California Dreaming (The Davenports #1) Read Online Bella Andre

Categories Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary Tags Authors: Series: The Davenports Series by Bella Andre
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Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
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At the next table, Estelle was dressed in a glamorous cream linen two-piece, a single strand of pearls at her throat. Her white hair was swept back from her face with a velvet band. She extended a hand to Tessa, and they exchanged hellos.

Estelle turned to Erin. “I’ll email you an update to my obituary this afternoon. It was so nice talking with you both.” She stood and placed a tip on the table for the waiter.

After she left, Tessa asked Erin if Estelle was ill.

Erin nodded. “No, but she’s very organized. The obituary section of the Sea Shell is read by everyone in town. It’s not uncommon for people like Estelle to make sure I’m aware of all their accomplishments. They even send updated lists of loved ones when a new grandchild or great-grandchild is born. I’m used to it, obviously, and I really enjoy learning more about the people in our community here. The life stories of some who have lived in Carmel-by-the-Sea for fifty-plus years are amazing, and it’s an honor to write and publish their stories.”

“Okay, enough about the Sea Shell,” Mila teased. “Let’s focus on Tessa. Beginning with where you got that gorgeous top.”

Tessa grinned and touched the ruffled collar appreciatively. “At a thrift store.”

Both sisters looked surprised at first, but then surprise gave way to amazement. Tessa guessed neither of them had ever set foot in a thrift store—just like their brother.

Erin said, “Wow, that’s an amazing find. I can never find anything when I go thrifting. Although I read a lot about hidden designer gems in those packed racks. The funny thing is that I’ve written articles about thrifting even though I’ve never had any luck in real life.”

“It’s a bit of an art form,” Tessa said, laughing. “You have to know which store to go to on which day of the week, along with what time the new inventory comes in—then throw in a lot of patience, and bingo—you have what I like to call a find. Oh, and another important key is to look up. Some of the best treasures are on the highest shelves, because people get focused on the racks of clothes and never think to see what’s lining the walls. I’ll take you both one day, if you like.”

The waiter arrived with the coffees and Danish pastries. Tessa took a deep sip of her coffee, which was frothy and dusted with a fine layer of cocoa. Delicious.

Mila went straight for an apricot Danish, which Tessa thought looked too pretty to eat.

“You’re clearly brilliant at thrifting, but you’ll have to count me out,” Mila said. “Not because I don’t think you can find great clothes in thrift or resale stores, but I would have nightmares about bumping into a client wearing one of their old dresses. I don’t think it would help me sell high-end homes.”

Erin wrinkled her nose at her sister. “You’re such a snob. How is buying and selling a used house any different than buying and selling a dress that no longer fits or that you’re just ready to get rid of to open up space in your closet for something new?”

Though Mila had explained her aversion to thrifting clothes in the nicest possible way, Tessa had still been feeling slightly embarrassed that she’d actually gone and invited the two women to join her on a future thrifting trip. But then Erin had come back with a pretty good rebuttal.

Still trying to relax with Arch’s sisters, Tessa accepted a raspberry pastry from the plate Erin offered her. It was such a treat to be sitting in a coffee shop, chatting and eating delicious pastries on a Tuesday morning. Tessa couldn’t remember the last time she’d done something like this.

Mila wiped a smudge of apricot jam from the corner of her mouth. “I’m too busy to go thrifting anyway.” She leaned forward, an excited glint in her eyes. “Jay Malone, Arch’s agent, called me this morning and told me he’s looking for a place.”

“That’s great,” Erin said, although she had sounded more impressed by Tessa’s thrifting skills. Or maybe that was just what Tessa wanted to believe.

In any case, Tessa, who figured Jay would have a big budget as a top Hollywood agent, said it sounded like an exciting new client for Mila.

“It is,” Mila replied. “And nice for Arch, too, to have his agent nearby. Especially since they’re close friends as well. Speaking of which…” She gave Tessa a broad smile that she figured was supposed to look innocent but seemed anything but. “How are you getting on with our dear brother?”

Erin added, “It’s been about twenty-four hours, so I figure he’s already driving you crazy. Am I right?”

Both women were entitled to be the tiniest bit nosy, given how close all the Davenport siblings were. Tessa decided to remain neutral. “It’s going fine,” she said. “And his house isn’t only beautiful, it’s also so comfortable and full of warmth.”



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