Dillon pulled out her phone, thinking she might google some ideas. Instead, she was staring at the turquoise case cover. She’d gotten it last year, probably an inspiration from the Navajo jewelry she’d inherited from Grandma. Suddenly she held her phone case next to the stove—and it looked perfect. Decision made. She would paint the cabinets a cheery turquoise blue. Now she went to the note section of her phone and began to list the things she would need to make her trailer not only livable but beautiful too. As her list grew, she realized this would call for a trip to town . . . and that was a good excuse to see Jordan at the hardware store. Perfect!
CHAPTER
8
For the past week, other than a quick shower before bedtime, Dillon had seriously neglected her appearance. But knowing she was going to town today—more specifically to the hardware store—she wanted to look presentable. Or better.
It was past one by the time Dillon got to town. Although she hadn’t eaten since breakfast, she didn’t feel the least bit hungry. Mostly she was excited about her new vintage trailer and eager to acquire the items on her list. And she hoped to cross paths with Jordan again.
She could hardly believe it’d been only a week since she and Brandon had parted ways. And the way she’d felt that night—like she’d blown up her future and her world was unraveling—seemed far away now. Brandon Kranze hadn’t been worth the emotion. And it wasn’t as if he cared. He’d never called or even texted . . . never apologized. And for that, she was glad. It was a relief to be done with it.
According to Val’s text informing Dillon her personal office items had been mailed, Brandon acted unaffected by the breakup. In fact, Val had spied him lunching with Bethany Myers—the Kate Hudson “twinny” from finance. Although initially disturbing, it was reassuring now—confirming that Brandon Kranze was not Mr. Right after all. He was simply Mr. Kranze. Thank goodness she’d had the sense to move on.
With her list on her phone, Dillon walked into Atwood’s Feed and Seed and Hardware—on a mission. Granted, it was a twofold mission. She did hope to see Jordan Atwood. But even more than that, she was eager to gather what she needed to continue the restoration of her beloved Oasis. Just thinking of her little vintage trailer truly warmed her heart!
Not seeing Jordan in the front of the store, Dillon got a cart and began her shopping expedition. As was her habit, she made selections with frugality in mind. Even though her savings account had grown since paying off her school loans, old habits died hard. Plus, she needed to remember her current unemployed status. And unlike her mother’s lavender project expenses, Dillon would not charge any trailer purchases to Grandpa’s account. That was just wrong.
After gathering various pieces of hardware, some window screen, and items for the bathroom, she discovered the paint department. To her delight, the man working there assured her that he could mix any color she wanted. She explained what she was working on and her relative inexperience with painting.
“Don’t worry, I can help with everything. Just pick your colors.” He waved to a display full of paint sample swatches. Eventually, she found a turquoise blue, an exact match to her grandmother’s ring, which she’d purposely worn. And she was just selecting a nice creamy white color for the walls and ceilings when Jordan came over to say hello.
“Painting?” he asked.
“I am,” she told him.
“How’s the lavender project coming?”
She told him how the drip line was in place and working. “I’m sorry we haven’t returned the unused pieces yet. I’ll bring them on my next trip to town.”
“I’m surprised you have time to paint. I assumed you’d be up to your ears planting lavender right now.”
She was about to explain the teen helpers and that the lavender project was actually her mother’s responsibility when a feminine voice called out her name. Dillon was pleasantly surprised to see her old school friend. “Chelsea Willets!” Dillon declared. “Is that really you?”
“It is.” Chelsea hugged her. “Oh, it’s so good to see you, Dillon. You look fabulous!”
“You too!” Dillon felt dismayed to see Jordan waving goodbye to her as he went to assist a customer. “What are you doing in Silverdale, Chelsea?”
“Good question.” Chelsea laughed. “Blame my sister Kellie. She took a management job at the parks and recreation and begged me to come help her out. To be honest, I was getting disenchanted with big city life. So here I am, back on my home turf again. Have you moved back too?”
