Home to Stay: Anchor Island 3

by Terri Osburn

  Sid looked as if she’d been told a root canal was in her immediate future, but Will was kind of excited. She’d never been a bridesmaid. With the added bonus of watching Beth stick their friend into a fancy dress, this fitting might turn out to be the best day she’d had in a while.

  Bartender Willow Parsons was definitely hiding something, and Rebecca King was determined to figure out what. She was certain she’d seen the woman’s face before. Gut instinct, which a reporter always trusted, told her there was a story here.

  If Will was indeed a person of interest, then Rebecca scooping the story would be the break she’d been hoping for. No more fluff pieces. No more coconut drinks and tiki bars. And no more traveling with mindless photographers only interested in the pretty sunset and bikini-clad tourists.

  No one Rebecca had talked to that week knew anything about Willow Parsons beyond the moment she showed up on Anchor Island a year ago. A cursory background check revealed various jobs up and down the coast, but none that dated back more than three years. That provided a starting point.

  She’d spent two nights combing most-wanted lists for crimes committed three to five years ago in the New England area, but with no hits. Then she switched to the missing persons cases. Strikingly, there were many more people missing than wanted, and the search was taking longer. If she hadn’t had to cater to the local yokels all day, Rebecca might have found something by now.

  “Knock knock,” Jude said, stepping through the balcony door to her room. Though they’d each been given their own suite, they shared the balcony overlooking the harbor. Rebecca had to admit, the view was stunning. “Heading over to Dempsey’s for dinner. You want to come?”

  Jude almost never invited Rebecca anywhere when they were on assignment together. They weren’t exactly friends, and she didn’t have a problem with that. The Brit had his charms, but his only goal in life was to snap some photos and have a good time. The perpetual Peter Pan syndrome incarnate. When she thought of what he could be accomplishing with his talent, Rebecca couldn’t help but lose respect for the man.

  “I’m good, thanks.”

  In spite of her clear dismissal, Jude remained. “You haven’t left this room one evening since we got here. I realize the tourists aren’t here yet, but there is a nightlife on this speck of sand. Don’t you think you’d better check it out if you’re going to write about it?”

  Rebecca looked up from her laptop. “Are you telling me how to do my job? Last I checked, I didn’t tell you how to work that contraption around your neck.”

  “I was simply suggesting that the article should include something that happens after sundown,” Jude said through clenched teeth. “Hard to do when you won’t leave the room.”

  “Stick with taking pictures. I’ll handle the rest.”

  With a glare that more than communicated where he’d like to tell her to go, Jude retreated back to the balcony, allowing Rebecca to return to her computer.

  “If you do have a secret, Ms. Parsons, I’m going to find it. Then maybe we’ll both be famous.”

  Knowing Sam was anxious for an update, Randy arrived at the Anchor Inn bright and early Friday morning. Yvonne let him know Sam was in his office, pointing him in that direction. The hotelier was sipping his coffee while reading something on his tablet when Randy knocked on the door.

  “Hey there. Can I get you some coffee?”

  “Never drink the stuff,” Randy said, shaking Sam’s hand before taking a seat. “Anything interesting in the news?”

  Sam lifted one brow. “Same old, same old. The rich are getting richer, and the rest of us are stuck shoveling the shit.”

  Randy guessed Sam to be the wealthiest islander in the village, but compared to the ultrarich decorating the news these days, that still left him at the bottom of the net worth totem pole.

  “And that’s why I don’t read the news.” With little time before his tour duties resumed, Randy cut to the point of the meeting. “The visits have gone well so far. We hit every major sight, and a few of the minor ones. The tour has run from the ferry landing to the preservation museum at the other end. We’ve done nose to tip, with a trip out on the water with Dempsey Charters.”

  “And how have the islanders responded?” Sam asked, sitting back with his coffee mug.

  “Well, I think. Some have taken to the attention better than others.”

  Sam tensed. “That doesn’t sound good.”

