Page 26 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“No.” Finn denied. “But I do know you. While you’ve been excited about your series being published and then picked up for television, I know that inside your soul is shaking with fear.”
“That’s quite an image.” Caroline frowned. “But really descriptive, and yes, I feel like my body is shaking from thecore.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m sorry they arrived today on Tucker’s sixteenth birthday.”
“Are you kidding me!” Finn laughed. “He wants to invite the film crew to his party tonight.”
“I can imagine.” Caroline shook her head. “Speaking of Tucker. I did try to call him to wish him, but he didn’t answer his phone this morning.”
“He’s been at the Surf Shack since dawn getting it ready for the party tonight,” Finn told her.
“He’s excited.” Caroline picked up her pen and started drawing shapes on her writing pad. “You are going to be there to chaperone, right?”
“Of course,” Finn assured her. “As you know, your good friend Jennifer’s brother, Liam, my best friend, is back in town.”
“Why do you always do that?” Caroline clicked her pen thoughtfully. “You don’t have to remind me who Liam is. I grew up with him hounding Jennifer and me.”
“You and Jennifer hounded us,” Finn corrected her. “As for reminding you who Liam is, I’m just making sure you don’t forget him—again!“ Finn teased. “You know, like when you didn’t send him an invitation to your wedding.”
“Good grief!” Caroline rolled her eyes. “That was fifteen years ago, and I didn’t forget him.Liamlost the invitation. He never liked Robert and made no attempt to hide it.”
“No, Caro, Liam didn’t lose the invitation.” Finn’s voice became grave. “Now that you’re no longer married to Heart Robber…” He paused, and Caroline could picture the mischievous glint in his eyes. “Sorry,Robertdidn’t send it.”
Caroline Frowned. “Jennifer told me Liam didn’t get an invitation after the divorce when we had ourno more Robertparty.”
“You two are still so freakin’ weird,” Finn said. “So, are you going to answer my initial question and reason for this call?”
“I did answer it,” Caroline reminded him.
“No, you didn’t,” Finn pointed out. “You gave me a brief answer and then moved the conversation full steam ahead to something else.”
“Yes, I’m feeling overwhelmed, scared, and like I’m in some weird altered reality,” Caroline admitted. “I have to meet Mr. Danes tonight for dinner, but I found myself making excuses not to go.”
“Ah!” Finn said. “Do you want me to go with you?”
“Thanks, big brother,” Caroline said. She and Jennifer had gotten the best of the bunch when it came to big brothers. “But you have your son’s sixteenth birthday party, and I’m a big girl now. I have to do this on my own.”
“No, you don’t, Caro,” Finn told her. “I’ve always got your back whenever you need me. But I understand, and I’m a phone call away.”
“I know, and I love you for that.” Caroline’s eyes moved to her office door, where Tanith was trying to get her attention. “I have to go. Tanith is about to break her arm, waving it so vigorously to get my attention.”
“Okay, little sister,” Finn said. “Let me know how your meeting with Mr. Danes goes.”
“Will do,” Caroline promised before saying goodbye and hanging up.
She stood as Tanith got to her door, popping her head through the crack and hanging on the handle, keeping it partly closed.
“Caroline, there’s someone to see you,” Tanith’s voice was hushed.
“I don’t have time,” Caroline told her. “The middle school’s principal will be here in fifteen minutes to discuss the science fair, and then the junior high school is arriving in an hour.” She gestured frustratedly with her hand. “Can’t you ask them to come back?”
“He said it was urgent and couldn’t wait.” Tanith pulled a sorry face. “And he’s not easy to say no to.”
“Tanith, you must learn to be sterner with people no matter who they are.” Caroline shook her head impatiently before giving a resigned sigh. “Fine, send him in, but make sure he knows I’ve only got a—“
Her words were cut off as a deep, familiar voice floated around her door.
“Sorry for the intrusion and stopping in without an appointment—“ The subtle scent of sandalwood, patchouli, musk, and vanilla wafted along with the voice.
“Sir, I asked you to wait at the—“ Tanith moaned at the man who rudely pushed the door wider.