“I’m not sure.” She handed the young paint guy her color samples, explaining the uses for each one. She read the name tag on his shirt. “So, Ryan, can you figure out what I need and how much?”
“No problem.” Ryan’s smile was congenial. “But it’ll take a while to get it done. I’ve got a real big order to mix that’s already in the works.”
“Have you had lunch?” Chelsea asked. Dillon admitted she hadn’t, and Chelsea insisted on going to Lucianna’s. “It’s not as swanky as it used to be, but the food is good.”
Dillon smiled. “I haven’t been to Lucianna’s in ages. Not since my grandma took me there on my eighteenth birthday.” She looked at her cart. “Just let me pay for these, and I’ll meet you there.”
Before long, the two old friends were having lunch at what used to be the fanciest restaurant in Silverdale. Dillon couldn’t help but notice it had grown a bit shabby around the edges. Still, it felt nostalgic to be there.
“So what are you doing back in town?” Chelsea asked after their iced tea was served.
“I’m not really sure.” Dillon explained she’d left her job and boyfriend, and that she’d hoped to be of some help with her grandpa. “I’ve been doing some housekeeping, working in my grandma’s garden, helping with an irrigation system, and—”
“Sounds like you’ve been uber-busy.” Chelsea laughed. “But isn’t that the way you always were—no one could ever keep up with your achievements.”
“Or overachievements.”
“But what about a job? Will you be looking for employment?” Chelsea sounded hopeful.
“Well, I don’t know. I haven’t had time to even consider—”
“Because I have a job for you—if you want it.” Now Chelsea explained how her sister had put her in charge of the aquatics program. “Just because I used to be on swim team.” She pointed to Dillon. “Remember those days?”
Dillon smiled. “Yeah, that was a good time.”
“Well, unfortunately the swimming classes have been severely mismanaged. As it is, I’ve barely got the summer program in place and we’re getting a late start, but registration is full, and I plan to start classes next week.”
“That must be fun for you to manage the old pool.”
“Frustrating fun. Anyway, here’s the deal, I’m still short a couple of teachers. And you’d be such a godsend, Dillon. Remember the summers we both taught together? You were so good at it. All the kids loved you.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Yes, but you were a great instructor. And what kid didn’t want to be taught by the star of our high school swim team?”
“Flattery will get you—”
“Please, Dillon. Even if you only agree to one session, it would help me immensely.”
“How’s the pay?” Dillon’s expectations were low.
“Oh, you know, it’s not great. But for you, well, I’ll talk Kellie into top wages.”
Dillon considered the expenses of restoring her little trailer. Perhaps this would be a way to preserve her savings. “Okay,” she agreed. “I’ll do it. But just part-time.”
“Fantastic.” Chelsea reached into an oversized bag. “As fate would have it, I just happen to have a schedule on me.” She grabbed a pen, using it to circle the sessions she really hoped Dillon would teach. “Your first class will be Monday at eight. Your last class will end at one. Does that work for you? Or do you want more hours?”
“That’s perfect. Then I can have afternoons to wor
k on my trailer.”
“Your trailer?”
“Yes. That’s what I was getting paint for.” As they ate, Dillon described her plans to restore her vintage trailer. “I know it’s silly to be so excited about an old trailer. But I just love it. And I want everything in it to be absolutely perfect.”
“Well, then you need to go to see Vivian Porter ASAP.”
“Why?”
“She owns the Silver Slipper.”
“Huh?”
“It’s this sort of funky home décor shop just a couple blocks down. Vivian has a real knack. And listen to this—she loves old trailers too. She has a section in her store dedicated to old trailers. I’ll be honest—I don’t get it. But Vivian is a fanatic.”
Dillon could hardly wait to finish lunch now, and as soon as they were done, after Chelsea insisted on picking up the check, Dillon excused herself and hurried on down to the Silver Slipper. She was barely in the door, but aware she’d come to the right place, when a tall brunette offered assistance. Dillon quickly explained how Chelsea had recommended the shop, and the woman introduced herself as Vivian.
