Chapter 5
Chapter Five
L auren arrived on Nantucket a little after five on Thursday. She’d talked to Andrea’s assistant first thing on Monday and made sure she flew out a day before Billy. The plane coming to the island had been completely full and the small airport was bustling. Lauren couldn’t help but notice the row of impressive private planes—there were so many of them. She knew that there was a lot of money on Nantucket. She also knew from prior visits that many of the biggest waterfront estates were summer homes that sat empty most of the year.
Marissa took care of reserving a rental car, so when her small plane touched down at the Nantucket airport, Lauren stopped by the rental agency and there was a white Jeep waiting for her. She loaded her suitcase and carryon bag into the back of the Jeep and put the address of the Beach Plum Cove Inn into her phone’s GPS.
The studio had given her the option of living in a house with the production team, or having a private room. As much as she liked her colleagues, Lauren didn’t particularly want to live with them for two months. She valued her privacy.
Angela had also offered for her to stay at her place, and if it had just been for a week or so, Lauren would have happily accepted, but two months felt like an imposition. Angela insisted that it wasn’t, but understood Lauren’s hesitation and finally suggested the Beach Plum Cove Inn.
“That’s where I stayed when I first came to the island. Lisa and her kids feel like family now. I actually met Philippe through her daughter Kate and we’re all good friends. You’ll like Lisa. It’s also just two houses away from the show house, so you’ll be able to walk to work.”
Lauren liked the idea of being so close, yet having her own place. And when she’d called to book, Lisa was happy to hear that she was a friend of Angela’s.
“A TV show, how exciting! Just knock on the door when you arrive, and I’ll come right out and get you settled,” Lisa had said.
It was a clear and sunny day, but a bit windy and cool compared to California. Lauren zipped up her jacket, then hopped into the Jeep. About twelve minutes later, she pulled into the driveway of the Beach Plum Cove Inn. There were only two other cars there, and she guessed that one of them was probably Lisa’s. Lisa had told her that June was the beginning of the summer season, but it was more weekends than weekly rentals. From July on, they’d be fully booked until September.
“I had a cancellation just yesterday, which opened up your room. And they were going to spend two full months too. Funny how things work out sometimes.”
Lauren couldn’t agree more. She had a good feeling about the inn. It was a big, beautiful house, with a white picket fence and pink roses climbing over it and along the front of the house. It was right on the ocean, set up a slight hill, with a path to the beach. She looked forward to early morning or evening walks.
She parked and brought her luggage to the house, then knocked on the door. Lisa opened a moment later with a smile.
“Lauren? Come on in.” She held the door open and Lauren stepped inside. She was in the foyer and while Lisa went to a roll- top desk by the front door, Lauren glanced through the living room to the kitchen and huge windows that overlooked the ocean. The views were breathtaking. Lisa rummaged in a drawer and pulled out a key on a navy tag.
“I’ve put you in a room on the top floor. It’s a corner room and nice and quiet. It used to be my daughter Abby’s room.” Lauren grabbed her luggage and then followed Lisa up the stairs to where the guest rooms were. Lisa unlocked her room and held the door open wide so Lauren could step in first. She did and instantly felt a wave of calm and peace wash over her. The views of the ocean and beach were stunning. She could hear the soothing sound of the white-tipped waves as they crashed against the sand and knew she’d sleep well there. She turned to face Lisa.
“It’s gorgeous, thanks so much.” The bed looked inviting with its pale-yellow comforter and royal-blue pillows. Lauren was tempted to lie down for just a minute, but knew she’d likely fall asleep for hours.
“I hope you’ll be comfortable. There’s a small microwave and a mini-refrigerator. Stop and Shop is just a few miles up the road if you want to stock up on groceries. Breakfast is included every morning from eight to ten in the main dining room.”
Lauren nodded. “That sounds great. Maybe I will run up to Stop and Shop now and pick up a few things.”
“If you need anything, here’s my cell number.” Lisa handed her a business card and Lauren put it into her wallet. “See you at breakfast!”
Lisa shut the door behind her and Lauren sat on the bed. It was soft and cozy, and she yawned. The day of traveling and time difference had caught up with her. She stood and unzipped her suitcase. She needed to keep busy and unpack. If she gave into a nap, it would be that much harder to adjust to East Coast time. After she put things away, she’d head to the store and then settle in and get a good night’s sleep. She wanted to head over to the share house right after breakfast and get a feel for the place before Billy and the others arrived.