Page 64 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“Sure, honey,” Caroline said and received a big hug and kiss from her daughter as her reward.
“You’re the best mom in the world,” Jules told her, kissing Caroline’s cheek again. “If you need me, message me.” She looked at her mother. “Okay?”
“I will, I promise.” Caroline’s heart was filled to the brim with love and joy at the moment she would’ve pulled the moon from the sky if Jules had asked for it.
“I’m going to pack and let Lila know I can stay over,” Jules said as she walked toward the stairs. “Thanks, Mom and Aunt Jen. You’re the coolest adults.”
“We’re the coolest!” Jennifer and Caroline chorused, laughing.
“It’s good to see you and Jules connecting again,” Jennifer noted, plopping onto the sofa while she waited for Jules. “Do you want me to call Liam and ask him to keep an eye on Jules’s budding relationship with Reef, or are you going to do it?”
“What makes you think I was going to do that?” Caroline sometimes hated how well Jennifer knew her as she started messaging Liam. “I’m merely making sure it’s okay for Jules to stay the night.”
“Uh-huh!” Jennifer nodded, not at all convinced. “Of course, that’s all you’re asking.”
“Thank you for taking her to your brother’s for me,” Caroline said as she hit send on the message to Liam.
She put her phone on the table beside her as Jules rushed back into the living room.
“Ready!” Jules had her backpack slung over her shoulder, her tablet, her phone, and headphones in her hand.
“That’s my cue,” Jennifer said, standing and looking pointedly at Caroline. “I’m leaving those three in charge here.”
Jennifer pointed to Melton, who was lazing in the sun by the window, Sandy, who was lying next to Caroline’s chair, and Blue Beard, who was enjoying the sun with Melton.
“I’ll be fine,” Caroline assured them as Jules kissed her goodbye. “Be safe, honey, and listen to Uncle Liam.”
“Always, Mom,” Jules promised, leaving the room.
“I won’t be long,” Jennifer told her. “Do you want to come with me, and we can go to the store?”
“I need to figure out what I need first.” Caroline wanted a few minutes of peace and quiet without watchful eyes tracking her every movement.
“Okay, then,” Jennifer nodded. “I’ll be back in half an hour.”
“Take your time,” Caroline called after Jennifer.
Caroline breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the kitchen door close, and the house fell silent. She loved her daughter and best friend, but they had been shadowing Caroline since she got home from the hospital, and she needed some space before she exploded.
She was about to lock the back door when her phone beeped. Caroline picked it up and froze at the message on the screen.
Keep your distance, or you won’t like the consequences as I destroy you and ensure your series never gets made!
CHAPTER 16
Brad stepped into the Summer Inn, his thoughts still swirling with the near kiss he’d shared with Caroline. Anticipation bubbled within him, contemplating their lunch together the next day. He needed an excuse, a reason to see her again today, to bridge the gap between the lingering almost moment and the promise of tomorrow.
As he navigated through the foyer, the sight of Alex Blackwell at the front desk brought a heavy sigh to Brad’s lips, and his heart sank. The Blackwell brothers had descended upon the tranquil Plum Island, disrupting the usual rhythm of life.
In Brad’s mind, the question lingered like an uninvited guest:Did no one in show business know the meaning of a schedule? They weren’t supposed to arrive for another two days!
Unfortunately, it was definitely Alex, the more extroverted half of the Blackwell Director and Production duo, who was the playboy, carefree and always ready for a good time, who was at the concierge desk.
Brad would’ve much rather have run into Alex’s brother, Ethan, the reserved director, who shunned the limelight and evaded social gatherings whenever possible. Brad rolled his eyes as Alex explained his needs to the concierge.
“I need someone who can cook and cater for about fifteen to twenty people on short notice,” Alex’s voice carried across the foyer. “I’m hosting a dinner party tonight. My assistant will give you the menu.”
Attempting to sidestep the impending invitation Brad knew was coming, he tried to sneak past, only to be caught in Alex’s sights.