Still slightly breathless, Dillon explained her mission to restore an old trailer. “It’s an Aloha Oasis and it’s a real mess right now, but she’s going to be a beauty.”
“She?” Vivian grinned. “Sounds like you’re hooked.”
“It was love at first sight.”
Vivian chuckled as she took Dillon to the back of the shop. “I know exactly what you mean. This shop is named after my trailer. I bought and restored a 1960 Airstream on the heels of a bad breakup several years ago. I actually kept my trailer at my parents’ house and lived in it for a couple years. I named her The Silver Slipper.”
“So you really do understand.” Dillon felt her eyes grow wide as she surveyed the vintage trailer section. It was filled with all sorts of retro items—some new and some not—as well as a tempting selection of books on vintage trailers, and she wasn’t sure where to begin.
“I feel like I’m in trailer heaven.” Dillon selected a book with a pink teardrop trailer on the cover.
“Well, you’ve come to the right place. Not just my shop, but Silverdale. We have a number of people who’ve restored vintage trailers. We’ve even created a trailer club.”
“How exciting.” Dillon told Vivian more about her trailer, even showing her the photos on her phone.
“That’s definitely a keeper.” Vivian nodded. “Those orange appliances are to die for.”
“I absolutely love them.”
“So are you planning to do the restoration yourself? Or do you want to hire—”
“Oh, I definitely want to do it all myself,” Dillon said. “I think it’ll be good therapy. Already, it’s been fun cleaning it out, and I can’t wait to start painting.” She showed Vivian the paint sample colors that she’d stuck in her purse, explaining her plan to paint the cabinets turquoise. “Do you think that’s too bright? Will it look okay?”
Vivian studied the colors and photos. “Kind of a Southwest look—but sixties style?”
“I guess so.” Dillon explained about living in Colorado. “I suppose that’s influenced me some.”
“Well, I love the color palette you’ve chosen. Admittedly, pink, blue, and yellow are mid-century colors, but not everyone wants a pastel-toned trailer. I believe you should do whatever makes you happiest. One guy did his in lime-green, black, and white. And it was gorgeous.”
“Well, these colors do make me happy.” Dillon picked up a turquoise teakettle. “See! This would be perfect in my Oasis.” She noticed some striped kitchen towels and pot holders with orange and turquoise shades. “These too.”
“Tell you what,” Vivian said. “I’ll give you a one-day first-time-buyer discount. Everything and anything you get will be 20 percent off for today only.”
“Thank you so much!” Dillon felt like a kid in a candy store.
“And I’ll show you some things that might work with your color scheme and Southwest theme.”
It didn’t take long for Dillon, assisted by Vivian, to accumulate quite a pile of kitchen items and charming knickknacks that she knew would be perfect for her trailer. But her favorite thing, besides the teakettle, was a set of unbreakable dishes in the perfect shade of turquoise. And there were plastic tumblers that looked like glass to go with it. She couldn’t wait to try them on her little dinette table.
“Do you know how to sew?” Vivian asked as she set a box on the counter. “If you don’t, I have a good seamstress that I use for my projects.”
“My grandma taught me when I was a teen, but I haven’t sewn in years.”
“Well, you’ll save money if you do it yourself.” Vivian led her to a fabric section. “My selection is somewhat limited, but I keep it like this on purpose. Too many choices just confuse people. And I’m certain we can find something to work with your colors.”
“Great.” Dillon wondered how hard it would be to dig Grandma’s sewing machine out from her craft room—and if she could remember how to run it.
Vivian picked out a number of fabrics that could work for curtains, and Dillon fell in love with a print that resembled a Navajo blanket in Southwest tones.
“And I always recommend keeping your upholstery color neutral. That’s another reason I carry a limited selection. Sturdy fabrics in basic colors.” She pulled out a tweedy fabric in earth tones. “I think this would be perfect.”
“It looks kind of boring to me,” Dillon admitted.
“Maybe it does now. But think of it like a backdrop. You just have to spice it up.” She spread the tweed fabric out on the cutting table, then laid the curtain fabric nearby. Then she perused her shop, bringing back several pretty throw pillows and a colorful knitted throw with hues of turquoise and orange. “Imagine it all together, Dillon.”
