Page 95 of The Summer We Started Over

She found Barrett waiting expectantly in the living room.

“We have to talk,” Barrett said.

“Wait for us,” Dinah called.

Dinah came into the living room, slipped off her sandals, and curled up on the sofa. Their father sat next to her.What?Eddie thought. When did they start sitting near each other?

Barrett perched on the ottoman. “Listen, guys. A man named John Henderson came in to the shop today, looking for Dinah. He asked specifically for Dinah Lavender. He gave me his card and told me to pass it along if I saw her.”

Barrett handed the card to Dinah. Dinah read it, with William peering over her shoulder.

“He’s from Kansas?” Dinah asked, shaking her head. “I don’t know anyone from Kansas or recognize this name.”

“Could he be your stalker?” Barrett suggested.

William looked alarmed. “He’s still on the island?”

Dinah put a calming hand on his arm.

Barrett flinched in surprise. Dinah touched Barrett’s father so easily.Barrettnever touched her father so easily.

“Maybe,” Dinah told William. “But probably not. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t seen any signs of anyone following me. I’m fairly sure this Henderson fellow isn’t the stalker.”

“Well, why is he looking for you?” William growled.

Barrett laughed. “Dad. Come on. She’sDinah.”

William turned, muttered, and looked the other way.

Dinah said, “In my own way, I’m famous, William. A little bit famous.” She read the card aloud.

“John Henderson,” Dinah read. “Henderson Brokerage.”

“Let me see it.” William slipped the card from Dinah’s hand and read it. “I don’t like this at all,” he muttered.

“What should we do?” Barrett asked Dinah.

“I’ll call him and make plans to meet him for coffee tomorrow,” Dinah said. “I’m sure I’ll be safe at a restaurant in town with so many people around.”

“Would you like me to accompany you?” William asked.

“Thank you, William. I don’t think that will be necessary. You should keep working on your book.”

William looked crestfallen.

Eddie laughed. “Dinah, I think you’re collecting material for a new book.”

“Of course I am,” Dinah agreed with a toss of her head. “I like living with a group of people. I feel safe here, with you all so close. I feel safe enough to sleep at night.” She cast her beautiful gaze at William. “It would be even better if I didn’t have to sleep alone.”

Their father blushed a deep crimson.

“I think I’ll go up.” Dinah rose, and in a rather Scarlett O’Hara move, sashayed to the door, stopped, and looked back over her shoulder. “Please don’t worry about this man. I’m sure I’ll be fine.” With a swish of her skirt, she walked away.

“I’m going into my office for a while.” William stood up and left the room.

Eddie and Barrett stared at each other, both of them covering their mouths with their hands to hide their laughter.

“What is going on with Dad?” Eddie whispered.

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