Page 18 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
The sea sparkled beyond the yacht, a breathtaking view that stretched to the horizon. The boat was docked in a prime spot, offering a stunning panorama of the New York City skyline, with its iconic buildings illuminated against the afternoon sky.
As they navigated through the well-dressed guests, Caroline and Jennifer couldn’t help but marvel at the extravagance of the event. The guests were dressed in casually elegant attire, and the women wore a mix of stunning dresses, shorts, and pantsuits, with jewelry that sparkled in the sunlight. The men wore a mixture of slacks or chinos, polo shirts, or linen shirts. It was like walking into the pages of an elite yachting magazine.
Jennifer took two sparkline glasses of champagne from a waiter who stopped in front of them. She handed one to Caroline, who sipped the bubbly liquid, which was crisp and refreshing.
Caroline leaned into Jennifer and spoke over the soft jazz music. “This is beyond anything I could have imagined.”
Jennifer chuckled. “I told you the Blackwells know how to throw a party.”
Caroline nodded in agreement. “It’s incredible. I can’t believe I’m here.”
“It’s a pity you’re meeting Brad.” Jennifer flashed a mischievous smile. “You’ve caught the eye of quite a few very well-known gentlemen already. I told you that makeover was a game-changer.”
Caroline blushed but appreciated the compliment. “Well, I must admit, I’m not used to all this attention. It’s a bit overwhelming.”
Jennifer laughed softly. “Welcome to the world of New York’s elite.” She glanced around the yacht. “And by the looks of it. If things work out between you and Brad, you’ll have to get used to it.”
As they strolled through the opulent yacht, Caroline couldn’t help but feel like an outsider in this world of extravagance and glamor. Her heart raced with nervous excitement, and she kept her eyes peeled for any sign of Brad. The yacht was a floating palace adorned with lavish decorations, crystal chandeliers, and fine art. The guests sipped on glasses of expensive champagne, their laughter mingling with the soft melodies of a live jazz band.
Jennifer nudged her gently. “Don’t be too overwhelmed, my friend. You belong here just as much as anyone else.”
They continued their search for Brad, ascending to different decks of the yacht. Each level outdid the last in terms of luxury and entertainment. There was a cozy lounge area with plush sofas, a fully stocked bar, and a dance floor where couples twirled to the music. On another deck, a gourmet buffet showcased a mouthwatering spread of dishes from around the world.
“I see someone I know,” Jennifer told her. “I’ll come find you.”
“Okay,” Caroline said, though deep down, she felt a twinge of anxiety.
Caroline moved through the crowd, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn’t help but feel out of place among the glittering elite of New York. Every familiar face Caroline recognized sent a wave of shock and awe through her. It was surreal to think she was at a party mixing with celebrities and influential figures.
As she ventured further into the yacht, she heard a warm, rich laugh that made her heart skip a beat. She turned and saw Bradengaged in conversation with another man, equally as tall and striking. Her eyes widened as she realized who the man was—a Blackwell brother, a name synonymous with Hollywood royalty. Jennifer had given her a quick lesson on the Blackwells and had shown Caroline their pictures in a magazine over breakfast.
Suddenly, her shyness overwhelmed her, and she retreated behind a pillar, her heart racing like a trapped bird. She observed them from a distance, her gaze fixed on Brad, who looked dashing in dark linen trousers and a polo shirt. His casual elegance made her breath catch in her throat.
“I saw you having a picnic in the park yesterday, old man,” the Blackwell brother told Brad.
The Blackwell brother’s words reached her ears, and her heart sank. They were talking about her. Anxiety coursed through her veins as she listened to their conversation.
“Oh, right!” Brad said, with a nod, taking a sip of his drink. He scanned the room before turning his attention back to the man in front of him.
“Was it a blind date? Maybe lose a bet? Or were you interviewing a nanny or tutor for Connor?” The Blackwell brother persisted.
“Not that it’s any of your business. She’s just a friend who’s in New York for a few days,” Brad replied in what Caroline interpreted as a bored, disinterested tone, sending a mix of emotions through Caroline.
She strained to hear the rest of the conversation while not being seen.
The Blackwell wiped his brow teasingly. “Phew, that’s a relief. For a moment, I thought you might be going through a mid-life crisis. The mousy librarian type is certainly not the kind of woman you usually have gracing your arm.” He laughed. “That would be like trading in an elegant racehorse for a nag.”
Caroline’s heart ached at the words, and her cheeks flushed with humiliation. Before she could process further, a stunning woman approached Brad, and they walked away for an intimate conversation. The sight shattered Caroline’s confidence, and she turned to flee.
Humiliation, anger, hurt, and betrayal overwhelmed her as she pushed her way through the crowd, desperate to escape the painful scene. She finally found Jennifer, her emotions a tumultuous storm.
“Caroline!” Jennifer gasped, concerned by the devastation on her friend’s face. “What’s the matter?”
“Please, can we leave?” Caroline’s voice quivered as she clung to her last shreds of dignity and forced herself not to burst into tears. “Please, please don’t ask questions. Let’s just go.”
“Of course,” Jennifer said, her eyes filled with empathy as they rushed off the yacht.
They remained silent for the cab ride back to Jennifer’s apartment. As soon as they were in the familiar surroundings of Jennifer’s apartment, Caroline’s pain, humiliation, and heartbreak finally burst forth. She crumpled on the sofa, wrapped in her friend’s arms, recounting the painful incident. One thing was clear to her—she and Brad were from two very different worlds, and she didn’t fit into his.
