Page 3 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“Hey, big brother.” Harriet couldn’t help but smile, glad to see him. “I thought you were going to fly under the radar.” She looked pointedly at the Bugatti. “That car doesn’t exactly blend inanywhere.”
“Yeah, it’s kinda hard to hide it,” Alex said, walking up behind Harriet. “Hey, Gray.”
The two men shook hands and hugged. “It’s good to see you, man,” Gray greeted Alex. “Thanks for the invite to the wedding party. I’m sorry my family took so long to respond, but we were waiting for Uncle Titus to confirm.”
“What?“ Harriet spluttered, spinning around to glare at Alex.
“Didn’t I tell you?” Alex scratched the back of his neck. “I was sure I mentioned it to you last week?” He frowned. “You know, when I told you that my mother had expanded mine and Daniella’s wedding party to a few more close family and friends.”
“No. You didnot!“ Harriet said through gritted teeth. “The way I remember it, you completely left out the part about your mother taking over your party and the guest list.”
“Really?” Alex said innocently. “You know I’ve had so much on my mind.”
“Hi, sorry to interrupt,” Finn popped up behind them and introduced himself to Gray. “I’m Finn.”
“I’m Gray, Harriet’s brother.” Gray shook Finn’s hand, recognition dawning in his eyes. “You’re Finnster.”
“I haven’t been Finnster in years,” Finn admitted.
“You’re still a surfing legend.” Gray grinned. “I’m a huge fan.”
“Your car is magnificent,” Finn told him. “Do you mind if I take a look at it?”
“Of course,” Gray said, leading Finn toward the Bugatti. “I heard you’re still making custom surfboards. I’d like to buy one for my son before I leave.”
“It was nice of Gray to bring the Bugatti,” Alex said to Harriet as they watched Finn and Gray climb into the car.
“Oh, no, you don’t get off that easy, buster.” Harriet pinned him with a withering look. “How long have you known that my brother and my parents were coming to town?”
“Not that long.” Alex took a step back, holding up his broken hand to play the pity card. “You can’t be angry at me as I have a broken hand, my house burned down, and my yacht blew up.”
“And I was there for you!” Harriet’s eyes narrowed to angry slits. “I had your back through it all, including helping you with Daniella.”
“Yes,” Alex agreed, holding a hand in front of him. “And you know I’ve always got your back, too, Harry.” He glanced toward Gray before looking at her again. “I wasn’t sure if your family could make it until a few days ago, and I didn’t have time to tell you once they confirmed.”
“Now you didn’t have time to tell me?” Harriet folded her arms and looked at him with raised brows. “We talk every single day.”
“Okay!’ Alex said resignedly. “I didn’twantto tell you until they arrived because I was hoping that they’d get called away on some duty or other.”
“Did Gray say that my uncle was coming to Plum Island as well?” Harriet felt as if her chest was constricting as panic started squeezing it like a vice.
“Did he?” Alex feigned ignorance.
“Alex!” Harriet warned.
“Fine!” Alex sighed. “Yes, your Uncle Titus is coming to town.”
“And…” Harriet said through gritted teeth.
She knew her uncle probably wouldn’t be traveling alone. He’d have some entourage with him. Or worse, he’d bring his latest attempt at matchmaking either Harriet or Gray.
“And I honestly don’t know who he’s bringing with him,” Alex told her. “Maybe Gray knows.”
“Maybe Gray knows what?” Dawn’s voice came from behind them.
“Hey, Dawn,” Alex greeted.
“Did you know that my brother was coming to town?” Harriet looked at Dawn accusingly.
