Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
M itch steered the boat out of the marina, keeping the speed low, not just because they were in a no-wake zone, but because he wanted his passengers to have an easy time of things. The dogs included. Getting knocked around on the boat wouldn’t be fun for anyone.
Harper came to stand by his side. He kept his eyes on the water, but he was fully aware that she had more skin on display than he’d previously seen. He didn’t mind. He was a man, after all. He’d be blind not to notice an attractive woman right next to him.
For another thing, between her and concentrating on the driving, he had plenty to keep him from dwelling on Jeanie and the past. Mostly. Jeanie was never that far from his thoughts. But right now, he had passengers to focus on. “What do you think so far?”
“The day is beautiful, the boat is beautiful, the company is outstanding.” Harper smiled at him. “What’s not to like?”
“You think your sister and Willa are having a good time?”
“Willa is practically floating, she’s so happy. And the only way Frankie could be having a better time would be if she and Lucas were alone.”
He laughed softly. “They do seem rather interested in each other.” He could only make out Lucas and Frankie’s legs from his vantage point. They were fairly close together. Good for them.
“I’m happy for her. She had a rough divorce. It’s about time she had some positive male attention.”
“Lucas seems like a decent guy. I like him.”
Harper nodded. “So do I. Just curious—did you tell Willa she could post pics or have you changed your mind about that?”
“No, I haven’t changed my mind. She can post them. But I haven’t had a chance to tell her, either.” He glanced quickly over his shoulder. “Willa, can you come up here a second? Bring your phone.” He winked at Harper.
Harper smiled and stepped away to make room for her niece.
“Here I am,” Willa said, phone at the ready. “Do you need me to look something up?”
“No, I just wanted to say how glad I am to have you onboard today. If you want to post photos on your social media, that’s all right with me.” Mitch steered them past a marker and into the river channel, picking up a little speed.
“Wow, thanks. That’s so awesome.”
Mitch nodded. “You’re welcome. The only thing I ask is that you not post too many. And nothing that would let anyone identify the boat. So no pics of the name or ID number. Nothing too personal. I have a few fans who don’t need that kind of encouragement. Cool?”
Willa’s mouth and eyes had rounded into Os. “That is totally cool. I won’t go nuts, I promise. Can I tag you in them?”
“How about we do one photo together, you can tag that one, then the rest no tag. Sorry, I just don’t want to overdo it.”
“No apologies needed. I totally get it. I know you like your privacy. I don’t blame you. I appreciate this a lot.”
Harper held her hand out. “You want me to take it?”
“Sure,” Willa said.
Mitch held onto the wheel but stepped aside slightly. “Here, why don’t you drive, and I’ll stand next to you.”
Willa took his place at the wheel, griping it like her life depended on it. “What do I do?”
“Just relax and keep us headed straight,” Mitch said. “Nothing to it.” He stood next to her as Harper lifted the phone.
“Okay,” Harper said. “Look at me and smile.” They both did as she asked. “Hold that for one more. Now both of you look out at the water. Going for a serious candid shot here.”
Mitch couldn’t keep from smiling a little, though. Harper was leaning pretty hard into the role of photographer.
“Mitch, a little to the left so the sun isn’t— That’s perfect. Willa, chin up so I can see your face better.” She snapped away, taking a bunch probably so Willa could pick the one she liked best. “All right, I got a few.”
Willa took her phone back. “Thanks, Aunt Harper. And Mr. Ripley. I really appreciate you letting me post these. And for inviting us all out on your boat.”
Mitch nodded as he placed his hands on the wheel. “I hope you get some new followers out of it.”
“I’m sure I will. Mostly I just want to earn some cred with my professors.”
He laughed at the idea that her professors would think more of Willa because of her association with him, but stranger things had happened. “If my face helps with that, more power to you.”
She went back to her sunny spot. Harper inched closer. “That was really nice of you.”
“Costs nothing to be kind.”
“True.” Her arm brushed his. “But some people still aren’t. Thank you.”
“You bet. Hey, I want to ask you something. What do you know about Sullivan Tripp and Julia Montrose? What do you think of them as actors? I’m out of the loop on who’s hot and all that, but I figured you’d know.”
