“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.”
“I don’t think so.” Harlow mulled over what her friend had told her. “Kip and I have never talked about money. It’s never been an issue, but now I’m wondering how much I don’t know about his financial situation. He always pays for stuff like it’s no big deal.”
“He’s a really good salesperson. He’s usually number one at his store.”
Harlow nodded slowly. “I know, but if we’re getting married, shouldn’t we plan for our financial future? Like the wedding. Having it at the club is going to be really expensive. Maybe the money would be better spent on something else.”
Enid sighed. “I’ve destroyed your wedding.”
“No, you’ve said some things I need to hear. I need to think about them.”
Kip’s mom being unable to handle the country-club wedding was one thing, but Enid talking about money was another. Enid had been her friend forever—she’d been there when Harlow had been a little girl with cancer, even though Enid had been exactly the same age. They’d weathered high school and boys and going to different colleges. Theirs was a bond that could never be broken, so if Enid had something to say, Harlow was going to listen.
Harlow shifted her bag to her other shoulder. “Are you working at the bar tonight?”
“Until midnight.”
“Okay, then I guess I’ll see you later in the week.”
“Absolutely.”
They hugged one last time, then Harlow left. As she got in her car, she glanced back at the boutique. Enid needed a hundred thousand dollars for medical school. Based on the deposit and what she could guess the reception would cost, Harlow would say her wedding would cost about that. A hundred thousand dollars for a single day as opposed to four years of medical school. How could they be the same amount?
If she had that money, she would give it to her friend, she thought. But it wasn’t hers, it was her dad’s, and he wasn’t paying for Enid’s tuition. But if Enid were his daughter, he would gladly cover the cost of Johns Hopkins.
Life was complicated, Harlow thought as she drove toward the apartment she shared with Kip. The one where he paid for most of the rent and all the utilities and all the dinners out. Harlow kept the place stocked with groceries and paid a nominal amount each month toward everything else.
Hardly fair, she thought, not sure how the arrangement had come to be. After all, she and Kip made about the same amount. He even had a car payment, while her car had been a gift from her parents.
They should talk about money, she told herself. And maybe set a few financial goals. She should also speak to her dad about the company he was going to buy, along with a budget for the wedding. Conversations she wasn’t sure how to start.
As she stopped at a light, she instinctively reached for her phone so she could text her mom. But then she put it down. She had no idea if her mom was mad at her, or just waiting her out, and because of that, she didn’t know what to say. Did her mom think she was selfish about money and maybe everything else?
There was only one way to find out, Harlow thought, accelerating when the light turned green. But she wasn’t willing to take the chance—not just yet.
* * *
Robyn sat on her deck, reading an article explaining the terms in a basic retail space lease. From what she could understand, triple net meant she would be responsible for the lease payment, insurance, maintenance and repairs.
“Maybe instead of opening an antique store, I should save enough to buy a building and lease it out,” she murmured to herself. It seemed like a quicker way to make money.
Her phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen, hoping the text was from Harlow, but instead, Mindy had sent a quick update on her relationship with Dimitri.
The latest make out session lasted nearly an hour. I’m boneless and we haven’t even done anything. This is the most fun I’ve had in years.
“Moron,” Robyn said aloud.
“That seems harsh.”
She saw Mason stepping out onto their shared balcony. She had to admit, seeing Mason made her feel a little fluttery in her tummy.
“Not you,” she said, waving her phone. “My friend Mindy.”
“A likely story.”
She laughed. “It’s true. Mindy’s being incredibly stupid. She’s starting an affair with her tennis instructor, and it’s not going to end well. Eventually Mindy’s husband will find out. She has four great kids, a beautiful house, and a husband who adores her. She could lose everything. So she’s the moron.”
“It doesn’t sound smart.”
“It’s not. Plus, the tennis pro is a total player. Seducing his students is a hobby for him.” She motioned to the empty seat next to her. “You’re welcome to join me, although I’m not sure I’m done ranting about Mindy, so consider yourself warned.”
“I’m prepared to be ranted to.” He smiled. “If not about.”
Mason sat to her right. He looked good, she thought, studying his short hair and relaxed posture. He was easy to be around, and despite the strangeness of their surroundings, he fit in.