  Randy shook his head. “My sister didn’t like the direction of Rebecca’s questioning, and to be honest, neither did I.” For an article on their island as a tourist destination, Ms. King was entirely too interested in the private lives of the Anchor citizens. “She pushed Beth Chandler into a corner on Wednesday to the point that I had to cut off the interview and take Beth outside.”

  “Randy, this article is important to—”

  “I know how important this article is to all of us. But I’m not going to allow anyone to harass my friends and family.” They could find another way to increase tourism, if necessary.

  Sam exhaled as he rubbed the back of his neck. “This wasn’t the easiest article to line up. I don’t want anyone harassed either, but surely we can handle a few probing questions if it means getting a positive article out of this reporter.”

  “Has she probed you with questions yet?” Randy asked, not sure how much contact Sam had with the pair after he dropped them at the hotel.

  “I’ve barely seen Ms. King. Yvonne says she rarely leaves her room after you drop them off.” He grabbed a manila folder on his right and flipped it open. “According to their bill so far, she’s ordered room service every night this week. That doesn’t bode well for a well-rounded article. I was hoping they’d do some exploring on their own.”

  “The photographer has gotten around,” Randy said, remembering Jude’s insulting innuendo to Will on Wednesday evening. “Maybe he’s filling her in on the island nightlife. What there is of it.”

  “Maybe.” Sam closed the folder again. “Maybe you could convince Rebecca to make a stop at Dempsey’s this evening.”

  “Not sure she’d agree, but I can try.”

  “Good. Maybe a couple drinks with the locals will help round out her view of the island.” Sam’s phone rang. “That’s the front desk.” Picking up the receiver, he said, “Yes, Yvonne.”

  After a moment of silence, he added, “We’ll be right out.” He replaced the receiver, saying, “Our guests are ready to go.” Sam rose from his chair. “Two days and this will be over. Let’s hope those two days go well.”

  “I think we’re making a good impression overall.” Randy followed Sam into the hall. “She seemed genuinely interested during the interviews, and we’ve caught a few tourists who had nothing but good things to say.”

  “Is the photographer taking plenty of pictures?”

  “Enough to fill several articles worth, I would think.”

  “Good.” When they reached the lobby, Jude was leaning over the reservation desk, flashing a smile Yvonne’s way, as Rebecca stood near the door tapping a foot. “Are we ready for another day of exploring our fine island?” Sam asked.

  Rebecca smiled, but the sentiment didn’t reach her eyes. “Ready as we’ll ever be.”

  Jude stood at the sound of Sam’s voice, then lifted his camera case from the floor beside his feet. “Looks like some clouds are moving in. If we want good shots, we’ll need to get going right away.”

  That was the most professional thing Randy had heard the man say. “Then by all means, let’s hit the road.”

  Sam shot him a worried look as the pair filed out in front of him. Randy had no idea what had happened overnight, but there was a definite tension between the two that didn’t exist before. Two more days. They just had to play nice for two more days.

  CHAPTER 8

  Will lost her breath the moment Beth walked out of the dressing room. The spaghetti-strapped confection stopped slightly below her knees. The chiffon handkerchief hem floated around her
legs, giving off an ethereal look. It was simple and elegant, with a hint of crystal beading at the top.

  It was Beth, and it was perfect.

  When she reached the platform in front of the large mirror, stepped onto the pedestal, and turned to face them, even Sid gasped.

  “What do you think?” the blushing bride asked, as if she couldn’t see the truth for herself.

  “Perfect,” Will and Sid said at the same time.

  Beth swept around. “Do you really think so?”

  As if there could be any doubt.

  “I don’t think so, I know so.” Will left her chair to get a closer look. “The beadwork is amazing. The length is perfect for getting married by the water.” Will looked up. “Joe is going to fall to his knees when he sees you coming down that aisle.”

  Beth’s smile broadened. “It is the right one, isn’t it!” She danced in place, then froze, the excitement falling from her face.

  “What?” Will asked. “What is it?”

  Green eyes turned misty. “Should I really be wearing white? I mean…” She laid a hand over her belly. “With the baby and all.”

