Page 4 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
Jennifer’s face slowly lit up with hope and determination. “You know what? Maybe you’re right. Perhaps it’s time I took that leap of faith.”
They continued their stroll. Caroline could see the weight of uncertainty lift from Jennifer’s shoulders. As they walked together under the city’s glittering skyline, Caroline couldn’t help but feel that life had a way of weaving unexpected threads into their stories, leading them toward brighter tomorrows.
CHAPTER 2
Brad left the quaint coffee shop with a sense of lightness he hadn’t felt in years. The chance encounter with Caroline had injected a burst of unexpected excitement into his otherwise predictable life. As he strolled down the bustling New York City streets, his thoughts were consumed by the intriguing woman he had met.
Caroline...
He couldn’t help but smile as her image danced through his mind. She stood at about five foot six inches, her figure slim and graceful. Styled in a loose bun, her sandy blond hair, the color of sun-kissed wheat, framed her face. Her captivating hazel eyes were set beneath long, thick lashes and hidden behind a pair of glasses. Caroline’s face bore no heavy makeup. Just a touch of mascara accentuated her natural beauty. It was evident that she possessed flawless skin, a fact that only enhanced her charm. But what truly drew him in was her dimpled smile, which radiated warmth and kindness.
While some might label her appearance as “mousy” and stereotypically librarian-like, Brad found her endearing and refreshingly genuine. What was even more appealing was that she seemed oblivious to his identity. Or, if she did recognize him, she was a masterful actress, adept at concealing her knowledge. It was a rarity he hadn’t experienced in a long time.
Lost in his reverie, Brad meandered along the sidewalk, oblivious to his surroundings. He was so absorbed in thoughts of Caroline that he didn’t hear his son’s voice calling out to him. It was only when Connor shouted from the town car that had pulled up next to the curb that Brad snapped back to reality.
“Dad!” Connor’s voice held a hint of exasperation as he leaned out of the car window. “Are you coming?”
Brad shook his head to clear his thoughts and grinned at his son. “Sorry, buddy. Got a lot on my mind.”
Connor rolled his eyes playfully. “You wouldn’t happen to be thinking about a summer vacation to California, would you?”
Brad settled into the plush leather seat next to his son. The town car pulled away from the curb, navigating the busy Manhattan streets. Brad found he had to force his mind from drifting back to Caroline, leaving a bemused smile on his face.
“No, son, we’re not going to California so you can spend your days surfing while I watch from the shore, holding my breath and willing all the sharks away.” Brad looked at him.
Brad’s thoughts of Caroline remained his own as he refrained from sharing them with Connor. After all, parents generally didn’t discuss their dates with their sixteen-year-old children. Although, for some reason, Brad found himself wanting to tell whoever would listen about his meeting with Caroline.
The town car finally arrived at their stately townhouse, situated in one of the upper-class neighborhoods of New York. The building was an architectural masterpiece, boasting elegant brownstone façades and a charming front garden withmeticulously manicured hedges and flowers in full bloom. Its elegant exterior showcased timeless wrought iron railings and a carefully landscaped garden that burst with vibrant colors each spring. Inside, high ceilings with intricate moldings, large windows, and rich dark wood floors created a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. The décor was a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary, reflecting Brad’s family’s refined taste.
Dinner that evening was relaxed in the spacious and tastefully decorated dining room. Connor, who had been eagerly awaiting this conversation, wasted no time diving into his favorite topic.
“Dad,” Connor began, his eyes shining with excitement, “please, can you at least think about going to California this summer?”
Brad raised an eyebrow. “Why are you so adamant about California?” He watched his son closely. “There are loads of other surfing spots around the country and overseas, for that matter.”
Connor leaned forward, his enthusiasm shining in his blue eyes that mirrored Brad’s. “There’s this big surfing competition I want to enter.” His eyes widened in excitement. “It’s the same competition that started Finnster’s surfing career.”
Brad smiled, fully aware of Connor’s passion for surfing. His son had idolized legendary surfer Finnster since he was a child. Finnster’s remarkable career and his status as a surfing icon had inspired Connor to pursue his own dreams on the waves since Brad had bought him his first bodyboard at the age of six.
That was the year they’d watched Connor’s first surfing competition, and he’d been hooked. Every chance Connor got, he’d hightail it to Rockaway Beach in Queens when they were in New York or one of the many popular surfing spots when they were at Brad’s family home in the Hamptons.
“I take it you’re talking about the West Coast Classic Surfing Competition?” Brad leaned back in his chair.
“Yes, you know it’s been my dream.” Connor’s expression was full of hope as he stared at his father.
Brad sighed with mock exasperation. “How can I say no to making whatever dreams of yours I can make come true?”
Connor beamed. “Does this mean we’re going?”
“It means I’ll think about it!” Brad grinned. “And what is your report card going to tell me?”
Connor’s face lit up with excitement. “Thanks, Dad! You’re the best!”
“Don’t thank me just yet, young man,” Brad warned him. “You’ve still got one week of school left, and we’re not making any plans until we know you don’t have to attend summer school.”
“Dad!” Connor harrumphed. “When have Ieverhad to attend summer school?“ He gave his father a comical look. “You know I’m a genius and I’ve never gotten lower than A’s.”
“There was that one time you got an A minus.” Brad stood once they’d finished their meal and thanked Rosa as she came to clear away their plates.
