Page 52 of The Cottage on Plum Island
Jennifer checked her wristwatch. It was nearly eight in the morning. Her brow creased.
Where is Harley? Jennifer buttered a piece of toast and took a bite.
They were supposed to meet at eight in the dining room for breakfast. Jennifer wanted to go past his room on the way to breakfast but had decided not to, especially after last night’s kiss. Her heart jolted.
That kiss should never have happened!Jennifer drank her coffee.Now things are going to be awkward!
She shifted in the chair as memories of the kiss tumbled into her thoughts, making the butterflies in her stomach go wild.
Stop it!Jennifer reprimanded her traitorous emotions.Harley and I were just becoming good friends, and now is not the time for emotionalentanglements!She finished her toast.Just play it cool and act normal like the kiss didn’t happen.
Jennifer rechecked her wristwatch and frowned—eight-fifteen. She looked toward the entrance of the dining room. While she’d only known Harley for a few weeks, Jennifer knew he was extremely punctual.
“I hope he’s okay,” Jennifer mumbled, finishing her coffee.
She signaled the server, who came right over.
“Can I get you anything else, Miss Gains?” The man smiled politely.
“No, thanks. Just charge the breakfast to my room, please,” Jennifer told him.
“It’s all been taken care of,” the server assured her, pulling out her chair.
“Thank you.” Jennifer stood.
“Have a wonderful morning,” the server said.
Jennifer left the dining room and walked to the front desk.
“Good morning, Miss Gains,” the front desk clerk greeted Jennifer. “Would you like me to order you a taxi?”
She and Harley had agreed they would leave her car parked at the hotel as it was easier to take a cab to the hospital and back. Besides, Andrew was paying for their expenses. A few cab ridesdidn’t seem a high price for forty years of absence. Jennifer pushed the tiny pangs of guilt she felt aside. She was not going to feel bad for the man.
However, Jennifer did sympathize with Andrew and his wife for what they were going through, and her heart ached for poor Molly. Jennifer hoped that she or Liam were donor matches. Molly deserved every chance to beat this disease, and Jennifer would help her in any way she could. Like Aunt Betty and Harley pointed out, Andrew deserting Jennifer and Liam had nothing to do with Molly.
If she was being honest, it was nice being a big sister.
“Miss Gains?” the front desk clerk’s voice broke into Jennifer’s musings.
“Sorry, yes, I need a cab to take me to Boston General,” She answered. “Also, would you mind ringing Mr. Donovan’s room please? We were supposed to meet at eight in the dining room, and he didn’t show up.”
“Oh!” The clerk’s brows widened. “Mr. Donovan left at seven this morning.”
“Where did he go?” Jennifer asked, surprised.
“He ordered a cab to take him to Chestnut Hill,” the clerk told her.
“Chestnut Hill?” Jennifer’s brow knitted together in confusion.
“Do you want to leave a message for him?” the clerk asked.
“No.” Jennifer shook her head. “If you’d just order a cab, please.”
“It’s already outside.” The clerk smiled. “Have a nice day.”
Jennifer nodded distractedly as she headed to the cab. On the way to the hospital, she felt like she was caught in a storm of emotions that ranged from disappointment to anger. She was disappointed because she was looking forward to spending time with Harley and angry because he’d promised to be with her for the tests.
Get a freakin’ grip, Jennifer!She pinched the bridge of her nose.You’re a grown woman. You don’t need someone to hold your hand.Her brow furrowed as her mind filled with questions.Why would Harley go to Chestnut Hill?Her eyes widened as a thought crossed her mind—Andrew lived in Chestnut Hill!
