Page 29 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“Uh…” Harriet’s heart pounded as she turned back to her mother. “Yes. That’s right.” She nodded like an idiot as she bumbled her way through the lies that were mounting up.Should I be recording this?
“Harry, the house is still vacant,” Finn addressed Harriet. “And now that your parents are here …”
Harriet’s brows shot up as she looked at Finn and swallowed. His eyes softened, and she saw encouragement flash in their blue depth. “Well… uh…” She cleared her throat.Stop bumbling, you dolt!She admonished herself before turning to her mother. “Um… yes.” She nodded. “Of course. You and Father should have my suite.”
“Oh, that would be marvelous.” Julie smiled gratefully at Harriet, kissing her cheek. “You know how your father and I need the space of a suite.” She looked at Finn curiously. “Where is this house my daughter is going to be staying in?”
“Just a little way down the beach from the hotel,” Finn answered. “I have, or had, three houses I built on the land I own. I live in one. My friend, Liam, the hotel owner, bought one from me, and the third one is a holiday rental.”
“How big is this house?” Pat’s voice caught their attention, and they walked back into the living room.
“It’s a decent size,” Finn told Pat. “It has six bedrooms, two living rooms, and a splash pool on the deck overlooking the sea.”
“It sounds delightful,” Julie said and glanced at Pat. “What are you thinking, sweetheart?”
“Is it serviced, and do you have an onsite chef?” Pat asked Finn.
“It’s serviced, but I don’t have an onsite chef,” Finn said and glanced curiously at Harriet.
“What are you up to,Father?”Harriet’s eyes narrowed in on him.
“If the house was fully serviced,” Pat began. “Then your mother and I could move into Finn’s holiday home and invite Titus and his party to stay with us.” He looked at Finn. “Do all the bedrooms have bathrooms?”
“Yes, and there’s a guest bathroom off the entertainment room,” Finn told him, staring at Pat in surprise. “I may be able to help with a full-time chef, kitchen staff, and cleaning service.”
“Don’t encourage him,” Harriet whispered. “Where was Uncle Titus supposed to stay?”
“At some hotel in Newbury Port,” Julie answered and looked at Pat. “Honey, leave the plan as is. I think it’s best if yourbrotherdoesn’t stay on Plum Island.”
“Uncle Titus was going to stay in Newbury Port?” Harriet looked at her mother.
“Yes.” Julie nodded. “There was no way he was going to stay on Plum Island if he didn’t get at least three hotel suites.”
“One for him and his two guests?” Finn asked.
“No, those were just for him and his entourage of bodyguards and assistants,” Pat told Finn, whose eyes widened. “I believe his two guests are booked into another hotel in Newbury Port.”
“Well, they can stay there,” Julie drawled. “We arenotinviting the Gladstones to stay with us.”
“Agreed,” Pat nodded. “When can we see this house, Finn?”
“Uh…” Finn was at a loss for words for the first time since the charade began. He glanced at Harriet before looking at Pat again. “Whenever you want to see it.”
“Before we get unpacked, Julie,” Pat looked at his wife, “why don’t we go and have a look at Finn’s house?”
“Pat, we’ve had quite a harrowing day,” Julie reasoned. “You’re not well with your stomach upset. So why don’t we stayinourmini-suite for the night.“ She smiled at Finn. “We can take a look at Finn’s house in the morning.”
“But I’d like to get this resolved tonight,” Pat argued.
“Pat!” Julie stood her ground. “As you pointed out, we’ve barged in on Harriet and Finn’s evening.” She glanced at the open glass sliding door and bottle of wine. “I think we’ve taken up enough of their evening.”
“Oh!” Pat’s eyes widened in realization. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” He patted Harriet’s shoulder. “Your mother’s right. We can see the house in the morning.” He shook his head. “I guess I’m just a bit on edge about my brother and his sudden obsession with the Gladstone family again.” He frowned worriedly. “Then there’s his odd behavior.” He rubbed his chin. “I worry that Titus is…” His words trailed off, and he smiled, glancing from Harriet to Finn. “Sorry. Prattling on.”
“No, Dad, what do you mean?” Harriet’s brow creased as she looked at her father.
“Pat, I thought we agreed not to worry the children about this.” Julie rolled her eyes and shook her head before turning toward Harriet. “Titus has been acting strangely lately,” she filled Harriet in.
“How so?” Harriet asked, her brow creasing some more.
