Julia was silent for a moment. “I do like him. He’s charming and if there was any way for the two of you to actually be a couple, I’d totally support it. I just don’t see how that’s possible. Do you?”

“Not the way things have been, no. I keep trying to think of some way to make it work.”

“Well, if you can find a way, then I’m all for it. I just want you to be happy.”

“I know. And I love you for it.”

Bella ended the call feeling sad and a bit anxious. Her time on Nantucket was winding down more quickly than she’d hoped. Her agent had tried to push the start date out two weeks and they balked at that, but agreed to give her one extra week before she had to report to the set. So, that was something. She hadn’t told Nick the good news yet. But she knew she’d be seeing him later that night when he got off work.

On the nights he worked, she often met him at the outside bar for an after-work drink or they went to the beach during the day, or both. Nick was eager to spend as much time as he could with Bella and there was nothing she’d rather do than spend her time with him. She’d never actually been in love before, but she had a feeling this might be it. It exhilarated and terrified her at the same time, because she didn’t know what the future held for them.

Chapter 28

At about three thirty in the afternoon, Paula stopped by the reception area to visit her sister, Lucy, and to help out if needed. Her job as the general manager wasn’t as glamorous as some might think. She spent most of her time helping out wherever an extra pair of hands was needed. During the busy times of the day, she spent most of her time assisting at the front desk and welcoming guests to the hotel.

Their official check-in time was three and they often had a rush of guests in the late afternoon. Lucy had several people in line as did the other two front desk associates. Paula hopped behind an empty computer and waved the next person in line over. Twenty minutes later, the rush died down and she went to chat with her sister.

“How’s it going?” she asked Lucy.

“Good. I just witnessed a top-secret affair.”

“You did? Who?”

“The Cape and Islands Senator is here for two nights and look who is in his room.” She pointed to the computer screen and Paula’s jaw dropped.

“But she’s married.” It was a local woman—someone they knew as a total snob. Grace Peterson was married to an executive and was active in several women’s groups and charity organizations.

“He’s married, too,” Lucy said.