I selected my outfit for that day, even though I was oh so NOT going to dinner with Javi that night…

I made sure it was a cute one.

FOUR

“DON’T START NOW”

(DUA LIPA)

While I idled in the suicide lane, Dua Lipa stating my case of “Don’t Start Now” loudly from the car speakers of my pea-green Kia Soul (I didn’t really have a choice of car or color, since it was the cheapest on the lot when I went car shopping, and the only one I could afford).

Still, the speakers worked great.

I looked to The Surf Club and saw that Tex, our boss, our top barista and part owner of SC, had, as usual, used white shoe polish on the front window to communicate his coffee special of the day.

He wasn’t that great of an illustrator, so I wasn’t sure what I was seeing. It could be a coconut. It could be an orange.

I’d have to find out when I went to the coffee counter at the front of the club and ordered one.

I got an opening—and singing at the top of my lungs with Dua about not caring about me now—I turned left and found a primo parking spot under one of the paloverdes my other boss, Tito, planted in the parking lot. I shut down the Soul along with Dua, grabbed my purse and headed in.

I wasn’t on for another two hours, so I just stowed my purse in my locker in the staff room, ignored the server aprons hanging in there and wandered into The Surf Club proper.

It must be said, I loved working there. It was colorful, especially with the big mural in the back. Funky with all the different lamps, tables and chairs and plants. Lucia’s cooking was the best. Willow’s baked goods were amazing. Tips weren’t all that great because it wasn’t like a fancy steak place or something, but Tex and Tito paid well over minimum wage.

And I got to see all my friends every day.

These were my thoughts when I walked behind the bar where Luna, Raye, Willow and Shanti were hanging.

Shanti took one look at my cute blue dress that showed chest (but no cleavage) from a square neckline, had a short skirt with a ruffle, cap sleeves (with more ruffles) and a smocked waist, and she busted out laughing.

I frowned and rethought how great it was to work with my friends.

Honestly, this was the kind of thing I wore every day to work (ish). Though, this one was a little more flirty, frilly and girlie.

However, her laughter might be about my hair, which was in big bouncy curls, or my makeup, which was sheer daytime-to-evening, pink, highlighted perfection.

I usually didn’t leave the house without being totally put together.

But I had to confess, I was way more put together than I usually was.

Ulk.

“Well, you’ve bounced back from last night,” Luna noted, giving me a once-over.

I said nothing.

Fortunately, Shanti said nothing too.

Once I realized Shanti wasn’t going to spill my beans, I replied, “Thanks.” Then, “What’s Tex’s special? I’m gonna grab one before Jess gets here.” I then added, “Please tell me it’s not coconut. I don’t like coconut.”

“Sorry, sister, it’s coconut,” Raye shared.

I frowned again.

“Do not start the confab without me!” Tex’s disembodied voice boomed from around the corner where the front coffee counter was.

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