“Sure. I think I’ve got your size.” Babe plucked a dress from the rack. “I have some new summer dresses that would look great on you.” She scooped a couple more into her arms.
“What do people wear for work around here?” Maileah still had money left over from the sale of her luxury vehicle. Maybe splurging a little would motivate her to expand her career search here. And the shot of confidence from a new outfit never hurt.
“This is Crown Island. Everyone is casual—bankers, lawyers, and other professionals. You don’t see many suits except on visitors.”
“Would you call it business casual?”
Babe laughed. “Even more casual. What do you do for work?”
“I’m in marketing. I used to work for a major software company until I was laid off.” Maileah hated to admit that,but it was better than being fired. “I’m pretty good at online marketing. I just set up my sister’s website, ad campaigns, and mailing list. I can do a lot more than that, too. I’m looking for clients here.”
“Sounds like what almost every shopkeeper I know here needs,” Babe said. “We all want to keep the customers who shop here on vacation. People are more comfortable ordering online now, but organizing all the technical details is out of my wheelhouse. If you approach people right, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of opportunities here.”
Maileah was happy to hear this. “I’m ready to work.”
Pressing a finger to her lips, Babe paused to size up Maileah. “I know just what you need.” With a flick of a short, manicured nail, she added, “Come with me. I’ll show you what I mean.”
Maileah followed her as she wound through the racks. “Probably nothing too sexy.” Even for her dates, she thought.
No sense attracting the men who were only browsing.
Babe gestured to a display of clothing in beautiful shades and fabrics. “Deb Whitaker is one of my best customers, and she works with top clients from all over the world. You want to look professional, but in an island way.”
Maileah eyed a butter-yellow linen shift. “Like that one? Except for the color, it’s plain.”
“You can pair that with great accessories. You’ll see; I’ll style it for you.” She grabbed a few more items and led her to a fitting room. “Let me see them on you. I can work magic with accessories.”
This may be the fresh start I need,Maileah thought as she changed. A new look, a new career goal—maybe even a new place to land until she could buy a sweet little bungalow.
As Maileah tried on clothes, Babe helped her style the look. The two women chatted and traded stories, and by the time Maileah finished, she felt like she had made a new friend.
Babe nodded toward the bike chained up outside. “This istoo much for you to carry. I can deliver it for you after I close.”
“I’d sure appreciate that,” Maileah said, excited about her new look. “I’m staying at my sister’s house on Sunshine Avenue.”
“Oh, sure.” Leaving the clothes on hangers, Babe slid a covering over them. “I know where that is. My friend who owns Cuppa Jo’s lives on that street.”
“We’re right across from Jo,” Maileah said. “My sister bought an old house that needed renovations. We’ve been cleaning and painting. I’ll give you a tour.”
“Jo mentioned that. Sadly, that house was terribly trashed. I’d love to see what you did with it. And I’m glad you found a great place to live.”
“That’s my sister’s home,” Maileah said. “I’m only there temporarily until I can find my own place.” She was usually reluctant to share too much, but Babe was nice, and this was a small town. “My sister is dating a great guy, and I’d like to give them their space.”
“I know just what you mean.” Babe looked up from the register. “Do you want to rent or buy?”
“I’m sort of in flux,” Maileah replied. “I’ll rent something. It’s only me; I don’t need much.” That would serve to motivate her, too.
Babe finalized the sale. “I have a cozy little guest cottage on my property that I rent out. I have to be careful because some people visit the beach to party. They keep me and my neighbors up all night.”
“I’m fairly quiet,” Maileah said. “Except for the thundering clicks of my laptop keys.”
Babe laughed. “It’s small but cute and has its own parking spot.” She mentioned a price less than what Maileah had paid in Seattle. “The last tenant left it in a bit of a mess, and I need to do some repairs. If you can overlook that, come have a look at it.”
Maileah blinked. If she could make a go of her work, thiscould change everything. “I’d like that,” she said, excitement gathering in her chest.
They decided on a time to meet in the morning before Babe opened the shop.
“See you soon,” Maileah said happily. She left to cycle to her sister’s house.
