“You are looking at Montoya and Sons’ newest insurance saleswoman!” I said.

“What? You got a promotion already?”

I just grinned.

“Then I’ll be your first client.”

“Aw, Grace. You’re the best.” It struck me how, just a few days ago, I didn’t know this woman. And now she felt like my best friend. But, again, the summer camp effect.

“Let’s go get lattes to celebrate. On me.”

“Obviously,” I said. “It’s not like I’ve gotten a paycheck.” I paused. “But once I do, the first bottle of Sancerre is on me.”

“Hooray!” she said as she pulled out of the parking lot. “Charlotte’s got her groove back.”

Charlotte had her groove back, indeed.

JUNIPER SHORES SOCIALITE

@junipershoressocialite

Sharing bad behavior and delicious drama in North Carolina’s most exclusive coastal zip code. DM with tips, pics, and juicy deets.

AUGUST 30, 5:45 P.M.

18 Posts

7,776 Followers

16 Following

You didn’t hear it from me, but…

PIC 1: Juniper Shores Prep’s hottest new couple is none other than Merit McDonald and Sophie Parker. Head cheerleader + star quarterback = a match made in yearbook superlative heaven.

PIC 2: What infamous newspaper reporter’s ex was spotted canoodling with his twenty-two-year-old assistant at the Tavern near 2 a.m.? Oh, Houston, never change.

PIC 3: Charlotte Sitterly might be down, but she’s also in. In demand, that is. Montoya & Sons’ latest sales rep is open for business and ready to help you with all your insurance and investing needs. Word to the wise: make your checks out to Gabe.… We’re kidding. We’re kidding. (Well, kidding-ish.)

TNT (’Til Next Tip—from you! And make it juicy!)

JUNIPER SHORES SOCIALITE

Alice The Rhythm

Dinner was my favorite time of day at the mommune. The electric buzz of everyone around the table together, passing dishes, laughing and chatting. Every night, every time, it was a reminder of how it used to be in my family, while my parents were still here, before my siblings and I drifted apart. And tonight, it was a good distraction from the text messages that Elliott had been sending me all day—and my thoughts about whether I was going to text him back.

Merit whispered something in Brenna’s ear, and she laughed so hard I thought she was going to fall off her chair. Iris scooped cabbage stir-fry on top of the buckwheat noodles on Audrey’s plate. She scrunched her nose but then brightened as Iris said, “No, it’s so good! I promise you!”

“And it will make us grow big and strong too,” Jamie said. “Right, Grace?” she asked, looking up at the woman who had prepared all this goodness for us.