Page 75 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
Harper toyed with a spoon on the table, her mind racing. “But there’s something else. I’m kinda torn about going.”
“Why’s that?” Lila leaned forward, her brows knitting in concern.
“It’s your father and Aunt Dawn,” Harper sighed. “I feel like now that an exciting trip to L.A., a city my Dad knows I love, has come up, we’re abandoning our plans to get Liam and Aunt Dawn together.”
Lila’s expression softened into a thoughtful frown, and she sighed. “Yeah, I know.” She bit her lip in contemplation. “We still have two days.”
Encouraged by Lila’s optimism, Harper nodded. “You’re right!” Her eyes shone with excitement. “My mom always says a lot can happen in a day. So imagine what can happen in two days.”
“Especially if we give it a nudge in the right direction.” Lila grinned mischievously. “I think this needs a consultation with Aunt Betty.”
They found Betty in the garden, tending to her roses. The morning sun cast gentle shadows over the blooms, and the scent of fresh earth and petals filled the air.
“Aunt Betty,” Harper began as they approached, “we just heard about the trip to L.A.! We’re so excited you’re coming with us.”
Betty straightened up, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Yes, Liam mentioned it. It’s going to be a wonderful break, and I’ve always wanted to see Los Angeles.”
“I know, me too,” Lila chimed in. “But now we’re worried about leaving Dad and Dawn.” She widened her eyes expressively. “You know, our plan to get them together.”
Betty chuckled, wiping her hands on her apron. “The ice skating was a big success.”
“Yes, until disaster struck,” Harper reminded them. “And now my uncle Wade’s here. That will throw a wrench in our plans.”
“Or maybe he’ll help?” Betty suggested.
“I don’t know,” Harper shook her head. “Uncle Wade and Aunt Dawn don’t really talk. Not since my uncle got into trouble with his friend Ben.”
“Oh, that’s such a shame,” Aunt Betty said, shaking her head. “But we still have two days before we leave.”
“That’s what I said.” Harper smiled. “What do you suggest, Aunt Betty?”
“Why not plan something special for them?” Betty said, her eyes twinkling.
“Like what?” Lila asked, eager for any suggestions.
Betty pondered for a moment, then her face lit up. “How about a romantic picnic on the beach? I know just the spot—Cobble Cove. It’s secluded and absolutely beautiful at this time of year.”
“That sounds perfect,” Harper agreed, her enthusiasm reignited. “And as it’s close to the cottage, they won’t suspect a thing when Lila and I ask them to join us in the cove.”
“Yes, and I’ll help you set it up,” Betty added. “Once you’re there, I’ll call and invite you girls to the movies with Sam and me.”
“Yes,” Lila said, grinning. “We’ll act torn, wanting to stay with them but also wanting to go to the movies.”
“I know Aunt Dawn will tell us to go and enjoy ourselves,” Harper said with confidence and certainty.”
“I’m sure they’ll stay,” Lila said. “And we can make sure they do by saying something like,but we don’t want all this food to go to waste.”
“That’ll give Dawn and Liam some alone time,” Betty said. “And the three of us will go to the movies with Sam.”
“Are you and Sam an item, Aunt Betty?” Harper asked the question that had been burning in most of the residents and Lila’s minds forever.
“Sam and I have been good friends for most of our adult lives,” Betty answered. “We only started officially dating a year ago.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Lila asked.
“No one asked,” Betty said with a shrug. “And we didn’t think we needed to advertise our relationship.”
“I’m so happy for you and Sam, Aunt Betty,” Lila hugged her.
