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The sand between his toes wasn’t fake, it was real. The seashells were real, too. Hollywood was wonderful at mimicking reality but nothing was as good as the real thing.
Before he’d walked these beaches with Sabrina and felt guilty dragging Sean along because he got saddled with Sab’s twin. Whether Tabitha was acting as chaperone or just balancing the numbers, Jason had no idea they’d fall for each other.
Now Jason walked the beach barefoot and felt like he stood out. Only a few people had bugged him for autographs and pictures. Not enough to chase him back inside. The sunglasses, shorts, and t-shirt helped. He carried his shoes in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. It felt like a real vacation.
Staring out at the line of boats docked, Jason wondered what it’d be like to sail off into the sunset.
“Mr. Carlton!”
Jason shook off the voice of his assistant as a waking nightmare. This vacation was beyond overdue.
“Mr. Carlton!” a man called again.
Jason shook his head. Trey was supposed to be on vacation. The guy deserved a week to himself and Jason needed it.
His shoulders slumped and Jason turned to see Trey.
“What are you doing here?” Jason snapped.
Trey waved and ran over. “Sorry, I stopped by to see my parents and then I got your promotion schedule and audition opportunities. You’ll need me because it’s scattered. This way I can enjoy my vacation and be available to you.”
“You could’ve emailed it to me. There was no need to rush out,” Jason said.
“Actually, the ramp up for the first film is very soon. While you were filming the next two, the post production and editing was done and it’s got a surprise release date for this summer.” Trey was a climber but, in this case, he was right. He’d do well in the celebrity business. He was the nephew of Jason’s agent and they wanted him to learn the business from the bottom up.
The kid had good instincts but Jason wanted a break from all of it.
“Can’t hurt to be on hand,” Trey said.
“I need a vacation. A week without any of this crap. That’s all I’m asking. Do you understand?” Jason asked.
“Sure.” Trey took a step back. “When your vacation is over, I’ll be around to help with whatever you need. I’m at the B&B.”
“Great.” Jason frowned and suddenly felt a twinge of guilt for being harsh. “Just email me the schedule. Enjoy the island.”
“Will do. Thanks. Lots of girls here.” Trey grinned.
“There are.” Jason strolled down the beach away from his work for a bit longer.
Unfortunately, the woman he spotted barging toward him like a runaway shark wasn’t one he wanted to tangle with just then.
“What are you doing here?” Veronica Buxton demanded.
“I’m here for vacation and the charity gala.” Jason said evenly, trying not to incite Veronica’s wrath any further.
Meredith was right behind her cousin. “Veronica, let’s go. Sab knows he’s here.”
“And she’s being nice as always. Too nice. If you think you can come back here and pick up where you left off, I promise you—you’ll be sorry,” Veronica threatened.
“I’m not going to hurt her or anyone,” Jason said.
“Is there a problem, sir?” Trey asked as he got between Veronica and Jason.
She scoffed. “What are you? Security? Please. Jason, leave my family alone. You made a huge mistake.”
“I’m his assistant and I’ll call the police,” Trey replied.
Meredith laughed. “Go ahead.”
“Trey, leave them alone,” Jason said firmly.
“The police should be made aware of your celebrity situation. You’ll get a ton of fans and some haters.” Trey was just doing his job, but Nantucket wasn’t exactly L.A.
Jason shook his head. “It’s fine. The Buxton family is every bit as powerful and well known as I am here. They aren’t a problem.”
“I’ll take that as a challenge,” Veronica scoffed.
A few phones were out, most likely recording, and Jason couldn’t blame them.
“She’s drunk, boss,” Trey said.
“I’m not even a little tipsy and it doesn’t matter. I’m not driving. You’re a cop now?” Veronica poked Trey in the chest with her finger.
“Get away from her, Trey,” Jason said.
“He’s the boss, do what he tells you,” Veronica taunted.
“Veronica, come on. See you later, Jason.” Mer steered her cousin away.
“Sure, nice seeing you,” Jason sighed.
After the public drama, Jason enjoyed the security of his car as he took a little ride around. He parked in front of a small converted house. It was a community center. His online research revealed that Nantucket had a little community theater. They were rehearsing Peter Pan. Not Jason’s thing at all, not lately. Maybe it was the change he needed.
Jason headed in to watch a rehearsal. He needed the escape. Sitting in the back of the audience chairs, he watched amateurs rehearse. There were the usual squabbles. The director seemed in over her head.
Slouching down, Jason didn’t want to be seen. Some of the actors were good.
“The rehearsals are closed,” said a young voice behind him.
The activity onstage paused.
“What’s wrong Tony?” the director asked.
Tony pointed at Jason.
Busted!
Jason stood up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude. Just wanted to enjoy some local theater.”
“Jason Carlton?” the director gasped. “My name is Ginny. I’m not sure why you’d want to watch us. We’re really rough. Just islanders.”
“There is real potential for some but performing is its own a reward. Do you get a big audience?” he asked.
“We get a good turnout. End of summer performances benefit the arts program for the Nantucket schools. The Buxtons make a matching donation so it’s worth every penny.” Ginny nodded.
“But we lost our director,” said an older man.
“Mr. Mullins passed away. I’m doing my best,” Ginny said.
“Is it what you want to do?” Jason asked.
She shrugged. “I prefer to act but I’m too old to play Wendy. I’ll make it work.”
“Rise to the challenge. Good idea. Well, truly I didn’t mean to crash the rehearsal. I’m just here on vacation visiting a friend. I’ll get out of your hair.” Jason nodded.
“Sorry, there’s no part for you either,” Tony shouted.
Jason turned and smiled. “No problem.”
“Tony, he doesn’t need us. He’s a big Hollywood star,” Ginny scolded.
The kid wouldn’t know that. Romance movies weren’t what little boys liked. Nothing felt better than not being recognized. Most stars would never admit it but anonymity was freeing.
Jason’s cell phone binged. Trey had sent the schedule and tweeted, Instagramed, and Snapchatted around the island. Maybe there was some deserted island somewhere Jason could actually have a vacation?