“What’s going on at the hotel? Is that someone from TMZ?” As Nick pulled up to the entrance to pick up Bella, he noticed several vehicles that seemed to be sitting and waiting for something or someone. He glanced in his rearview mirror. “Do we have anyone famous with us right now?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” Andrea said from the backseat where she and Marco were sitting with Nick’s packed cooler in between them.

“I haven’t heard anything, either,” Marco added.

“I don’t see Bella yet. I thought she’d be out front by now.” Nick was running a few minutes late and it was five past noon. He noticed a woman with striking red curls walking towards them. He couldn’t see her face as she was wearing sunglasses and a huge floppy sun hat hid her face. She was also dressed in dark, baggy sweats. But when she reached the car, she looked up and he realized it was Bella and she wore a panicky expression. He unlocked the door and she jumped in and immediately locked it behind her.

“Is everything okay? You look great. Love the hair.”

“Thank you. I’ll explain when we get to the beach, if that’s okay.”

“Of course. That’s my cousin Andrea in the back and Marco. They both work at the concierge desk.”

“Nice to meet you both,” Bella said politely.

Something was definitely off about Bella today. She sounded stressed and a little scared. Nick wondered what was going on and he hoped he could help—at least to get her to relax and take her mind off whatever was bothering her.

“I hope you’re hungry? We have a ridiculous amount of food. Marco made Brazilian steak tips to cook on the grill and Andrea made a pasta salad. I also made a caramelized onion dip, spicy tuna tartare and, of course, cheese and crackers.”

“I am and that sounds wonderful. I brought some wine and chocolate from Sweet Inspirations. My sister and I were just there yesterday.”

Once they reached the Eel Point beach, they unloaded everything, and found a good spot near the water to set up their chairs and the grill.

Bella peeled off her huge sweatshirt and baggy sweatpants and had on a cute pair of shorts and a short-sleeved Nantucket red t-shirt. It was warm out, so Nick wondered what was up with the dark baggy sweats but didn’t feel it was appropriate to ask.

Once everything was settled and Andrea and Marco had thrown their lines in the water, Bella turned to Nick. “Can we take a quick walk?”

“Of course.” He realized she didn’t want the others to hear what she had to say.

They walked down the beach until they were out of earshot.

Finally, Nick asked, “Is everything okay? You seemed a little frazzled when I picked you up. Is there anything I can do to help?”