A Nantucket Affair (Nantucket Beach Plum Cove #4)(42)

“Looks like maybe my strategy worked,” Lisa said.

“What strategy is that?”

“Well, remember that one-star review from the Laceys? Turns out the wife is a friend of Lillian’s that owns the Red Rose Bed and Breakfast. He said he was going to talk to his wife and have her change that review, but until today it was unchanged. But a few days ago, I referred some business to Lillian.”

“Why on earth would you do that?”

“Well, to service my customer, for one thing. The Hardys wanted to extend their stay on Nantucket, but their room was already booked after their initial end date. They wanted something similar, so I called Lillian to see if she had a room and she was surprised and appreciative of the referral. I told her I’d be happy to continue sending people her way if we were full.”

“Oh, that was smart.”

“I did casually drop mention of the review into the conversation too and how the husband was horrified but the wife had yet to change the review, which was such a disappointment. I didn’t mention that I knew they knew her. But it’s interesting how it immediately came down.”

“Good. All is as it should be, then. All right, while you go shopping, maybe I’ll go try to take a nap and see if I can get that mask to cooperate.”





Chapter 25





Kristen called Andrew and told him that she was fine going by herself to pick up Tyler. She knew he would have to find someone to watch the gallery, and she thought it might be nice for them to have some time alone.

She drove onto the Steamship Authority and settled in to read for a few hours until they reached Hyannis. It was hard for her to concentrate on the story, though, as her mind was whirling, going from excitement to see Tyler to worry about him staying sober. She wanted to support and help him as best as she could, but she wasn’t sure what that meant, what she could do. But she figured that going to the Al-Anon meetings would help her learn, and that she’d get support there for herself, too.

Tyler was waiting downstairs when she arrived. He didn’t have much with him, just a giant duffle bag and his laptop. He smiled when he saw her, and her heart did a flip. He looked like the Tyler she’d first met, healthy and handsome. He’d had his hair cut just a little, and it looked good. And he was wearing a hunter green v-neck sweater that she’d given him. It brought out the green in his eyes. He pulled her in for a hug and a grateful kiss.

“Thank you so much for coming. You have no idea how much I was looking forward to this day.”

“Of course.” She smiled and gave him another quick kiss. “I’ve been looking forward to it a bit, too.”

They chatted easily on the way back to Hyannis. Their conversation was light. Kristen filled him in on all the latest gossip, and he told her funny stories about his time at Murphy House. They stopped at Trader Joe’s in Hyannis to stock up on snacks that were much less expensive and not as available on the island. They had some time to kill before the ferry left, so they had a quick bite to eat at Tiki Port, Kristen’s favorite Chinese restaurant.

Once they were on the boat, after chatting for a bit, Tyler started to yawn and Kristen suggested he take a nap while she read on her Kindle for a bit. This time, she was able to read instead of wondering about Tyler. She had a good feeling about him. He seemed like the Tyler she first met. And she was optimistic that the month-long stay gave him what he needed to stay sober. He’d been in touch with Scotty, and they were going to a meeting tonight. He wanted her to meet Scotty, finally, which she thought was a good step.

Tyler woke as the boat pulled into the pier. Once it was fully docked, they drove home. She walked him home and showed him the refrigerator which she and Andrew had fully stocked with healthy food—lots of veggies, fruit and bottled water. And ice cream.

“You got my favorite flavor? Mint chocolate chip. You and Andrew, I owe you both so much.”

Kristen wrapped her arms around him and hugged him close. “You don’t owe me a thing. I just want to do what I can to help you stay healthy and strong. You’re important to me.”

He touched his lips gently to hers. “Do you have any idea how important you are to me? I was falling in love with you before this all happened and during my time away I realized that I am there. I’m totally in love with you, and I know I don’t deserve your love, but I wanted you to know that.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Everyone deserves love. And I’ve more than fallen, too. I love you, Tyler, and I’m so glad you’re home.”

It was almost four in the afternoon, and Kristen figured Tyler probably wanted to settle back in and get unpacked.

“Do you want to come by for dinner in a while? I could make one of those kitchen sink pasta dishes that you like?”

“I have a better idea. I think I saw some fresh haddock in the refrigerator. How about letting me cook for you? I can make a decent baked haddock and I have a fridge full of veggies to go with it.”

Kristen laughed. “Okay, if you’re sure you’re up for it?

“Why don’t you come by around five thirty? Scotty said he’d be by at seven to go to a meeting with me and I want to introduce you two.”

“Perfect. I’ll see you then.”





At five thirty sharp, Kristen knocked on Tyler’s door. He hollered for her to come in, and she stepped inside and took a deep breath. Something smelled wonderful, lots of butter and lemon. Her stomach growled in anticipation. Tyler was in the kitchen with the oven door open, checking the haddock.