Page 43 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
Brad couldn’t help the annoyance that crept into his voice. His father had wanted Rowen Ashton to play one of the male characters in the series. Rowen agreed to take the role with the condition that his sister get a job on the crew so she could learn about the world of movie production. Brad had never liked Clover. Something about her made him uneasy, and it wasn’t just how she stared at him all the time.
“As Harriet’s assistant, I thought she’d need me to help her as I know she has a lot to do before filming can begin,” Clover explained. “So, I came early.”
“That’s nice of you.” Brad gave her a tight smile before turning his attention back to Caroline. “Should we make our presence known to our kids?”
“No!” Harriet stepped in between Caroline and Brad, linking her arms through theirs. “I’m here keeping an eye on them. Moms and dads are not allowed here tonight.”
“Caroline is worried about Jules and that teenage boy she’s dancing with,” Brad told them, looking for an excuse to stay so he could keep Caroline with him for a while longer.
“Reef is harmless, and I know he really likes Jules,” Tanith told them.
“You know about this?” Caroline looks at Tanith in surprise. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because Jules told me in confidence, and I thought it was better to trust me and talk to me than to have no one to talk to,” Tanith reasoned. “Don’t worry. If I thought there was anything you needed to know, Caroline, I promise I’ll tell you.”
“I think knowing my daughter has a crush on a boy is something I need to know,” Caroline pointed out.
“I’m sure Jules will tell you when she’s ready,” Tanith assured her. “And before you get cross with me, it’s like I said, it’s better if she’s talking about it than hiding it.”
“True,” Harriet agreed and smiled warmly at Caroline. “As we’ve been teenage girls, we can understand that.”
Caroline sighed and agreed, “I guess you’re right.” She glanced at her wristwatch. “I’d better get going.” She looked at Tanith. “You’ll keep an eye on Jules for me?”
“Of course,” Tanith promised.
Caroline looked at Brad, and his heart sank. He had to refrain from reaching out and begging her not to go; he wasn’t ready for their night to end.
“Thank you for tonight,” Caroline said to Brad before looking at Harriet. “It was good to see you again.” She turned to Clover, holding out her hand. “Hi, I’m Caroline.”
“Clover,” Clover introduced herself, shaking Caroline’s hand. Her eyes scanned Caroline’s face before realization dawned on her. “You’re Carrie Lines?”
“She is,” Tanith said proudly.
“If you’re returning to the inn, I’ll walk you,” Brad offered.
“No, it’s okay,” Caroline held up her hand to stop him. “I’ll be fine.”
“We’ll walk back with her,” A male voice followed a man from the direction of the Beach Hut. “Hi, I’m Trent Becks.” He introduced himself.
“Trent?” Caroline looked at him in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“I invited him,” Tanith held up her hand as she answered, then quickly changed the subject. “We were going to the Summer Inn to get more ice.”
“I’ll go back with you,” Brad insisted.
“Stay,” Harriet pleaded with him. “We haven’t had a fun night in ages.”
Brad didn’t want to stay, and he was about to say so when Caroline said, “Please, stay and get a taste of Plum Island hospitality.”
“Yes, and come meet Caroline’s brother.” Harriet grinned. “You’ll never guess who he is.”
Brad looked at Caroline questioningly, “Is your brother a celebrity?”
“Sort of!” Caroline waved her hand in the air.
“Oh, don’t be so modest!” Harriet gushed and turned to Brad. “Caroline’s brother is none other than The Finnster!”
Brad looked at Caroline in disbelief. “Your brother’s The Finnster, a surfing legend and Connor’s hero?”
