The Summer Getaway: A Novel(43)

“I’ll be in touch,” Harlow told her. “Thanks so much for your help.”

She made sure Rusti had her email address to send the dates, then made her escape. In her car, she looked back at the club. Yes, Judy wasn’t used to country-club prices, but Harlow had to admit that even to her, fifty thousand seemed steep for a deposit. It wasn’t as if she and Kip could contribute, and her mom wasn’t in much better shape. There would be cash when the house sold, but maybe her mom should keep the money for her future.

As she drove away, she thought about the business she and her dad were supposed to be buying, if only he would read the offer the lawyer had sent over. That was two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

How much money did her dad actually have to spend on things like buying a business and her wedding? They’d talked about both, but with Cord, she was never sure he was listening. Maybe it was time to have a serious conversation with him about many things, including the fact that he’d cheated on her mother.

“Probably best to start with the money stuff,” she murmured aloud. “That will be a whole lot more pleasant than talking about Dad being a hound dog.”





twelve



IN THE END, Harlow went for easy rather than expedient. She drove into town and parked near the upscale shopping area. From there it was a quick walk to the boutique where Enid worked most afternoons before starting her shift at a local bar.

Enid, manning a professional steamer, smiled at her.

“Hi. How did it go? Are you getting married at the club?”

“I don’t know.” Harlow hugged her, then glanced at the still wrinkled black cocktail dress. “Pretty.”

“Linen.” Enid lowered her voice. “I can’t keep the wrinkles out. Don’t buy this one.”

“Thanks for the tip. Anyway, it went all right. Kip’s mom freaked at the deposit. We didn’t get much past that.”

Enid returned her attention to the dress and began steaming. “Most people freak at those kind of prices.”

“Then Kip should have warned her. It was really uncomfortable. I wish my mom had been there.”

“She’s still in California?”

“I guess.”

Enid looked at her. “You haven’t talked?”

“No. She just went away without a word. For all I know, she’s never coming home.”

Enid’s mouth twitched. “Ah, there she is. My little ray of sunshine.”

Despite how her afternoon had gone, Harlow smiled. “Okay, I’m not always the most positive person on the planet, but this was bad. Judy was uncomfortable the whole time.”

“A lot of people don’t have country-club lifestyles. Kip doesn’t come from money like you.”

“I don’t come from money. We’re not rich.”

“Richer than most. Haven’t you and Kip talked about what it was like when he was growing up?”

“What do you mean?”

“His dad works in a machine shop. His mom’s a checker at the grocery store. He sells appliances. I’m not saying it’s bad—but it’s not the way you grew up.”

Harlow stared at her friend. “How can you know all that about him?”

“We talk sometimes when the three of us go out with friends.” Enid shrugged. “Kip and I have a lot in common. You’re the richest person we know.”

“But I’m not. I don’t have money.”

“You have access.” Enid moved the cocktail dress to a rack, then began steaming a silk blouse. “If you need something, you ask your dad.” Her expression darkened. “I’m working two jobs to save for medical school. If I’m lucky, I’ll graduate only a hundred thousand in debt.”

“But you had scholarships.”

“I did, and a few grants, but it’s not enough. I’m not complaining. I’m just pointing out that you and Kip come from different financial worlds.”

Harlow tried to take it all in. She knew Enid was right, but the way she’d said it...as if Harlow had had it easy.

Okay, maybe she’d been spoiled as a kid, and she’d never had to worry about getting a job after college or paying for anything.

“Hey, don’t be mad,” Enid said quietly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I don’t think about money.”

Enid’s smile was sad. “You don’t have to.” She motioned to the blouse. “Would you think twice about buying that if you liked it?”

“No.”

“It costs what I’ll take home this week. Kip works on commission. He doesn’t show up for the job, he doesn’t make anything. You should absolutely have the wedding of your dreams, but don’t be surprised when Kip’s family has trouble keeping up.”

Harlow wrestled with emotions she couldn’t define.

“Am I selfish?”

Enid put down the steamer and hugged her. “No. That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just pointing out that we’re not all as lucky as you.”

Harlow looked from the blouse to her best friend. “Do I make you feel bad?”

“Never. I love you. Always.” Enid hugged her again. “I’m saying it all wrong.”