“Sometimes.” Coast laughed. “I’m not a professional or nothing like that. It’s more like a hobby.”
“Well, hobbies are starting to become extra streams of income.” Inari shrugged. “Don’t count yourself out. Come on, let’s go grab those pieces. I don’t usually work on Saturdays, but since it’s Ree Heights Day, I have to accommodate Bee. She doesso much around here.” Inari led Coast to the back of the shop where she had items boxed up and ready to go.
“She’s a regular pillar,” Coast muttered.
“Uh uh, no Bee slander will be tolerated up in here,” Inari objected, waving her hand.
“Oh, I’m sure she’d have plenty to say about me.”
“Really? I don’t see Bee as that type. She keeps it real, that’s for sure, but I’ve never seen her come off as judgmental or mean to anybody.”
“I must be special.” Coast forced a smile on her lips.
“Or you’re a fuck up,” Inari called her out.
It wasn’t harsh. Coast took it as more of something a big sister would say. Inari didn’t look like she was out of her twenties, but Coast got serious grown woman, boss bitch vibes from her.
“I’m just saying. She usually only goes hard on people if they’re stumbling down that path, and she knows they have potential.”
That statement humbled Coast quickly, and she studied one of the sealed boxes in front of her. The last thing she needed was anybody siding with Bee about her life. It wouldn’t be the first time she was misunderstood.
“Are we taking all these?” She motioned to the boxes with her hands.
“Yes. Nice segue.” Inari tittered. “I don’t know you, and I don’t mean any harm.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m good. Tough skin and all that.” Coast picked up a box. “My car is parked right out front.”
Once she and Inari were done loading Coast’s jeep, the two lingered on the curb together.
“You coming to the tournament, right?”
“I don’t know. I’m sure Bee will find something for me to do, so more than likely,” Coast said, eyes rolling. “I better get this stuff over to Laci at the rec center.”
“If you want, you can come in and give that camera a test drive. I’d like to know if it’s still working. Maybe we can even find a way for you to pay for it,” Inari insinuated. “You in school or got any kind of certification?”
“No.” Coast shook her head.
“You should think about going over to the community college and going through their catalogue. It’s a great school. My sister, Ayla, is working on her bachelor’s in culinary arts and science. She’s also in culinary school.”
“I graduated high school by mail. Spent most of my late teens and early twenties traveling, living in hostels, and camping. I saw a lot of the world before I even turned twenty-five. Now that I’m twenty-seven, I realize I still have no clue what I want to do.”
“Well, what are you good at? Is there anything you’re passionate about or something that inspires you?”
“Art. It’s the only thing I somehow take with me everywhere. I think that’s why I loved Europe. So many different sights. Everywhere you go over there can be turned into a photoshoot.”
“I remember a trip to Paris when I was twenty-one. I flew me, my son, and my sister out. It was beautiful.”
“You should see Spain. It’s crazy. The sights, the people, the culture. I’m glad I got to see it.”
“And what brought you back to little old Ree Heights?” Inari prodded.
“I have no idea,” Coast muttered, then laughed. “I better get going though before I burn what’s left of the bridge with Bee.” She rounded the back of her jeep.
Her ride was a direct reflection of the personality Inari picked up on. No doors or roof. Coast liked to go with the flow. It reminded her of herself when she was younger. If it weren’tfor Dane slowing her down, she didn’t know where she would be. She hustled, which was risky enough, but she moved smart. With Mira’s protection, she managed to keep a low profile over the years. Inari related to something in Coast as she watched her look over her shoulder and maneuver away from the curb.
“Man, it’s hot as a bitch ’round here!” Moose declared, exitingParker Gas and Grabwith Mozzi at his side.
Today, they were in the hood because there was a basketball tournament everybody was attending, and Audiemar was a sponsor. He made sure his sons pulled up to support in his honor, but rarely did he show face.
