Page 21 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“I know!” Alex said. “Malcolm is with the assessor at my house that was burned down.”
“I still can’t believe what happened to your beautiful house.” Harriet’s heart went out to Alex.
“I know,” Alex agreed. “I’m just grateful that none of you were in it.”
“Have you and Daniella decided what you’re going to do with it?” Harriet asked.
“We’re going to rebuild,” Alex told her. “But not as a house. We want to turn it into a medical center focusing on rare diseases and conditions that often go untreated or undiagnosed.”
“That’s not going to be easy,” Harriet warned.
“I know,” Alex said. “There’s a lot of red tape, but we’re going to work through it.”
“I think that’s awesome, and I’d like to help with it,” Harriet told him.
“You have to be here to help,” Alex commented.
“I’m not leaving for good,” Harriet said. “Just for a while.”
“Let’s put a pin in this discussion about you leaving until you’ve heard the plan,” Alex suggested. “As for the glass house, I know Daniella would appreciate your help with it and…” He glanced at her, grinning. “It could finally be a chance for you to use all that champagne you’ve been stealing from me.”
“I’ve still got a few more bottles to collect,” Harriet told him.
“I could always just buy them for you,” Alex raised his brows.
“That would make the bet null and void,” Harriet reminded him.
“I buy most of them anyway,” Alex pointed out.
“Yes, but you know the deal.” Harriet sighed.
“How long ago did you and Brad’s father make that bet?” Alex rolled his eyes.
“Five years ago.” Harriet grinned. “I’ve nearly hit my target.” She turned and looked at Alex. “I think Daniella’s new medical center would really benefit from the winnings when I win.”
“All our parents are going to lose a pretty penny as well when you do.” Alex laughed.
“They didn’t have to get in on it,” Harriet said.
“Yeah, but Ethan can be very persuasive when he wants to be,” Alex snorted. “He took your bet and quadrupled the winnings.”
“And now I have a cause to donate those winnings to,” Harriet grinned. “So you’d better have another ten parties before you start building the clinic.”
“You only need ten more bottles?” Alex looked at her in surprise. “Just how many parties have I had in the past five years?”
”Alot!“ Harriet laughed. “But they aren’t all from your parties. I’ve donated a few bottles to my cause on behalf of Brad, Ethan, Dawn, your parents, my parents, and Dawn’s family.”
“Way to go, Harry,” Alex laughed. “You’re going to take our parents’ money and use some of their champagne to do it.”
Alex’s phone beeped again as there was a knock on Harriet’s suite door.
“That must be the food,” Harriet said. “It took long enough.”
“Oh shoot, Harry,” Alex said, standing with her. “I’m going to have to go.”
“But the food’s just arrived.” Harriet pointed at the door.
“Don’t worry, Harry, I’m sure it won’t go to waste,” Alex said with a grin that sent tiny pinpricks of warning through her system.
