Page 12 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
Brad’s thoughts drifted to the romantic picnic he had arranged in Hyde Park, complete with all the elements of a perfect date.He hoped the day would be memorable for both of them, a shared experience that would continue to draw them closer. Brad gave himself a mental shake. He felt like a schoolboy on his first date with the head cheerleader.
The car maneuvered through traffic with precision. Brad’s heart skipped a beat as they approached Caroline’s apartment building. Brad’s driver pulled up in front of the building, and Brad took a deep breath, his anticipation building. He knew this was the beginning of something beautiful, a new chapter in his life that fate had unexpectedly written.
Wow, I have got it bad!Brad shook his head. He couldn’t remember when last he’d felt like this and after only two dates.
Although the first day he’d met her was more a twist of fate than a date. It was worth getting stuck in Soho when his town car had been stuck in a major traffic jam after having collected Connor from his field trip.
Brad couldn’t help but feel a surge of nervous energy coursing through. He couldn’t believe how anxious he felt, like a teenager about to ask someone out on a first date. Even his palms were slightly sweaty. Taking a deep breath, he gathered his composure and stepped out of the car.
The doorman, a friendly older man in a crisp uniform, greeted him with a nod. “Good afternoon, sir. Who are you here to visit?”
Brad smiled warmly. “I’m here to see Caroline Parker.” He frowned. “She’s a guest of Jennifer…” He didn’t know her friend’s last name.
“Of course, sir.” The doorman nodded and smiled. “I know Mrs. Parker.” He pressed the intercom button, and Brad heard Caroline answer. “Mrs. Parker, I have a guest in the lobby for you.”
“Thank you, Harry. I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Caroline told him.
“If you wouldn’t mind waiting a few minutes, sir, Mrs. Parker will be here in a few minutes.” Harry indicated towards the plush chairs in the waiting area of the lobby.
“Thank you.” Brad nodded but didn’t feel like sitting.
Luckily, he didn’t have long to wait. Within a few minutes, the lift door dinged open, and Brad’s breath caught in his throat as Caroline stepped out. She looked radiant in a soft rose cotton shirt that gently hugged her slim figure, flowing cotton pants in light gray, and strappy sandals. Her sandy blond hair was swept up in its usual messy bun, and her glasses perched on her nose added to her charm. Her glossy lips curved into a smile as soon as she saw him.
“Hello, Brad,” she greeted him warmly.
“Hi,” he replied, equally pleased to see her.
They exchanged pleasantries, and Brad couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly beautiful she looked. He offered her his arm, which she graciously accepted, and they headed back to his town car.
Their destination was Central Park, where Brad had arranged a romantic picnic complete with a wicker basket filled with delicacies like fresh strawberries, artisanal cheeses, and crusty baguettes. Champagne chilled in an ice bucket, and there were even chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. Brad had made sure to include an array of different choices, not knowing what her tastes were. He wanted to make this day special for her.
They spread out a soft blanket under the shade of a towering oak tree, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Brad poured champagne into crystal flutes, and they toasted to the beauty of the day and the promise of the afternoon.
As they enjoyed their meal, their conversation flowed naturally like it had the night before. It was filled with laughter,and they shared stories about their lives in New York. The conversation moved on to their favorite books.
“I have many of those,” Caroline admitted. “Sadly, I haven’t had much time to read in the past two years.” She sighed. “I’ve secretly moved from reading to writing in the spare moments I used to ferret away for reading.”
“Ah, the reader is becoming an author.” Brad raised his glass to her. “I know authors don’t like to talk about their work in progress. But may I ask what it’s about?” He grinned. “You can give me a vague description.”
“Oh, it’s just a mystery novel,” Caroline said, waving it off.
“I hope you’ll let me read it when you’re done.” Brad refilled their glasses.
“Maybe,” Caroline said with a soft laugh.
“I’ll take that!” Brad smiled. “Are you and Jules doing anything special for the summer vacation?”
“Not, really,” Caroline told him. “How about you and Connor?”
“We usually spend most of the summer vacation at my family home in the Hamptons,” Brad told her. “Connor loves it there as we live close to some of what he calls the hottest surfing spots, and he has all his surfer buddies.”
“I’m familiar with surfer lingo.” Caroline laughed. “As I mentioned last night, I grew up with an older brother who was an avid surfer. He was always chasing the best waves. My father spent a fortune on him as he traveled all over America looking for the perfect waves.” She shook her head. “He was delighted when we had big storms in New England because it meant great waves.”
“I remember Connor and his friends wanting to surf the storm breaks.” Brad’s eyes widened. “But I wouldn’t let him. I draw the line at things like that.”
“I don’t blame you.” Caroline sipped her champagne. “My brother and his best friend, who happens to be Jennifer’s older brother, did that, and I swear he’s the reason my father went gray so young.”
“I’m sure my son and your brother would get on well then.” Brad laughed, his heart jolting and a warm feeling washing over him at the thought of introducing Caroline to Connor.
