A Nantucket Affair (Nantucket Beach Plum Cove #4)(25)

“Yeah, I’m feeling lousy. I think I’m coming down with something. I don’t want to get anyone else sick.”

“Are you sure? I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. We don’t have to stay out late, though.” Kristen couldn’t hide her disappointment.

Tyler hesitated for a moment. “No, I think it’s best if I skip this one. You go and have fun. I’m sure it will be a good time.”

“Okay. You will be missed, though. Feel better.”

“Thanks.”



Twenty minutes later, she pulled up to Angela and Philippe’s house. Kate and Jack’s car was already outside. Angela answered the door, pulled her in for a quick hug and looked behind her for Tyler.

“Tyler couldn’t make it. He’s sick.”

“Oh, no! I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah, it seems to have come on suddenly. He was fine earlier. Anyway, here are cookies for dessert and my new favorite red wine.” She handed Angela the plate of cookies.

“You didn’t have to bring anything, but thank you. Did you make these?”

Kristen nodded. “It’s the same ones I made when you came over.”

“Oh, good. Come on in. Jack and Kate are already here.”

Kristen followed Angela into the kitchen where everyone was gathered around the big island. Crackers and cheese and a bowl of nuts were already out, and everyone was nibbling.

“Should we open this?” Angela asked. “Kate and I were just trying to decide whether we want white or red.”

“Yes, let’s open it. I don’t think Kate has tried this one yet.”

“Is Tyler coming?” Philippe asked after pulling Kristen in for a welcome hug.

She shook her head. “No. He’s sorry to miss it. He’s sick.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” Kate said as Angela handed her a glass of wine. She took a sip and Kristen could tell she liked it. “What kind of wine is this?” she asked Angela.

“Your sister brought it.”

“It’s that pinot I told you about, Charles Krug. I thought you’d like it.”

“Love it.”

“I invited Abby and Jeff, too, but Abby called earlier and said the baby is sick, so they didn’t want to leave her,” Angela said. “It doesn’t sound like it’s anything serious but she had a slight fever.”

“Oh, poor Natalie,” Kate said. “Maybe that’s what Tyler has, too? Could be something is going around.”

They chatted for a while in the kitchen, snacking and sipping wine. Philippe put out some fresh shrimp with a spicy cocktail sauce, too.

Philippe was in charge of the main course—marinated swordfish on the outside grill, while Angela had a few side dishes going on the stove. When everything was ready, they sat down to eat in the dining room. The swordfish was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Angela’s whipped potatoes were light and fluffy, and the roasted asparagus went well with it.

Conversation was lively over dinner and as usual, it turned to writing. Philippe gave updates on where he was with his current project, a novel this time.

“I have to admit, I’m kind of glad to take a break from the TV stuff. It’s nice to just be here on the island, sitting in my office every morning, staring out at the waves. Doesn’t get any better than that.”

“When do you have to head back out West?” Jack asked as he reached for more potatoes.

“Not until the fall. Thankfully.” Philippe turned his attention to Kate. “I don’t suppose you’ve heard any updates on your movie option?”

Kate’s first book had attracted the attention of a brother-sister team that she’d met through Philippe. Her first freelance project after leaving the magazine had been to interview Philippe, as he was active with the Nantucket Film Festival.

“I actually heard from them last week. They warned me that it might take a while. They are waiting to hear back from their development contacts. I’m glad you warned me not to get too excited.”

“Unfortunately, actually getting the movie made is the exception, not the rule. Lots of projects are optioned, sometimes more than once. One of my books had three different production companies option it.”

“Was it ever made?” Kristen asked.

Philippe laughed. “Nope. The last option expired six months ago and they didn’t renew it. I’m not giving up hope, though. You never know.”

“How’s Tyler’s book coming along?” Kate asked Kristen.

“Good, I think. He said he’s further in now and it’s starting to come together.”

Angela glanced her way and smiled. “Do you have any shows coming up soon?” It reminded Kristen that she had a few phone calls she needed to make the next day.

“I need to call Andrew, now that you mention it. He told me to let him know when I was ready to do another show and I have a few new paintings that might be good.”

“Well, let us know when you schedule it.”

“I will, thanks.”





When they finished eating, Angela insisted that everyone go into the living room while she cleaned up. Kristen and Kate helped her carry the dishes to the sink, and Angela shooed them away.

“It will just take me a few minutes to load the dishwasher. Do you want to set out your cookies?”