Page 49 of The Beach Shack Summer
Stella found herself studying Patricia’s technique with scientific interest. There was definitely a pattern here—the unnecessary touches, the hair adjustments, the way she kept mentioning her “home studio.” It was actually kind of impressive in a horrifying way.
Patricia was leaning closer to Tyler now, something about the “spiritual essence” of clay work, and Tylerlooked like he was considering climbing out the service window to escape.
Time for a rescue mission.
“So,” Stella said loudly, cutting through Patricia’s monologue. “When do I get my L-plates here?”
Tyler blinked, then a slow smile spread across his face. “Oh right, driving lessons. That’s going to take up a lot of time, Patricia. Probably every morning for weeks.”
“L-plates?” Patricia looked confused. “Is that?—”
“Learner’s plates,” Stella explained. “For learning to drive. I’m sixteen.”
“Oh, how exciting!” Patricia started, but Tyler was already nodding enthusiastically.
“Yeah, huge time commitment. DMV, practice sessions, more practice sessions... We’ll be pretty booked up.”
Patricia’s smile faltered slightly. “I see. Well, perhaps after?—”
“Could be months,” Tyler added cheerfully. “You know teenagers and driving. Very thorough process. Safety first and all that.”
“Of course. Family first.” Patricia touched his arm one more time. “You’ve been working out! All that camera equipment must be heavy.”
Stella held in a groan.
Patricia smiled again. “We’ll talk when things calm down.”
“Whenever that is,” Tyler said, still playing along. “Driving lessons, you know how it is.”
Patricia gathered her things, her yoga mat, her oversized bag. “Well, good luck with the... L-plates.”
“Thanks!” Stella said brightly. “I’m very excited to terrorize suburban neighborhoods.”
Tyler actually chuckled at that. “See? Months of work ahead.”
Patricia’s smile was definitely forced now. She moved toward the door, pausing for one last look at Tyler. “Don’t forget about the photography. My pieces really are special this year.”
“I’ll be in touch,” Tyler said vaguely. “After the driving situation is sorted.”
The door chimed as Patricia left, and Tyler’s shoulders immediately relaxed. He turned to Stella with a grin. “Nice save. Perfect timing with the driving thing. ‘L-plates’—that was brilliant.”
“Thanks,” Stella said, examining her napkin placement with sudden interest.
“The way she just deflated when I mentioned months of driving practice?” Tyler was actually laughing now. “And ‘terrorize suburban neighborhoods’? Genius.”
“Glad you liked it.”
“Seriously, I owe you one. She’s been circling for months and—” He stopped, noticing Stella’s expression. “What?”
“Nothing. Just... about those driving lessons...”
“Great improv,” Tyler continued, not catching on. “We should use that excuse all summer. Sorry Patricia,can’t photograph your ceramics, teaching my daughter to drive?—”
“Except I actually wasn’t kidding.”
Tyler’s grin froze. “You... what?”
“I want to learn to drive. For real. That’s the age here, right? Sixteen?”
