After starting the dishwasher, she headed for the shower. It promised to be another beautiful day outside; why waste the sunshine? And with her ankle feeling ten times better, she wanted to get mobile again.
When she was done, she dried off and selected one of her favorite outfits, a Saunton wrap-front black jumpsuit and tennis shoes. Always after clothes that accentuated her long legs, this one-piece showcased everything in an understated way. Perfect for a walk on the beach. She scrunched her damp curls with hair gel, then applied some bronzer and mascara. Not remembering the last time she’d gone for a nature walk this early in the morning, when she opened her front door, the cool breeze energized her better than a can of Red Bull.
She locked the door, then slipped her arms through the straps of her backpack/purse combo. A woman should never leave home without the essentials, including bottled water, cellphone, and a travel-sized canister of mace. She was certified in self-defense, and her annual class included a refresher on how to use pepper spray.
Oso Bay was visible across the landscaped lawn of her apartment complex. Palm trees and flower beds surrounded the open green space where families that lived in the community often picnicked or lounged. Tina followed the narrow footpath, walking slowly, careful not to misstep. She reached the sandy beach finally, pleased to be alone. Normal people were just getting up.
The wind whipped her loose hair, and she inhaled the salt air, loving the sound of the waves tumbling against the rocks and rebar that littered the shoreline. A testament to the kind of man-made materials that washed up after a hurricane or tropical storm. The city cleaned up the trash, but the rebar acted as a buffer between the coastline and water. It also provided habitat for a number of small creatures.
Like she used to do as a child, Tina picked through driftwood and large rocks, seeking out unique seashells and sand dollars. Every time she found one of interest, she tucked it in the front pocket of her purse. One of her fondest memories of her father was collecting rocks with him and taking them back to his workshop where they’d spend hours playing with his rock tumbler, buffing and shining up their favorite specimens. She had a special shelf in her current bedroom dedicated to treasures she found.
As she made her way to the end of the private beach, her cell chimed.
“Hello?”
“Greetings from Paris again.”
“Lily!”
“I miss home.”
“As in Texas?”
“Yes, if you can believe it.” Lily laughed. “Guess I’m a damn Yankee—destined to stay in the South.”
Tina perched on top of a flat rock, staring across the water while she talked. “I can’t wait for you to get home.”
“Feeling a little lost without me?” Lily teased. “Should I be worried? You sound down.”
“No,” Tina assured her. “Just a little shaken up.”
“What happened?”
Tina explained about Kline.
“What a bastard,” Lily said angrily. “Good thing Lang wasn’t around. Pretty sure you need to file a complaint with the police or his probation officer.”
Tina sighed. “It’s not that simple. But let’s not focus on Kline. Can you believe I spent the last two days with the Vincent?”
“I’m amazed at the turn of events. Lang and I both want our best friends to be happy. If that means you two find joy together, all the better.”
“He’s commitment phobic.”
“I know,” Lily said. “Vincent has shitty luck with women.”
Tina ran her fingers through her hair. “I’d love to slap his ex-wife. Every legal no-no I can think of is attached to his custody agreement. Did you know about it?”
“Yes,” Lily said in a softer voice. “But Lang swore me to secrecy. Vincent is very private about his personal life. And you went separate ways after the wedding.”
“I understand.” Tina regretted letting her friendship with Vincent fade. But it didn’t matter anymore. They had reconnected now. “Honestly, I can handle the no-relationship thing. But sex—the guy simply refuses to give in. I bet I could hike a football naked in front of him and he’d look away.”
Lily chuckled. “Thanks for the visual. But if you’re really in the mood to try it, he’s a hard-core New Orleans fan. Maybe you could wear a team helmet or something.”
“That’s not a bad idea, forcing him to take one for the team.”
“Pretty sure that’s not the proper meaning.”
“Desperate measures. When are you coming home?”
“November tenth.”
“Need a ride from the airport?”
“Lang arranged for a limo to pick us up. We have so much luggage it might take two trips.”