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“Friends with benefits?” Morgan asked, narrowing her eyes at Charlotte.
“Absolutely not,” said Charlotte, upset at the way Morgan was speaking to her.
Shane placed a hand on Morgan’s arm. “Just settle down. Who are you here with?”
“No one,” said Morgan. “I asked Dylan to come, but he said he was busy.” Her lower lip formed a pout that might have been cute if her lips weren’t lax from the alcohol.
“How are you going to get home?” Shane asked. “You can’t drive.”
“Well, then,” said Morgan, pulling up an empty chair. “I’ll get a ride with you two.”
Charlotte and Shane exchanged resigned looks.
“Okay, I’ll drive you home,” said Charlotte. “Tomorrow, someone can bring you here to pick up your car.”
“Thanks,” said Morgan, leaning toward Shane. “I’m glad you’re just friends with Charlotte.” She turned to Charlotte. “What happened to you? Why are you dressed like that? You used to be so pretty.”
“Sheispretty,” said Shane.
Charlotte brushed off her T-shirt. “I happen to like what I’m wearing.” The fact that her mother would be appalled at her outfit gave Charlotte a little thrill. With a little help from Gran, she was becoming her own person.
As she was driving Shane and Morgan home, Charlotte thought how silly it was that she felt she had to defend herself because of what she was wearing. It was all so shallow. She chalked it up to another summer learning experience, certain there was more to come.
Back at the cove, Shane thanked Charlotte for the ride. “I’ll walk Morgan across the cove and be back. All right?”
Charlotte checked her watch. “It’s getting late, and I have the morning shift tomorrow. Can we postpone it until tomorrow night?”
“Sure. That might work out better for me, too.” He touched the back of his head. “That music was loud.”
“Gawd! You act like an old man,” muttered Morgan.
“He’s still recovering from his injury,” Charlotte reminded her, though she was becoming more and more irritated at the way Morgan leaned against Shane, holding onto his arm.
“Thanks again for everything,” Shane said and walked away with Morgan, leaving Charlotte staring at them.
