Page 7 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
Caroline had done her best to reassure Tanya, even though a nagging feeling tugged at her conscience. She couldn’t help but wonder if Robert was already subjecting Tanya to the same emotional turmoil he had once inflicted upon her during their marriage. The guilt weighed heavily on her, knowing she was lying to a pregnant woman to protect her from the painful truth.
After hours of mediating and offering support, Caroline had finally managed to bring some semblance of peace between the feuding parties. Jules would have the loft room at their Plum Island home, and she was free to bring whatever belongings she wished from her father’s house. It was a small victory, but it was one that had left Caroline emotionally drained.
With the family drama temporarily resolved, Caroline shifted her focus to the upcoming meeting with one of Danes Productions’ scriptwriters for the Cobble Cove Mysteries series. The discussions had been creative and engaging, filled with excitement and potential. It was a welcome change of pace from the earlier turmoil, and it reminded Caroline of why she had chosen the world of literature and storytelling in the first place.
As the meeting concluded, Caroline’s thoughts inevitably turned to her impending date with Brad. A smile tugged at her lips, and her heart danced with a newfound sense of hope and anticipation. It had been so long since she had experienced such elation, and the feeling was both foreign and enchanting.
Caroline’s preparations for the date had been meticulous. She had selected an outfit that struck the perfect balance between casual and chic, wanting to make a good impression without appearing overly eager. Her fingers traced the delicate fabric of her dress as she admired her reflection in the mirror. She had forgotten how exhilarating the prospect of romance could be.
Just as Caroline was about to head out the door, Jennifer intercepted her, a determined glint in her eyes.
“Can I borrow your phone quickly?” Jennifer asked her, and Caroline handed it to her.
With a swift motion, she took Caroline’s phone and proceeded to download a “Find My Friends” app, linking it to her device.
“What on earth, Jen?” Caroline frowned while her initial unease was replaced by gratitude for her friend’s concern and the feeling that at least Jennifer would know where she was.
“Well you did agree to this and you’re going out with a man we don’t know, and I haven’t even met.” Jennifer raised her eyebrows. “You don’t even know his last name.”
“I’m sure we’ll get to exchanging those tonight,” Caroline promised.
“You’d better!” Jennifer demanded. “At least then I can Google him or ask my friend at the FBI to run a background check.”
“You’re joking, right?” Caroline was a little alarmed.
“No!” Jennifer shook her head and presented Caroline with a small gift, elegantly wrapped. “I’m not. Times have changed since you were last on the dating scene.”
“I’m not on the dating scene, and I most certainly didn’t expect to have a chance meeting with a handsome stranger that I hit it off with, and he asked me to dinner.” Caroline couldn’t help the goofy smile that spread across her lips, spurred on by her fluttering heart.
“Oh, well, that makes it so much better!” Jennifer mocked. “Now open your gift, or I won’t allow you out the door.”
Caroline’s curiosity piqued. She eagerly unwrapped the gift. Inside, she found an exquisite smartwatch, its design both modern and sophisticated.
“Jenny, this is gorgeous and must’ve cost you a fortune.” Caroline looked at her friend in awe. “I can’t accept this. It’s just too much.”
“You can never be too careful in the city,” Jennifer warned, then beamed. “And you can consider it a gift from your future literary manager.”
Caroline was touched by the gesture, her heart warmed by Jennifer’s unwavering support right before her friends’ words sunk in, and her eyes widened in surprise.
“Does this mean you’re considering my idea?” Caroline’s heart lifted even higher.
“I’m more than considering it,” Jennifer told her. “I’ve already started the ball rolling.” She gave Caroline a sheepish grin. “Honestly, I was going to follow you tonight and ensure you were okay.” She laughed when Caroline rolled her eyes. “But I’m going to be networking at a media function tonight. I got the watch as my spy instead so I can find out where you are at all times.”
She took Caroline’s watch off her and made her put the new smartwatch on, deftly helping her fasten it. Caroline couldn’t help but feel a sense of security knowing that her friend was looking out for her. She was even happier about Jennifer’s new venture.
“Oh, Jen, I’m thrilled for you,” Caroline said gleefully. “This is so exciting. Both of us are taking strides towards our dreams.”
“Okay, slow down there, Speedy.” Jennifer laughed at her enthusiasm. “While you’re flying to the top, I’m starting out with one client—you!”
“I know you, Jen,” Caroline encouraged. “When you put your mind to something, it’s not without the force of your heart and soul behind it.” She gave her a big smile. “That’s why I know you will be ahugesuccess.”
“Thank you for your vote of confidence,” Jennifer told her. “I need as much of that as I can get.” She checked Caroline’s new wristwatch. “I’ve already linked it to mine. There’s a panic button if you need me.”
Jennifer gave Caroline a crash course on how to use the watch. With a final embrace and a few words of encouragement, Jennifer finally allowed Caroline to leave. Nervously, she made her way to A Cup of Soho, the coffee shop where her chance encounter with Brad had unfolded. Her steps were light, but her heart raced with anticipation.
As she pushed open the café‘s door, a wave of relief washed over her. Brad was already waiting for her. A smile lit his face that mirrored the fluttering excitement in her own heartwhen he saw her. The evening ahead held the promise of new beginnings, a chance to leave behind the trials of the day and embrace the hope of a romantic adventure.
The quaint ambiance of A Cup of Soho enveloped them as they settled into a cozy corner, the world outside fading away. Brad and Caroline’s evening had begun, and it was filled with the promise of a delightful dinner with engaging conversation. They shared a bottle of red wine as they read over the menus.
