“Well, you kinda had to take the thong either way after you tried it on.”

The dry comment made Abby laugh. She opened the door to share the laugh with Tiffany. “You’re too much.”

“I hear that almost every day.”

“You’re also crazy good at this.” Abby hugged Tiffany. “Ring it up. I’ll take it all. Thank you so much. This was exactly what I needed.”

“My pleasure. You’ve done wonders for my coffers today.”

“And you’ve done wonders for my self-confidence.”

“You’re a beautiful woman, Abby. Any guy would be lucky to spend time with you. Don’t let a few setbacks keep you from taking new chances. I’m living proof that even the most unhappy person can find true love and happiness.”

“Are we talking about Blaine?”

Tiffany smiled and nodded.

“Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! The last time you and I were together right in this store, he came in, and the two of you nearly burned the place down just by looking at each other.”

The soft look of love on Tiffany’s face told the full story. “He’s amazing and everything I never thought I’d have.”

“I’m so happy for you. You deserve it.”

“So do you. It’s going to happen for you, too. I know it will.”

Abby wanted so badly to believe Tiffany, but she’d learned to be pragmatic about these things. Some people didn’t meet the person they were meant to spend forever with and were just fine on their own. If that happened to her, she’d find a way to make a worthwhile life for herself. But the time she’d spent with Tiffany had filled her with a new sense of optimism. Maybe, just maybe there might still be hope for her and romance after all.

Tiffany offered to have her assistant, Patty, run Abby’s purchases back to the Beachcomber for her.

“That’d be great. I’ve got another stop to make while I’m out.”

“Go on ahead, and come back soon, okay?”

“I will. Thanks again, Tiffany.”

“My pleasure.”

Trying to ignore the unnatural feel of the thong between her cheeks, Abby hustled through town, arriving at the tattoo studio ten minutes later.

“Back again so soon?” Duke asked when she walked in. He was sitting in one of the chairs, reading the latest issue of the Gansett Gazette. “Everything all right with your ink?”

“I want another one.”

Duke glanced at Jeff and then at Abby. “You sure about that?”