Page 75 of The Shell Collector
“You probably weren’t ready then. Books are funny like that. If it doesn’t seem right, set it aside and it’ll be there when you’re ready to hear the message.”
“Thank you for the sweet words inside. They really mean a lot.”
“I love you, Amanda. I’m so glad it helped, even if it did take two years to kick in.”
Amanda disconnected the call and sat there curled at the end of the couch. She was lucky to have such good people in her life.
Hailey walked into the living room, wearing her polka-dot bathing suit and a pair of star-shaped sunglasses she’d begged for at the pharmacy checkout.
“Hey, glamour girl.”
“Hello, dahling,” Hailey said, dragging out the words in the most Southern of drawls.
“Oh my. Is it likethat?” Amanda pretended to blow on drying nails. “I see. What can I do for you, Ms. Hailey Whittier?”
“I’m here to see if we shall go to the sandy beach today.”
“Why, sugar, I do think that would be lovely. As soon as my nails dry.”
“Your nails aren’t wet,” she said.
“Oh. So they aren’t.”
“Can we take our nail polish off like Miss Maeve’s?”
“Sure. Go get the polish remover. It’s under the bathroom sink. And some cotton balls.”
Hailey went down the hall and came running back with the items. At the same time, Jesse came into the living room and lay on the couch beside her.
Amanda removed all the color from Hailey’s nails and did Jesse’s toes even though they were naked already. His feet were so ticklish he could hardly stand it. She cleared the polish from her own nails and then put the remover away.
“Beach?”
“Finally!” Jesse hopped to his feet.
—
They’d been on the beach about an hour when Paul showed up carrying a big bag.
“What are you up to?” she asked. “I didn’t know you were going to be around today.”
“I hope that’s okay. How are you?” His smile reminded her of better days.
She raised her hand over her eyes, straining against the sun. “We’re good.”
“Mister Paul!”
Hailey and Jesse danced around him. “What do you have?” Jesse tugged on his hand. “Is it for me?”
“Jesse! Manners, please.” She gave him her serious look.
“Please?” Jesse uttered.
“Still not buying it, but I’m working on it,” she said to Paul.
“I should’ve called first, but this was kind of a last-minute idea. I was in Kitty Hawk for something yesterday and found this kite. It made me think of Hailey and Jesse.”
“Us?” Hailey pressed her hands together and her face brightened.
