Page 45 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“Okay, Mr. Moan and Groan,” Jennifer teased. “Ask anotherquestion then.”
Harley’s smile faded, and his expression became serious as he watched her for a few seconds before leaning forward with his elbows on the table. “Why haven’t you asked Andrew why he left and kept away for forty years?”
Jennifer was taken aback by Harley’s question. Not because he’d asked it but because she didn’t know how to answer it when she’d asked herself the same thing over and over since Andrew had arrived the previous day.
“I’m sorry.” Harley held up his hands. “I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No!” Jennifer said quickly. “You’ve been so supportive through all my family drama, even though it opened an emotional wound for you. You’ve witnessed Liam and me not behaving at our best around Andrew, and demanding an explanation for his actions is what most people would’ve done.”
“Yet you and Liam seem to have no desire to do so,” Harley pointed out.
“No, we don’t want to know,” Jennifer told him honestly. “That would mean we still cared, and we don’t.” She shrugged, pushing aside the little voice in her head calling her a liar. “Andrew had forty years to explain, but he didn’t, and that’s not what the purpose of his visit was about either. He didn’t come here to mend any bridges. He camebecause he needed something from us.” She cleared the lump from her throat.
“I get it.” Harley nodded in understanding. “Do you want to know why he left?”
“That’s your third question in a row!” Jennifer pointed out.
“Okay, but I don’t withdraw the questions,” Harley told her, grinning.
“Fine, I’ll answer that question after you answer mine.” Jennifer sipped the water as she thought about her next question. “Do you have Daniel’s comic books he created?”
“Yes, I do,” Harley answered. “Why?” He held up a hand. “And that’s not a question to you. It’s included in my answer.”
“Fair enough,” Jennifer agreed, enjoying their getting-to-know-each-other session. “How would you feel about letting me read them?”
“Why?” Harley’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“I’m an editor, and I know many people in the trade, including a publishing house specializing in graphic novels,” Jennifer told him. “Don’t answer now. Think about it. But you told me about Daniel’s journal and how he feared he’d fade into nothing without leaving a mark. Maybe Daniel’s mark is meant to be through his drawings.”
Harley was quiet as he contemplated her offer. “I’ll have to talk it over with Angela. But I think it’s a great idea.”
They finished their meal, got a doggy bag, and decided to go to the Beach Hut to get some takeout for Sam and Betty. They walked across the beach to the Beach Hut where Finn greeted them with a sly smile.
“Are you two here to fight again, or are the rumors true and you’ve called a truce?” Finn grinned.
“Funny.” Jennifer pulled a face at the man who was like another brother to her. “We’ve come to order takeout for Aunt Betty and Sam.”
“Daniella mentioned that they were living together now.” Finn’s smile grew.
“Daniella was here?” Harley asked. “When?”
“Oh, about an hour ago,” Finn told them. “I believe she had the same idea as you.”
“Are you saying Daniella already bought food for them?” Jennifer’s eyes narrowed irritably at Finn. He loved to goof around.
“Yes.” Finn nodded. “Can I get you two anything?” He eyed the doggy bag in Harley’s hand. “Although I see you’ve already had something at Liam’s.”
“Yes, we’ve eaten, thanks, Finn,” Harley told him and glanced at Jennifer. “We’d better stop at Liam’s office on the way back to Sam’s house.”
“Yes, I’d almost forgotten about that.” Jennifer sighed, and they were about to leave when Finn caught her hand.
“Jen, Daniella told me that Andrew is back.” Finn’s eyes were heavy with concern. “Are you and Liam okay?”
“Honestly,” Jennifer answered, feeling the weight of his question and tired of pretending, “I’m not sure.”
CHAPTER 10
Harley wasn’t a very good passenger in a car. He liked to be in control of the wheel, especially along the back road where he’d met Jennifer thirteen days ago. Harley had to stop from reaching toward the dashboard or the handle above the door whenever Jennifer took a corner.