Harper gave him a curious look. “Well, Sullivan Tripp is definitely a hot property. He’s up and coming, that’s for sure. Good actor, great-looking, and apparently a genuinely nice guy. Last I heard he was in talks with Spielberg for something. Don’t know if anything came of that. And Julia Montrose is beautiful in an interesting way, which I like. Atypical, you know?”
“Meaning?”
“Not a size zero blonde who looks surgically enhanced in any way. Her dad is French-Canadian and her mom is from one of the indigenous Canadian people. More than her looks, however, she can act. I mean, seriously. She debuted in some indie film about six or seven years ago and ever since then, she’s gotten work, but in my opinion, she’s struggled to find the right vehicle. Once she does, though? Watch out.”
Appealing information that only made Mitch more interested in the deal.
Harper’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you asking about them?”
There was no point in keeping the deal a secret. Harper wouldn’t tell anyone. She knew better than most how to keep things quiet. “Possible movie deal for an older book of mine. One that’s only been read by maybe three people, but it’s a book I’ve always loved. My first foray into speculative fiction, it’s kind of a sci-fi—”
Harper gasped. “ The Light Within ? You have to be talking about The Light Within .”
He cut his eyes at her. “Are you telling me you’re one of the three people that read that book?”
She put her hand to her heart. “I love that book. It’s the first book that made me cry. I’m serious. I reread it every few years. I tried to get Arlington to buy the rights, but he said you’d just think he was doing it as a favor and someone who was really interested in making the movie should buy them.”
“He was right about that. I would have thought it was a favor. What do you think about Tripp and Montrose for the main characters?”
She thought a moment. “I always saw John Newton with dark hair and Tripp’s a sandy blond, but that can change. Montrose would be amazing as Lyla. It could genuinely be her breakout role. Who’s the director?”
He shook his head. “I have no idea. I’m waiting on my agent to send me the details. But you approve?”
She smiled at him. “Does that matter to you?”
He nodded. “Yeah, it kind of does. Sometimes I think you like my work more than I do.”
She laughed. “I love the idea. I mean, it would have to be done right. That book is so atmospheric, and it has these elements of magical realism that need to be treated properly, but it could be amazing.”
She really did know his work. It was touching. And a little humbling. “I told Lucinda, she’s my agent, that I’d want some kind of creative input, which she’s going to tell them.”
“Smart.”
“Thanks. If this happens, maybe you’d want to help me with the creative side of things. I could make that part of the deal.”
She stared at him. “Are you serious?”
“I wouldn’t have brought it up otherwise.” The truth was, he valued her input and had yet to meet anyone who knew his books as well as she did. Having her on set with him would be insurance against him missing something or making the wrong call. Readers saw things differently than the author, and Harper had that reader mentality.
Not only that, but if he needed to write, he’d feel comfortable leaving her in charge while he got his work done. He knew without a doubt that she’d make sure whatever was done was true to his vision.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll do it.” The breeze picked up as he increased the speed slightly again.
She pulled her hair back, fixing it in a high ponytail with the elastic band from around her wrist, but had yet to answer.
“I’ll make sure you’re well compensated.”
“It’s not the money. Well, it is, to some degree. I have bills like everyone else. I’m just kind of shocked to be asked. I would love to do it.”
“That’s a yes then?”
She nodded. “That is definitely a yes.”
He smiled. “I’ll keep you posted on how the deal goes.”
Archie came up to Harper. She ruffled the fur on top of his head. “How are you doing, buddy?”
He looked happy. His tail was wagging, and his tongue was out.
Mitch pointed up ahead. “See that island way up ahead? That’s Thieves’ Island. That’s where we’re stopping for lunch. The dogs will be able to have a break, too.”
“Sounds good,” Harper said. “Archie might want some water. I’ll check.” She looked at Mitch again. “Thanks again for asking me to help with the movie. I know it’s not a done deal, but it’s still really exciting. I hope it happens for you.”
“So do I.” Working with Harper like that would be a different experience, but one he felt confident would be enjoyable.
He liked spending time with her. Enough that he was starting to wonder if his feelings for her were heading beyond friendship.
As she took Archie to get water, he shook his head, clearing out those thoughts. If anything, he might be a little infatuated. Jeanie had been his one true love. There was no reason to think he’d get a second chance at something like that again.