Page 36 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“What happened?” Finn asked.
“Melton, Sandy, and Blue Beard happened.” Caroline sighed and rolled her eyes. “Melton used Brad as a springboard and scratched his hands and chest while Blue Beard scratched his face.”
“How the heck did that happen?” Finn wanted to know.
“I’m not too sure,” Caroline told him, making her way through the kitchen. She started packing away the few groceries she’d bought. “But at a guess, I’d say they were stalking Liam as usual but got Brad instead.”
“Ah!” Finn said in understanding. “Blue Beard still has a problem with Liam.”
“Well, Liam shouldn’t steal his crackers!” Caroline pointed out. “You know how that Macaw is with his treats.”
“Yes, I have the scars,” Finn reminded her.
“Did you want something or is this the call you should’ve given me an hour ago when you agreed to let strangers wander around my house?” Caroline finished packing the groceries.
“I really meant to, Caro.” Finn’s voice was filled with apology. “But today has gotten away from me.” He paused. “You don’t usually mind allowing the odd person to look at the lighthouse.”
“Yes, but not Brad Danes!” Caroline bit out, lowering her voice. “I just found out who he is and that he’s in charge of the production of my series.”
“Do you know him?” Confusion was evident in his voice. “When I spoke to Liam, he told me Brad was here with the television crew as he was with Danes Productions.”
He is Danes Productions.Caroline corrected her brother in her mind.
“We met in New York!” Caroline told him and realized she’d said too much, so she changed the subject. “Did you need something?”
“Yes!” Finn said. “Liam messaged me to let me know that the director’s son is coming to Tucker’s party.”
“Connor.” Caroline frowned. “Why is it a problem?”
“Not at all,” Finn said. “Tucker is cool with it. I just needed to know if there’s anything the kid can and cannot eat. You know we have to check for allergies. Especially the rich and famous. I don’t want to get sued.”
“Can you ask Liam to ask Brad?” Two encounters with Brad in one day was Caroline’s limit. “I—Uh—I have to get back to the library, and they’re with him right now. I must take Jules back to the restaurant to finish her shift.”
“I’ve been trying to call Liam,” Finn told her. “I called the library and found out that you had to take Jules home, so I thought I’d give you a try.”
“I’ll tell him,” Caroline promised. “I have to go.”
They hung up as Jules and Connor walked into the kitchen.
“Do you want some juice?” Jules asked Connor.
“Yes, please,” Connor accepted the offer.
“Connor, my brother wants to know if you have any allergies or have a special diet,” Caroline asked him.
“Nah!” Connor shook his head, taking a glass of juice from Jules. “Thank you.”
He smiled at Jules, making her blush, and Caroline’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. The last thing she needed was another Shaw’s heart being broken by a Dane.
“I eat everything,” Connor assured her.
“Great, I’ll let my brother know.” Caroline looked at her daughter. “Jules, get your things. We have to leave.”
“I’m ready,” Jules told her. “Can Connor come to the restaurant?” She looked pleading at Caroline. “I’ve already texted Carly, and she’s cool with it. Reef’s there as well.”
Something flashed in Jules’s eyes, and her cheeks pinkened once again at the mention of Reef Donovan. Caroline sighed. She wasn’t ready for teenage crushes and the drama that went with them.
When did my baby grow up?Caroline wondered as she watched her daughter and Connor interact.