  “Stop right there,” Sid said, joining them near the mirror. “I’m no expert on this girly shit, but my grandmother always said every woman deserved to wear white on her big day. No matter what. It says she’s special. The most beautiful and happiest woman in the room.”

  Beth and Will stared at their friend as if she’d been body snatched.

  “Don’t look at me like that. I have a pair of ovaries, too, you know.”

  “We know,” Will said. “We weren’t sure if you knew.”

  Sid rolled her eyes as Beth and Will laughed together.

  “Now it’s your turn,” Beth declared, clapping from her perch. “I’ve put one dress in each of your dressing rooms. Try them on and then come out and let me see.”

  “We don’t get to pick them ourselves?” Sid asked. “What if we don’t like them?”

  “It’s her day, remember?” Will said, pushing Sid toward the dressing rooms. “Do what she says.”

  They reached the dressing rooms, but neither seemed to know which room to enter.

  “Will is on the left,” Beth yelled across the room. “Sid, you’re on the right.”

  With a deep breath and a drop of the shoulders, Will stepped behind the curtain. She’d not gotten this far in her own wedding planning, and hadn’t been in a fancy dress in years. Hanging from a hook to her left was a dress bag. She unzipped it, holding her breath in anticipation of what Beth had selected.

  “Please let me like it,” she said to her own reflection. Will really wanted to make Beth happy. Having to fake a positive reaction would be tough, but she’d do it if necessary. It was only a dress, after all. She could muddle through for one day to make one of her best friends happy.

  Will paused at the thought. Beth and Sid truly were two of the best friends she’d ever had. Maybe the best. A childhood of constant movement dictated by her mother’s wishes and whims had made it difficult to have friends. Finding a best friend had been impossible.

  Which made her wish all the more that she could stay on Anchor forever. Since the night she’d left Boston with little more than the cash in her pocket and a driving fear of what she’d left behind, Will had been living apart. Distant from everyone around her.

  But today, she belonged. She had friends.

  Today, the past didn’t matter.

  Reaching into the dress bag, Will slid the hanger forward to reveal a simple, navy-blue sleeveless dress. The delicate material was gathered to one side, with a sash that would hang over her right hip, and a draped neckline.

  It was exactly what she would pick for herself.

  Slipping out of her jeans and T-shirt, Will shimmied the dress over her head, sighing as the soft crepe caressed her body. If Beth had done this well for Will, she couldn’t wait to see what Sid was wearing.

  Will didn’t have long to wait.

  “This makes my boobs look huge!” Sid yelled as Will exited her dressing room.

  “Your boobs are huge,” Will informed her through the black curtain. “Now get out here and let us see.”

  Sid yanked the curtain aside. “What the hell is this thing made of?” She swayed from side to side. “Every time I move, it flaps around. One stiff wind and I’ll be flashing the entire crowd my underwear.”

  Beth put Sid in chiffon? Will never would have thought of it, but damn if the bride wasn’t right on this one as well. The dress was strapless, with draped material making what looked to be a large bow across the bodice. Not in an obnoxious or little girl way, but as accent on the otherwise simple dress. The bow even offered more coverage and played down the breasts behind them, which was not an easy task.

  “The woman knows us better than we know ourselves,” Will said, twirling one finger in the air, directing Sid to spin. “She even got the colors to match.” Sid’s dress was also navy, slightly darker than Will’s, but close enough to look good together.

  “You’re killing me!” Beth hollered from across the store. “Get over here already.”

  Sid yanked at the top of the dress. “I guess it is kind of pretty.” She swirled her hips, sending the dress into motion.

  “It’s gorgeous. You’ll be lucky if we get to the ‘I dos’ before Lucas carries you off somewhere.”

  A naughty smile lit her friend’s face. “That’s a nice thought,” Sid said, turning to lead the way to Beth. She even walked like a girl. That dress was a miracle worker.

  Randy walked through the front door of Dempsey’s with a sigh of relief. His official duties as island tour guide for Prime Destinations magazine were almost over. They could have been over fifteen minutes ago, but instead of dropping Rebecca back at the hotel, he’d insisted they stop at Dempsey’s so she could experience the island nightlife on a weekend.

