New Uses For Old Boyfriends by Beth Kendrick Read Free Book Online Page B

Alders—”
    â€œI know, I know.” And Lila did know, before her mother could say the words, what she should focus on. The fact that her friends, whom she hadn’t seen in over ten years, had taken time off work to drive to Black Dog Bay to see her. They deserved to be greeted by the warm and bubbly girl they remembered, not a bitter and penniless divorcée. Lila would meet everyone’s expectations of her; she always did.
    After all, she had learned from the best.
    She turned back to the FUV and offered her hand to her mother. “Watch your step. I’ll drop you off at home.”
    â€œThank you.” Despite her imposing stature, Daphne looked smaller than Lila had ever seen her. “And I’m sorry. For everything.”
    Lila kept her gaze on the asphalt. “I know.”
    â€œI don’t know how I ended up here.”
    â€œMe, neither.”
    Daphne settled into the passenger seat with her handbag in her lap. “But don’t let this ruin your day. Go to the club. Have fun.” She leaned forward and rubbed her index finger against Lila’s cheek. “There. Your blush wasn’t quite blended.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œOh, and you’ve got the tiniest little blemish on your chin.” Daphne rummaged through her purse. “Not to worry—I’ve got the most amazing concealer. By the time I’m done with you, you’ll look flawless.”

chapter 6

    L ila sauntered into the Gull’s Point Country Club at four o’clock sharp, selected a seat at the bar, and waited for her friends to show up.
    Ten minutes later, she was still waiting.
    When the bartender asked what she’d like to drink, Lila had a stroke of brilliance. “Yes, I’ll have four”—she had to look away to finish the sentence—“sex on the beaches, please.”
    â€œOh, you’re here!” A familiar voice rang out behind Lila. “Sorry I’m late; traffic was a nightmare.”
    â€œYou guys better not have started without me!” another voice cried. “My son was a beast when he woke up from his nap, and the sitter had to pull him off me like a barnacle from a battleship.”
    â€œI’m here, I’m here!” chimed a third voice. “It’s not like I could ever be on time in high school, so why should real life be any different?”
    Lila turned around and threw herself into a giggly, weepy, four-way hug. The first few minutes of the reunion was a blur of squealing and exclaiming over how fantastic everybody looked. Christa’s long, wavy hair had been cropped into a sassy shag;Stacie’s trademark red lipstick had been replaced by a more subdued shade of rose; Val had let two of the four holes in her earlobe close up. They all looked a bit more buttoned-up and a lot more tired than they had twelve years ago. But they were still friends. They could pick up right where they left off.
    The bartender approached, bearing a tray with four peachy pink cocktails. “Here you go, ma’am.”
    â€œWhat is that?” Christa stared at the frosty glasses.
    â€œI’m surprised you don’t recognize our signature drink from high school.” Lila wagged her finger at them. “Shame on you.”
    Val burst out laughing. “Sex on the beach? Oh my God!”
    â€œHow could I have forgotten?” Stacie groaned at the memories. “We thought we were sooo sophisticated.”
    Christa picked up one of the drinks and sniffed it suspiciously. “What’s in these things, anyway?”
    â€œVodka and juice and, like, peach schnapps.”
    â€œI thought it’d be fun.” Lila raised her glass. “For old times’ sake.”
    â€œI actually can’t drink.” Val made a face. “Still breast-feeding.”
    Christa nibbled her lower lip. “I have to drive all the way back to Dover, and I’m such a lightweight.”
    â€œI have to leave