Page 6 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
Liam smiled, typing back a quick response.
Glad to hear it. Remember, we have dinner plans at the Beach Hut.
Dawn had become a close friend, someone who understood the quirks of managing a bustling life and shared a similar rhythm of calm in the chaos of daily demands.
The day waned, and as the sun started to descend into the afternoon and bathe the Summer Inn in a warm, golden light, Liam found his thoughts wandering to the upcoming wedding. He leaned back in his office chair, most of his paperwork having been taken care of, and he glanced out his window to see the sea glistening in the afternoon sun.
While he wondered what Lila’s reaction to Sally’s news would be, Liam pondered his own unresolved feelings about Sally’s betrayal. How would he handle seeing her pledge her life to someone else here at his sanctuary? The question hung in the air, unanswered, as he watched the waves lap against the shoreline. His thoughts were interrupted when his office door burst open, and Lila burst through, her eyes wide with excitement.
“Hi, Dad,” Lila greeted him.
“Lila, you can’t just barge into your father’s office.” Mary ran in after her, looking at Liam apologetically. “I’m sorry, Liam. She shot past me like a stray bullet.”
“It’s okay, Mary,” Liam assured her with a warm smile before turning to his daughter. “Have you just spoken to your mother?”
“What?” Lila’s brow creased. “No.” She shook her head. “I haven’t heard from Mom since she canceled my trip to California.” Her frown deepened. “Why?”
“Oh, nothing.” Liam shook his head and smiled. “What’s got you so excited then?”
“Come and see,” Lila invited.
“Okay…” Liam raised an eyebrow as he stood and walked toward his daughter, who took his hand.
“Now, Dad,” Lila looked at him warningly, “don’t get mad, and keep an open mind.”
“What have you done?” Liam looked at Lila suspiciously.
“Nothing,” Lila assured him. “Come see.” She pulled him out of the office.
“Can I ask where we’re going?” Liam let Lila drag him toward the elevator.
“You’ll see,” Lila said mysteriously.
When they stepped into the elevator she hit the button for the top floor.
“Are we going to Dawn’s suite?” Liam guessed.
“Yes,” Lila nodded and grinned.
The elevator whooshed them to the floor, and he had to pick up the pace when Lila started hurrying toward Dawn’s suite. Before Lila could knock, the door flew open, and a teenage girl who looked a lot like Dawn stood smiling at Liam.
“You must be Harper,” Liam greeted.
“You must be Mr. Gains,” Harper said, respectfully holding out her hand. “How do you do?”
“I’m good,” Liam said, shaking her hand. “And please call me Liam.”
“Thank you, that’s kind,” Harper said.
The teen’s manners and respectfulness took Liam aback. Dawn had described Harper as becoming rebellious and difficult. Liam had taken that for the usual teenage angst and rebellion against authority.
Maybe teens from the Hamptons rebel more politely,Liam thought as he stepped into the suite. Then Harper moved and pulled the door open for them to enter.
“Hi, Liam,” Dawn greeted him.
Liam felt the usual jolt when he saw Dawn, his lips curving into a warm smile. She was beautiful, inside and out. Having become friends a year ago, Liam realized that Dawn had gradually found a place in his heart. He cherished their friendship deeply and didn’t want to risk it by revealing his feelings, especially since she had given no indication of seeing him as anything more than a friend.
“Hi, I didn’t know you were back,” Liam said.