“Yes—I get it now. I think you’re absolutely right. I want these too.” She gathered the soft goods into her arms. “I feel like a bird who’s feathering her nest.”
Vivian laughed. “Yes, you’re definitely hooked.” Now she called her assistant over, telling her which fabrics to cut and how much was needed. Then she told Dillon about a website with a good tutorial on upholstering dinette benches. “It’s much easier than you think. All you need is a good pair of scissors and a sturdy staple gun.”
Dillon added those items to the list on her phone. More things to hunt down at the hardware store. “I hate to think of how much this will all cost,” Dillon admitted. “I mean, I think it’s totally worth it. But I’m preparing myself for sticker shock.”
“Restoring a trailer is definitely an investment. But I don’t think you should scrimp unless you have to. The payoff is a beautiful tiny home that you can take anywhere. It’s like freedom on wheels. And if you live in it, you’ll save a bundle in rent money. Really, it’s a win-win.”
Seeing a pretty display of fine bed linens, Dillon remembered her last good night of sleep in the tiny yellow trailer. “I’m not sure about the bed.” She showed Vivian a photo of her pull-out sofa/bed. “I want it to be really comfortable.” She didn’t want to admit she’d been sleeping on her grandpa’s couch because her mom had taken her old room. That sounded too pathetic.
“Well, if I were you, I’d convert that pull-out sofa into a regular bed with a good full-sized mattress. You could make it double as a daybed with some big comfy pillows in back. Then you could just toss the pillows onto the bunk above and sleep comfortably.”
“Yes, I can just see that. I love that idea.”
“There’s a great online mattress company I can recommend. The mattress comes packed in this relatively small box, then you open it up and—presto chango—you’ve got a deliciously comfortable bed.” She showed Dillon the website on her phone. “Look, they even do rush orders.” With a little help, Dillon soon had a mattress ordered with guaranteed delivery by Monday.
“Fabulous.” Dillon put her phone away, imagining the wonders of sleeping in a comfy bed in her own lit
tle trailer as soon as next week. Was that even possible?
“If you really want luxury, you should check out these sheets.” Vivian picked up a thick package tied with a blue satin ribbon. “They’re top-of-the-line and unbelievably soft. A little pricey, but with your one-day discount . . .”
Dillon knew she was being extravagant—something she’d never been before—but she didn’t care. In the same way she was giving her trailer a makeover, she was making over her way of thinking. She had entered a new era of life—a time for reinvention, taking risks, spontaneity, and fun!
By the time Dillon saw the grand total, she was glad for three things. First, she was getting a 20 percent discount today. Second, she had enough in her bank account to cover this “investment.” And third, she would be gainfully employed by Monday.
CHAPTER
9
After she’d loaded her car with what Vivian said was “trailer treasure,” Dillon drove back to the hardware store to pick up her paint and the other items on her list. Of course, she was hoping to bump into Jordan, but although she perused almost every corner of the store in search of her needed odds and ends, he was MIA. Unfortunately, she was unable to think of any good reason to inquire as to his whereabouts, so she went ahead and checked out. More than anything, she was eager to get back to her trailer. It was getting late in the day, and she really wanted to work on it some more.
After parking out by the trailer, Dillon decided to leave her lovely purchases from the Silver Slipper in her car. Her vehicle could double as a temporary storage unit, and she would simply unload the tools and supplies she needed for now. She took each item out of its packaging, lining up tools and hardware in happy anticipation of their use.
She was eager to see her turquoise paint on the cabinets but knew it was late in the day to start that task. And Ryan had warned her not to rush it. He’d even written down preparation tips about sanding and such, suggesting she remove the cabinet doors and hardware. “And be sure to number everything so you can get it back into the right spots.” He’d even suggested she get a rechargeable screwdriver to make it easier. “It’s a handywoman’s best friend,” he’d assured her.
The Happy Camper Page 7