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Sabrina had given Johnno the penny tour but had to leave him to his own devices while she taught her children’s art class. Today they’d worked on seascapes on the shoreline near her parents’ home. The look on Jason’s face that morning was putting a smile on her own as she helped the kids pack up their stuff and find the right adults to take them home.
The fact that Jason was lurking around the beach not far from where she stood annoyed her, but it also gave her the upper hand. Not that it was a competition.
As she packed up her things, she watched him subtly walk over.
“Nice day,” he said.
“It is. You should be careful about creeping around little kids,” she warned.
“I was waiting for you.” He looked around.
She pointed to the small group of reporters clustered nearby. “I had to tell them to get off my parents’ property. They probably have a picture or two of you lurking about.”
“I’m sorry to lurk. I’m sorry about the reporters,” he said.
She shrugged. “Not your fault. I need to get going. We’re supposed to look at dresses this afternoon.”
“I was hoping I could talk to you,” Jason said.
“About?” she asked calmly.
“Johnno. Is he a boyfriend?” Jason asked.
“That’s direct but it’s none of your business.” She turned and slung her bag on her shoulder.
“I know. I’m sorry but if you’ve moved on, I won’t bother you anymore.” He could hear the reporters shouting questions from behind them and cameras clicking, but he refused to look.
“I thought we were going to be friends. Johnno is a friend. I know artists can be a bit eccentric but I’m not dating every man I meet.” She was annoyed at his possessive attitude.
It did prove he was still interested, though.
She headed for the docks and the press rushed toward her. Jason got between them.
“No comment,” Jason said to the reporters.
“They’re going to just stay outside my mom’s house, aren’t they?” she whispered.
“Probably or follow me. I can get them to leave you alone,” Jason offered.
“No, I have a better idea.” She continued to the slip with her sister’s boat. “Get on.”
The press shouted questions louder as they pressed forward.
“Anyone steps foot on this dock, it’s trespassing and I will have you arrested for stalking me as well,” Sabrina shouted as she turned on the engine.
“Are you sure this is okay?” Jason asked.
“She’s my twin. I’m not Veronica.” Sabrina rolled her eyes at Jason. She steered the boat out into the ocean and watched the reporters scramble to find a boat to charter.
“They’ll chase us,” Jason said.
“They won’t find anyone willing to chase us. Unless one of them can drive a boat better than me, they won’t catch us. Want me to drop you somewhere?” she asked.
“Sick of me already? I’m not handling this all very well,” he said.
She shrugged. “Everyone says you’re involved with your co-star.”
“That’s nuts. Barb is creating that buzz. The studio likes it. Publicity,” he said.
“Johnno would kill for one hundredth of the publicity you get walking down the beach.”
Jason found a seat. “See, I’m doomed. I’m wrong if I’m proud of my success and wrong if I’m not proud of it or I seem ungrateful.”
“I see where your life is complicated. But it is your life,” she said.
“Fame is not all it’s cracked up to be,” he said.
“You can do something else,” she replied.
He shook his head. “I’m not qualified for anything else. Can’t drive a boat, can’t manage money or real estate. No college. No clue what else I would do.”
“Tricky. I’ll give you the tour and you can think about it.” Sabrina expertly navigated the boat around Nantucket.
“Is this the tour I missed last summer?” he asked.
“We were going to do it by land but boat is nice too. The lighthouses are always inspiring to me,” she said.
“You don’t have to make small talk. If you don’t want to talk to me, just drop me off somewhere. I won’t force myself on you,” he said.
“You’re not. We can be friends but that means you don’t get jealous of my other friends. Got it?” she asked.
He nodded. “If I were your boyfriend?”
“You don’t get to be jealous of my friends either. But if you were my boyfriend, Johnno wouldn’t be so huggy. He is an affectionate person with both female and male friends of his, but if I was involved he’d be more respectful of that. I think he was trying to make a point. I didn’t ask him to,” she insisted.
“I believe you and I have no right to have an opinion. But I want one. Is that awful?” he asked.
She shrugged. “Feelings don’t just go away. We should work on being friends and getting through the wedding. Your work is something you have to decide what to do about. You don’t seem happy.”
“It was one co-star being too pushy and rude. It’s not always bad. I can get through this promotional stuff and figure out my next move. I’ll stay out of your hair in the meantime,” he said.
Sabrina shook her head. “Mom is having a family dinner tonight. Part of it is to get a timeline down for wedding stuff since we’re moving so fast. You should probably come.”
“For the wedding? Of course. What time?” he asked.
“Seven and it’s not just the wedding. Johnno will be there too, but so will Sean,” she answered.
“Great. I’ll be there,” he said.
She smiled and focused on the boat. Trying not to get her hopes up was worse than being just friends. Inside she was a ball of anxiety and longing.
