Page 4 of Wynns of Change
“We were wondering if Robert was going to hang around,” Eryn said.
“I doubt it.” Harlow told them she figured he would return for the wrap-up party but there was no sign of him.
“So.” Aunt Birdie rubbed her palms together. “With the filming out of the way, I’m sure you’re ready to pull the trigger.”
She snatched her cell phone off the counter and waved it in the air. “I messaged Nigel during my last break and told him to file the divorce papers.”
Her aunt studied Harlow’s face. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. When I saw Robert, I was expecting a rush of emotions, but there was nothing. It was almost as if he wasmerely a casual acquaintance,” Harlow said. “The bottom line is we had a business relationship with a few fun trips thrown in.”
“You seem at peace,” Eryn said.
Harlow reached for her purse. “At peace and ready to get this celebration under way.”
Chapter 3
“That was a blast.” Eryn playfully nudged her bestie. “Thanks for letting us fly back to Vancouver to help you celebrate and wrap things up.”
“Thank you for coming.” Harlow tilted her head. “You actually like the city.”
“Sure. It’s a cool place. Very green and gorgeous. Plus, I loved being by the water.”
“It’s the complete opposite of New York, where it’s all concrete and skyscrapers.” Aunt Birdie, who was seated on the other side of Harlow, leaned forward, peering out the plane’s window. “As much as I enjoyed our quick visit, I’m happy to say goodbye to Vancouver and hello to Mackinac Island.”
“Me too.” A small sigh escaped Harlow’s lips.Home.She lay awake for half the night, excited to be heading back to Michigan. It had kept her going during the long days on the set. Returning to the idyllic island and catching up on some much-needed rest at Wynn Harbor Inn helped her push through to the end.
For the most part, the movie was “in the bag.” She’d fulfilled her contract. Nigel’s colleague in California was finalizing the papers. Robert, at least by outward appearances, was on board.
Despite the positive outlook, Harlow wasn’t kidding herself. This was only the first step. The couple would still have to hash out several issues including how to handle their properties. The condo in Palm Beach, the Malibu mansion, the swanky apartment in New York.
Untangling their personal and business assets would take time. At least they didn’t have children, forced to sort through a messy custody battle.
“A penny for your thoughts,” Eryn said.
“I was thinking about Robert and how I’m hoping things go smoothly.”
Her aunt arched her eyebrows. “I hate to be Debbie Downer, but I can’t envision him being agreeable or fair.”
“If he wants to fight, the lawyers win,” Harlow said. “The faster and smoother we part ways, the better.”
“Well, I hope you’re right.” Aunt Birdie pointedly changed the subject, filling Harlow in on what she’d missed during her weeks away. “The fall colors are absolutely stunning.”
“I can’t wait to see them.” A wistful smile played across Harlow’s face. Despite fall being a busy season and Mackinac Island’s weekends filled with “leaf peepers,” it offered pockets of peace and quiet. It also meant the island’s tourist season was winding down. “I’m so looking forward to a few months off.”
“Before deciding what new project you’ll take on,” Eryn reminded her.
“I have a couple I’m looking at. Robert is still hammering out a few of the details.” At least Harlow hoped he was. She quickly dismissed thoughts of him sabotaging her career. It would be in his best interest to negotiate the best possible deal, regardless of the project.
The flight from Vancouver went smoothly. Boarding the plane from Detroit to the island meant a long trek from one end of the massive airport to a smaller section, one that accommodated commuter planes.
As opposed to the longer flight, the last leg of their journey dragged on. The closer they got to Mackinac Island, the longer it seemed to take, as if the pilot was intentionally going slow, knowing Harlow was on pins and needles, eager for her first glimpse of the island.
Finally, he announced they were starting their descent. Harlow slid the window shade up and peered out.
The plane circled around, giving her a brief glimpse of the bustling harbor. Shifting her gaze to the left, she squinted her eyes, barely able to make out the outline of Wynn Harbor Inn, or what was left of it.
Harlow’s throat clogged. During those grueling days on set, twelve to fourteen-hour days of working nonstop, her thoughts would drift to the place her heart yearned to go…home.
