Page 11 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“How did it go with Lucy Woods’ agent?” Harriet inquired, her sharp eyes assessing Brad’s expression.
Brad sighed and shook his head. “Not well, I’m afraid. Her agent was on board until I mentioned that the Blackwell brothers would be producing the show.”
Harriet rolled her eyes, a gesture she often employed when discussing Brad’s father, Travis Danes. “Why is your father so insistent on hiring the Blackwell brothers for this series?”
Brad leaned back in his chair, pondering the question. “Because they’re the best at what they do. Their track record speaks for itself. When you want a successful movie or television series, you get the Blackwell’s.”
“Talking about the Blackwell brothers, have you spoken to them yet about directing and producing the show?” Harriet enquired with raised brows. “They may not be available, and you’ve started throwing their names around in association with this production.”
“I’ll talk to them tomorrow before their birthday party on their yacht. I know they’ll accept the gig,” Brad told her, sitting back and raising a knowing eyebrow. “Have you decided if you’re going to attend the party tomorrow?”
Harriet had found a perfect excuse to avoid the party and raised the advance copies of the books. “I’m afraid I’ll be too busy.” She gave him a smug smile. “Someone has to read these books to get acquainted with the material.”
Brad chuckled, appreciating her dedication. “Have you started reading them yet?”
Harriet nodded, holding up the first book. “Just started book number one.” She looked at the cover. “I have to admit, it’s darn good.”
Brad nodded. “Let’s hope it translates into a decent series.” He tilted his head. “Have you managed to secure one of the scriptwriters on my father’s list?”
“I did!” Harriet told him, and he had a feeling he wasn’t going to like who she managed to secure. “Despite your rather public humiliation of her and the fact she swore she’d never work for Danes Productions again if it meant you were involved, I managed to secure Dawn Vanderbilt.”
Brad closed his eyes briefly, a shadow of the past crossing his thoughts. He remembered his relationship with Dawn, which had been one of his longest since his divorce. They had been together for three years, even engaged for two, until Brad realized that she wasn’t the right fit for him. Unfortunately, their breakup hadn’t gone as planned, and he shuddered at the memory, pushing it aside. He hadn’t seen Dawn in two years.
“You couldn’t get one of the other two writers on my father’s list?” Brad looked at her hopefully.
“No, your father told me that Dawn was the first one to try and the scriptwriterhewanted working on this project,“ Harriet told him. “I felt awful having to use my friendship with her to twist her arm and assure her she wouldn’t have to deal withyou!”
“Great.” Brad gave a resigned nod.
“It goes without saying that I’ll be the one working with her throughout the production,” Harriet warned him.
“Agreed!” Brad glanced at his wristwatch. “Besides, the past was in the past. I’m willing to move forward in the best interest of the project and the upcoming series.”
“How gallant of you!” Harriet mocked. “Especially when you were the one that humiliated Dawn.”
“Thanks, Harriet. I still have vivid memories of the episode and don’t need a reminder,” Brad assured her.
“Oh!” Harriet said, snapping her fingers as a thought struck her. “There’s a quaint hotel on Plum Island called the Summer Inn that I believe can accommodate us and most of the team. There are a few bed and breakfasts on the island that will take the overflow.”
“Good news,” Brad said.
As Harriet prepared to leave his office, she paused, studying him intently. “There’s something different about you today,” she remarked.
Brad raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Oh? What do you mean?”
“Something is going on with your face!” Harriet circled with her hand, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. “You’ve been smiling, looking far too happy. What’s up?”
Brad couldn’t help but laugh. “Things are looking up, Harriet,” he replied, intentionally omitting the cause of his happiness. “The clouds are lifting, and the sun’s starting to shine through again.”
“Does that mean your father’s finally retiring?” Harriet’s eyes widened with excitement. “Remember you promised I would get your job and this office.”
“I haven’t forgotten!” Brad laughed and shook his head. “Especially as you remind me every opportunity you get.”
With that, Harriet left his office, and Brad watched her go, a sense of optimism lingering in the air. He noticed it was time to call the town car, and his heart did a weird tap dance in his chest because it was finally time to meet Caroline.
Brad sat in the back of his sleek town car, the leather seats cradling him in comfort as he glanced out of the tinted windows at the bustling streets of New York City. The soft hum of the engine and the gentle sway of the car provided a sense of calm amidst the urban chaos. He was accompanied by his professional chauffeur, a seasoned driver with years of experience navigating the city’s labyrinthine streets.
As the car glided through the city, Brad’s mind wandered to the afternoon he had planned with Caroline. He couldn’t shake the feeling of excitement and nervousness that had taken root in his chest. The prospect of spending more time with her, getting to know her better, and deepening the connection they had established sent a thrill through him.