The dinner was delicious, as usual. Sabrina was impressed that Johnno and Jason were behaving themselves. Chris and Veronica looked like they were being waterboarded but the wedding timeline was set. People knew their tasks and deadlines.
“What’s for dessert?” Dad asked.
“Ice cream. I wanted something simple. I was interviewed, and it’s supposed to be on TV tonight,” Mom said.
“What?” Tab asked.
“When?” Sean asked.
“The night of the gallery showing. Those reporters came in and one asked if they could have an interview,” she replied.
“No comment, dear,” Dad told her.
“I know but this about the gallery and the girls.” She waved it off.
Jason cleared his throat. “I’m very sorry that you’re being subjected to this. It’s my fault. I can go and just come back for the wedding.”
“There’s an idea,” Chris muttered.
“Don’t do us any favors,” Veronica shot back.
“You don’t need to leave. We need to not give in to their pressure,” Sabrina said.
Mrs. Drake turned to Sean. “Should I do an interview?”
“No,” Sean said.
“I’ve known Jason longer,” she countered.
“No, Jason has publicist, agents, and managers. He doesn’t need our help.” Sean explained.
“Well, it’s done. Hopefully I didn’t say anything to upset anyone,” Mrs. Buxton said.
Sabrina’s big smile flattened a bit.
Another week, another art show at the gallery. Jason enjoyed art, he truly did, but this was Johnno’s exhibition.
For the last week, Jason had shared Sabrina not only with her family and friends but Johnno as well—the charming and nice Irish artist.
The usual suspects were there. Veronica stalking the bar, Meredith and Chris watching Veronica. Sabrina and Tabitha were hosting. Jason made a pass by the canvases. The landscapes made Jason want to see Ireland. The portraits were hauntingly beautiful.
Jason hated to admit he was relieved that Sabrina wasn’t in any of them.
Sean found Jason. “You okay?”
“Sure. Just admiring the art.” Jason moved over and shook Johnno’s hand. “Gorgeous. Makes me want to go there.”
“You should. It’s beautiful. No picture or painting can do it justice.” Johnno moved on to the next guest.
“That was polite,” Sean observed.
“I’m not trying to be mean. I’ve been nice all week once I knew they weren’t involved,” Jason said.
“You’ve been hanging around Sabrina a ton, though,” Sean added.
“I like her. Johnno will be gone soon so things will even out. Maybe I should pay his bill at the B&B. Struggling artist. Good will and all,” Jason said.
“He’s not staying at the B&B,” Sean replied.
Jason’s brow furrowed. “What? Where is he staying?”
“I think on Sabrina’s couch or maybe the boat he borrowed from a friend. That’s how he’s leaving, boating back to the mainland. My mother gave him some names in Boston,” Sean replied.
“Boat sounds right. He seems a nomadic sort,” Jason said.
“Kind of like you. You go from one set to another. Visit here in between?” Jason asked.
“You’re saying Johnno and I are alike?” Jason asked.
Sean nodded. “You are. Friendly, nice, happy and devoted to your art.”
The camera flashes outside started. Jason could tune them out but he saw others reacting to them.
“Damn,” Jason muttered.
“Ignore it,” Sean said.
“Such a spectacle over what? How can I get close to Sabrina and really find out what we have when we’re dogged by the press?” Jason asked.
“The press. A movie. Johnno. Always an excuse,” Sean said with a hint of mocking.
Jason sighed. “Tell me what you’re really thinking.”
Sean looked back at the press and saw someone walk in the door. “I think your co-star just entered the gallery. This could be awkward.”
“Damn,” Jason said.
“We can have her removed but the press...” Sean said.
Jason glared at his friend. “I know. Welcome to my life.”
“Jason, darling.” Barb threw open her arms.
She was dressed in a black low-cut dress and high heels.
“Barb, how nice of you to come out and support the arts.” Jason kissed her cheek but she moved and caught him in the mouth.
Jason tried wipe off her red lipstick and Sean finally handed him a handkerchief.
“Please, I’m thrilled to support your friends. You just raved about this little island and I had to see it. You are?” She pointed to Sean as if he was someone insignificant.
“Sean Drake, an old friend of Jason’s,” Sean replied.
“Of course.” She sauntered up to Johnno. “And you’re the artist?”
After she drooled over Johnno, Barb walked over to the twins.
“Welcome to the Buxton Gallery,” Tabitha said.
The ladies shook hands and Barb pulled Tabitha’s hand toward her, inspecting her ring. “Nice rock. You caught yourself a rich one.”
“Okay,” Tab said. “This is my sister, Sabrina. The real artist in the family.”
“Lovely. I think we have a friend in common.” She smiled back at Jason. “I know we’re going to be great friends, too. I want to know everything about this little gem of an island.”
Sabrina locked eyes with Jason and he shrugged.
True to her character, Sabrina recovered. “My cousin Meredith is the real family historian. But tonight, is about the art. Would you like a tour tomorrow”
“I’m all yours—when I’m not Jason’s, of course.” She giggled. “I am parched. I’m going to grab some champagne.”
