Page 9 of Moonlit Hideaway
He decided to go easy on her, so he addressed Howie, “Looks like Emma will be playing a gig for us by Christmas.”
“I can teach you two seafaring songs,” Howie said. “Seajane, what do you say? I might write a song about you and the boat you’re named after.”
“Can I call you Seajane, too?” Emma asked. “It’s not as boring as Jane.”
“Emma!” both Hank and his mother scolded.
“It’s quite all right,” Jane said. “You can all call me Seajane.”
“As in, see Jane sing and see Jane dance?” Mom chimed in with a hearty chuckle.
Maybe no one else noticed it, but Hank saw Jane go pale.
She coughed into her elbow and rasped, “Excuse me, something caught in my throat. Thank you for dinner, and I’ll let you all enjoy your family time.”
Howie must have caught a clue because he, too, suddenly stretched and looked at his watch. “My, my, it’s time for my show. Dinner was great. Can I take an extra helping to my room?”
“Sure, help yourself,” Mom said, getting Howie a takeout container.
Once the guests were gone, Hank reminded Emma about the rules regarding guests. “You did a good job holding back your curiosity. They share what they wish to, but no more than that.”
“I like Jane,” his daughter said. “But she’s strange. Did you notice she has this blond streak in the back of her hair? Everyone knows streaks are to highlight your face. No one runs around like a skunk ran through her hair.”
“Now, is that a nice thing to say?” Hank had to keep Emma on a tight leash since he was both father and mother to her. He looked at his Mom for support.
“Jane’s a guest.” She gave the verdict. “She can wear her hair however she likes.”
“I’m so glad she’s here.” Emma’s eyes shone. “The guitar lessons are gonna be so awesome. Do you think Jane will teach me any famous songs? Maybe she can show me some riffs from that new Sierra Rayne single. I love her music.”
Hank exchanged a knowing look with his mom.
“Now, hold on,” he said gently. “Jane is here as our guest, not just to give you guitar lessons. Don’t bug her too much or get in her way, okay? She’s entitled to her privacy.”
“That’s right, dear. Jane needs time to herself,” his mother added. “She told me she’s had some issues with her family and needs time to recover.”
That was news to Hank, and he couldn’t help wondering if perhaps Jane was also suffering from grief. She did have a sad expression clouding her face when she thought no one was looking.
Again, his heart went out to her, but he had to remind himself that she was a stranger and a guest.
“Dad, have you seen the new Sierra Rayne dance move?” Emma bobbed her head and twisted her shoulders. “I wonder if me and Jane and Rosalie can do it for Harvestfest. After Jane recovers,” she added quickly.
Hank reached out and squeezed Emma’s hand. “You’re a good kid. Now, I’m betting you have homework to do.”
“Yes, Dad, but after I finish, I’m going to call Rosalie.”
“Do we gossip about our guests?” Hank asked pointedly.
“No, but everyone else talks about everyone,” Emma said, getting up from her chair. “I know. Not lawyers, doctors, and innkeepers.”
She left with a jaunty step while humming that catchy tune that was going around—something about a heartbeat.
Mom looked after her and shook her head while Hank helped clear the table.
“That girl’s fascination with celebrities worries me,” she said. “She needs to learn to appreciate our simple life here and not daydream about fame and fortune.”
“It’s the social media they have these days,” he agreed. “She’s at that age where fitting in means everything. I’m glad thatSierra Rayne’s nowhere near, and her concerts are too far for Emma to catch.”
“Don’t think big stars like that would even come to Virginia Beach,” Mom agreed and then said, “Oops.”
