Page 17 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“Wait,” Caroline said. “We’re just waiting for—“
“I’m here!” Jennifer’s voice made Harley’s spine stiffen, and his heart sank.
Great!Harley fumed inwardly.Of course,Jennifer Gains has to appear and ruin my evening on a superyacht.
“Sorry, I had to take that call.” Jennifer carefully climbed onto the deck. She had yet to see Harley, who tried to hide behind Alex. She looked at Harriet. “It was Brody Craft.”
“Brody Craft?” Harriet, Alex, Brad, and even Dawn spluttered.
“The Brody Craft?” Alex asked stupidly. “The latest teenage star that shot to fame overnight and is not only a huge teenage heartthrob but also one of the greatest actors we’ve seen in a long time?”
“Yes,thatBrody Craft.“ Jennifer’s eyes narrowed as she tilted her head to look behind Alex.
Harley looked over Alex’s shoulder, and his and Jennifer’s eyes met. Her brow creased, and her eyes clouded over.
“What did Brody want?” Harriet’s question distracted Jennifer, and she turned her attention away from Harley.
He felt strangely deflated for a few seconds but shook the feeling away as Finn’s words flitted through his mind:You’re falling for Jennifer. Harley was certainly not falling for Jennifer; they weren’t even frenemies like Alex and Harriet. They were nemeses and verbal-sparring partners.
“You’re kidding me?” Harriet’s words sliced through Harley’s thoughts, drawing his attention back to the conversation that he’d missed the first part of.
“Nope.” Jennifer shook her head, delight sparkling in her eyes. “And he’s agreed to play the part of the long-lost nephew in Cobble Mysteries. He’s coming to Cobble Cove next week and wants to meet with you and me, Harriet, to discuss being his manager.”
“Congratulations, Jen!” Caroline was happy for her friend.
“This calls for a champagne celebration,” Dawn stated. “My niece will be delighted that Brody’s going to be here, as she’s arriving to spend the summer with me in a week’s time.”
“I think all the teen girls on Plum Island are going to be glad that Brody’s going to be here,” Brad commented.
With that, Alex took them to the entertainment deck of the four-deck craft.
The entertainment deck sprawled before them as they ascended. A vibrant display of opulence unfolded—soft ambient lights adorned the perimeter, casting a warm glow over the glossy deck. Plush seating areas with comfortable cushions invited guests to relax, and a sleek bar beckoned with an array of top-shelf spirits. The atmosphere buzzed with animated conversations, laughter, and the occasional clink of crystal glasses.
In the center, a sumptuous spread awaited, a feast for the eyes and palate. Tables adorned with crisp white linens showcased an array of gourmet dishes—delectable appetizers, succulent main courses, and an enticing array of desserts. Alex had spared no expense, ensuring a culinary experience worthy of his superyacht’s grandeur.
The aroma of grilled delicacies filled the air as skilled attendants manned the barbecue, adding a touch of smokiness to the sea breeze.The chilled champagne bottles that nestled in silver buckets of ice glistened with condensation. After the recent conversation with Harriet, Harley could only imagine the price of each one and smiled at the thought of their champagne heist later that evening.
A live band on a raised platform captivated the audience with a melody that blended seamlessly with the rhythm of the waves. Couples twirled on the improvised dance floor, lost in the music, their laughter harmonizing with the melodies.
The night sky, adorned with stars, provided a celestial backdrop to the festivities. The distant lights of Plum Island twinkled like a constellation, mirroring the luminosity of the yacht’s LED accents.
Alex led the group to an elegantly arranged seating area with an unobstructed view of the seascape. The cushy chairs offered comfort, and a low table displayed an assortment of delicacies. Caroline, Daniella, Jennifer, and the others settled in, their eyes flickering with a mixture of appreciation and anticipation.
Harley found himself between Dawn and Harriet, with a prime view of the entertainment unfolding.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Dawn commented, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
“Alex certainly knows how to throw a party,” Harley acknowledged, taking in the scene.
“His flair for the dramatic extends beyond the movie set,” Harriet added, her eyes glinting mischievously as she picked a bottle of her favorite champagne from an ice bucket beside her. “Oh, look what I found.”
“It’s a bit early to be stealing champagne, Harry,” Brad, sitting on the other side of Harriet, teased, taking the bottle from her. “What say we open this one and drink it at our table?”
“Okay, but remember, I expect each of you to take a bottle as you leave,” Harriet reminded them.
“Yes, we know!” Brad, Dawn, Caroline, Jennifer, and even Daniella chorused.
“Daniella, has Harriet dragged you into her life of champagne crime?” Harley laughed.