“Please, help yourself.” Tabitha walked her toward the refreshments.
Jason’s problem had quadrupled in a minute. The worst part was that Barb could claim it was all publicity driven and he couldn’t really get rid of her. She could vacation anywhere she liked, just like him.
It was only two days later when Jason found himself fed up. As an actor, he played happy when he was sad and miserable when he was just fine. He had people fooled but being friends with Sabrina killed him.
It took everything in him not to grab her and kiss her.
He’d ignored that, pushed it down and played it cool day after day. But something about Barb being on the island frayed his nerves and his self-control.
One way or another, Jason had to find a way to be alone with Sabrina. Yet Barb dogged him with the photographers at nearly every turn.
If it weren’t for Mrs. Drake making him get measured for a tux, he’d be stuck with Barb running into him. She’d overhead the call from Mrs. Drake and wasn’t interested in the mundane task for someone else’s wedding.
Jason walked into the bridal shop that also rented tuxes. Mrs. Drake sat there chatting with a salesgirl.
“Jason, there you are. Thanks for doing this,” Mrs. Drake said.
“I could’ve texted you my measurements. They don’t change and I get fitted for wardrobe on every job.” Jason didn’t mind a bit but wardrobe fittings were boring.
She sat down and waved it off. “I know your measurements will be right but Sean selected a couple of tux cuts and I want to get your opinion. You wear tuxes more than he does. You probably own one.”
“I do.” Jason smiled. “But whatever Sean wants is the right choice. His wedding.”
Sabrina walked out from dressing room holding two tuxes. “I agree. But Tabitha also has to approve the cuts.”
He grinned like a fool. “Of course, the bride is the star.”
“Try these on, please,” Sabrina said.
“It’s what Sean looks better in, not me,” Jason insisted.
She nodded. “He already has. These are the two that are Tabitha approved and Sean likes. He says he doesn’t care which one. I have pics of him in both but I thought you’d like to try them on. See for yourself. Sean wants you to make the final call.”
Sean knew what sort of suits he liked and looked good but no one would call his fashion cutting edge. This was all Sean not wanting to look wrong in front of high society. Guys didn’t like to talk about those things.
“Sure.” He took the tuxes and came close enough to get a whiff of her perfume. “You look great today.”
“Thanks.” She blushed a bit and looked around.
“You look great everyday but...” he trailed off.
“But?” she prompted.
“Will you have dinner with me?” he asked.
She looked over at Mrs. Drake. “I’m not sure that’s a smart idea.”
“I never claimed to be smart. We need to talk for real. In private. At the B&B, tonight, seven. Please,” he said.
“Sure.” She nodded. “Get changed.”
That night, Jason had dinner set up in his hotel room. The B&B’s restaurant was too public. Trey was down there to meet Sabrina and direct her upstairs.
The knock on the door made Jason’s anxiety spike. He could play to a crowd but one woman could bring him to his knees.
He opened the door and she looked even more perfect in a yellow sundress. “Hi.”
“Hi. This is a bit odd,” she said.
“It’s the only way to avoid publicity and interruptions. There’s a waiter here but he’s apparently a cousin of Franny’s. I figured that’d be safe,” he said.
“He is safe, hi Max. Fine. You want to tell me the truth about you and Barb?” she asked.
He held out a chair for her. “No, I mean. Yes. But I already have. She has hopes but I’ve made it clear. She’s trying to make it something for the publicity bump. A lot of actors do that.”
“Really?” She put the napkin in her lap as Max served the soup.
“Yes, agents and managers will set up actors on fake dates to bump their publicity or create drama. You’d be shocked how much of that tabloid crap is manipulated. It’s junk on both sides. I don’t do that and the studio might not be happy but I don’t care.” He sat down.
“That’s what you wanted to tell me?” she asked.
“I can’t.” He looked at Max. “I don’t want you to think I’ve been dating anyone else. No one. Not Barb, not anyone. I can’t get you out of my mind. I screwed up by dropping off communication but I’m happy when I’m around you. I don’t know how to do this. I want to protect you but I can’t make myself let go of the hope.”
“You said I couldn’t handle your world,” she challenged.
“Max, can you give us a minute?” Jason asked.
“I’ll be right outside,” Max replied.
Once the door closed, Jason stood up.
“What are you doing?” Sabrina asked.
“I don’t mean to upset you or scare you. I still love you. I don’t want to hurt you or screw up your life but I can’t be just friends. If that’s all you’ll allow, I’ll deal. I tried to protect you but I’m too selfish. You might hate me. Your family most definitely won’t like it,” he blurted out like a deathbed confession.
She stood up and moved into him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as her lips pressed to his.
“About time,” she said.
They kissed until Max’s knocking reminded Jason why he’d wanted a waiter around. When it came to Sabrina, he needed a chaperone.