  The crowd wouldn’t come close to what they’d see in July and August, but it would be lively enough to show the place didn’t close up at night. They’d barely made it two feet inside the restaurant when Jude veered off to the bar. Will smiled as she popped the top on a bottle of beer, then slid it his way. Her hair was pulled into two low ponytails behind her ears, the gold bangles chiming at her wrist as she did her job with grace and confidence—two qualities Randy admired, but wished she’d display a bit more around him.

  “I see some of your friends in the corner,” Rebecca said. “Who’s the one sitting beside your sister?”

  Randy followed her gaze to the table at the back of the room. “That’s Lucas Dempsey. Joe’s brother and Sid’s fiancé.”

  “Really?” Rebecca’s cat eyes lit up. “Maybe this little stop wasn’t such a bad idea after all.”

  Well shit. He hadn’t brought the woman here to drill his friends and cause a scene. “Let’s stop at the bar for a drink first.” He steered the reporter to where Jude was flashing his pearly whites at Will. “I’ll take the usual,” Randy said, nodding a greeting as he did so. “What will you have, Rebecca?”

  To his surprise, Rebecca took the stool next to Jude. The two had mixed as well as oil and water all day. When they weren’t avoiding each other, they were making snide, passive-aggressive comments that did little to hide whatever rift had simmered between them.

  “Since we’re experiencing the nightlife, I’ll have a gin and tonic.” As Will moved to mix the drink, Rebecca asked, “Do you have any siblings?”

  The question was aimed at Will and seemed to come out of nowhere. Without missing a beat, the bartender answered, “Nope.” She filled a glass with ice, then measured out the gin into a tall, skinny shot glass. “You have preference for lemon or lime?”

  “Lemon,” Rebecca said, leaning her elbows on the bar. “Where did you learn to mix drinks?”

  Will picked up the soda dispenser and pushed the tonic button to fill the glass to the brim. “Where did you learn to be a reporter?”

  Randy felt as if he were watching a tennis match and Will had just scored
a point.

  Rebecca actually laughed, enjoying the verbal volley. “Emerson. Is that your way of saying you learned to make drinks in college?”

  “Didn’t everyone?” Will squeezed the slice of lemon over the glass, then gave it a gentle stir before placing it on a small square napkin in front of Rebecca. “You guys up for an appetizer?”

  If Rebecca’s questions were bothering Will tonight, she wasn’t letting on. Randy took the opportunity to admire how the gypsy moved so comfortably behind the bar. Since she wasn’t paying him much attention, the apprehension he’d become accustomed to seeing in her eyes wasn’t there. Even when she slid his bottle of tea across the bar, she didn’t pull back instantly as if he might snatch her over the surface and carry her away.

  Instead, she surprised him by saying, “Can I talk to you at the end of the bar for a second?”

  “Sure.” He stepped around the bar stools to join Will at the end closest to the poolroom. “What can I do for you?”

  “Why did you bring her here?” she asked, the casual air gone. “Beth is back in the corner with Joe, Sid, and Lucas, and I don’t want Rebecca harassing them.”

  “First off, nice to see you, too,” Randy said. “Secondly, I brought her here so whatever article she writes doesn’t make it sound as if we roll up the sidewalks at dinnertime.”

  “Anchor doesn’t have sidewalks,” Will snarled.

  “You know what I mean.” Her confidence was more attractive when she wasn’t using it to take a bite out of his ass. “Besides, I didn’t know everyone was here when I made the suggestion.”

  Will glanced back to where they’d left the pair. “Shit. Where’d she go?”

  Jude was missing too. Randy leaned around the half wall that separated the dining room to see Rebecca headed straight for the corner table. Jude had joined Yvonne, Lola, and Marcus at another table.

  “She’s headed their way. I’m sure Joe and Lucas can handle her.”

  He looked back to Will, who looked skeptical. “Think about how Sid feels about Beth, then remember what she thinks of our resident reporter.”