Page 9 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
“Yes.” Ethan nodded. “I’ve bought a bungalow in the nature reserve in Cobble Cove.”
“A bungalow?” Bailey’s brows creased.
“Yes. It’s about half the size of the townhouse in New York,” Ethan told her. “But Shay loves it and said it’s the first house that’s felt like a home.”
“There you go,” Bailey said encouragingly. “Maybe she’ll meet some small-town teens and make friends.”
“She already met the boy next door,” Ethan told Bailey. “Reef seems nice, and Harriet says he’s a really good kid.”
“Ooh. Maybe Reef will be her first crush?” Bailey teased.
“Don’t go there,” Ethan warned. “And besides, he has a girlfriend.” He bit the side of his mouth thoughtfully. “I actually think Shay may have a crush on Connor Danes.”
“Brad’s son?” Bailey’s eyes widened. “No.” She shook her head. “They’ve known each other since they were babies. He’s like a big brother to Shay.”
“He’s invited her to a beach party at this place called the Beach Hut on Cobble Beach tomorrow night,” Ethan told his sister.
“And I hope you’re letting her go?” Bailey’s eyes narrowed.
“As long as Oz is there, she can go,” Ethan answered.
“You’re seriously going to have her go to a beach party shadowed by a bodyguard?” Bailey looked at him in disgust. “It’s Plum Island, for goodness sake.”
“Trust me, Plum Island isn’t the sleepy little town you think it is.” Ethan snorted. “In a year, there’s already been two mysteries. I don’t want the disappearance of my daughter to be a third one.”
“You are so paranoid.” Bailey’s voice was filled with frustration, and she dropped her head back.
“Dad.” Shay knocked and opened the door, stepping into his office. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you were on the phone.”
“Hey, Shay!” Bailey called, and Ethan turned his phone so Shay could see her aunt.
“Aunt Bailey!” Shay’s face lit up, and she walked over to the desk. “I haven’t spoken to you in months.”
“I know,” Bailey said. “It’s my fault as I’ve been so busy with my studies.”
“It’s okay.” Shay smiled. “I’ve also been busy with my studies, and I went on another dig in the desert with Gran.”
“She must’ve loved that.” Bailey grinned. “Mom can never stop talking about you being such a natural at archeology. Your dad, uncle, and I were never into digging around in the dirt or interested in old things.”
“Yes, but you, Dad, and Uncle Alex take after Grandad and are good at everything related to the film industry,” Shay pointed out. “It’s not for me.”
“It’s not for everyone,” Bailey said. “Your Dad tells me you love your new house.”
“Yes.” Shay’s smile grew. “It’s wonderful, and I love Cobble Cove. The people are so nice. I’ve made a few friends already.”
“Oh?” Bailey’s eyes widened with interest.
“Yes, they’re all local teens, and I’ve been invited to my first beach party tomorrow,” Shay’s voice resonated with excitement, surprising Ethan.
“Honey, that’s awesome,” Bailey said encouragingly. “Who are these friends?”
“Well, there’s Reef. He lives next door to us,” Shay informed Bailey. “Jules, Emily, Lila, and Connor.”
“Did you go to Brad’s wedding?” Bailey asked.
“Yes.” Shay nodded. “It was a beautiful wedding.”
“Were all your new friends there?” Bailey asked.
