A Pelican Beach Affair (Pelican Beach Book 3)

by Michele Gilcrest

  A Pelican Beach Affair

  Pelican Beach Series Book Three

  Michele Gilcrest

  Forward

  Welcome!

  Thank you for purchasing A Pelican Beach Affair. This is the third book in the series. Be sure to check out the entire series in order, The Inn At Pelican Beach, and Sunsets At Pelican Beach as well.

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  Copyright © 2020 by Michele Gilcrest

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  1. Payton

  2. Payton

  3. Rebecca

  4. Payton

  5. Payton

  6. Rebecca

  7. Alice

  8. Payton

  9. Payton

  10. Alice

  11. Payton

  12. Helen

  13. Payton

  14. Rebecca

  15. Payton

  16. Payton

  17. Epilogue: Alice

  Also by Michele Gilcrest

  Payton

  It was late February, and I was no closer to securing a venue for the wedding than when Cole proposed. It's not that I didn't try. Cole even suggested that we get married at a country club. But putting on a fanfare that was more for the people and less intimate for us seemed out of character. With the wedding plans still up in the air, the family shifted their attention to my sister, Rebecca. She was two days overdue and ready to give birth at any moment. The only thing that remained steady and predictable at the moment was my livelihood at the store.

  "Payton, I know that I'm just an assistant, but I have some ideas for the store that might really help boost your online presence." Natalie helped pack up the equipment we had on the beach and continued to share.

  "What did you have in mind?"

  "You're already taking things to the next level with your style of photography. Just take today's photoshoot, for example. You literally set up an antique couch on the beach in February to take engagement photos. Do you know how romantic it looked with the ocean as the backdrop behind them? You gave the couple some of the most fashion-forward ideas for their outfits and the props. It was a total success!"

  "Why, thank you, Natalie. But what does that have to do with my online presence?"

  "Well, imagine the buzz you could create about Picture Perfect on social media? The same way models show off designer clothing on the runway, you can show off your creative photography business on the internet. What if people could follow your posts and see snapshots of your creative locations? What if you could go live or post instant stories to give people the behind the scenes look at your work as a photographer?"

  "I can tell you've been putting a lot of thought into this."

  "I'm sorry. The deeper I dive into my marketing classes, the more I can't help myself."

  "Don't be sorry. You have a lot of great ideas. It's definitely worth looking into. Right now, I just have a website, but social media may be the way to go."

  I zipped up my last piece of equipment and dusted the sand off my bags. The temperature was in the lower 70's, which felt relatively cool by the water.

  "How about we get these bags in the van, and you help me with the couch. Once we get back, we can talk about your ideas a little further."

  "Sounds good to me."

  I loved Natalie's enthusiasm. We worked so well together. I feared that she would graduate and leave Pelican Beach and the store behind soon. On the drive back, we listened to country music and enjoyed each other's company.

  On the other side of the road, a parade of emergency vehicles whizzed by.

  "I wonder what happened. Whenever I see that many cop cars and fire trucks speeding by, I always say a quick prayer,” Natalie said.

  "That's not a bad idea. I'm not sure where they're headed, but hopefully, people will get out of their way with all the sirens blaring."

  We watched more vehicles pass us by. Before long, we were back at the store and began unloading the van.

  "If you grab this end of the couch, I'll go ahead and grab the other," I said.

  "Got it."

  We carefully carried the couch to the back and put everything in its place. Natalie switched my front sign to open while I took care of a few odds and ends around the store.

  For the first time ever, my coo-coo clock from the thrift store began to chime.

  "Coo-coo, coo-coo."

  Natalie and I laughed after being startled by it. I'd always admired the clock, but everyone knew it's functionality was limited, until now.

  "It looks like you gave up on your clock a little too soon.” Natalie dusted around the clock's trim.

  "How about that. I guess I did. Now, if we could only figure out how to limit the coo-coo chime to sound on the hour, we'd be in good shape. I'll have Cole take a look at it. Maybe he can figure it out."

  Natalie brought over her laptop.

  "Do you have a moment to take a look at what I was talking about earlier?"

  "Sure. Let's pull up a couple of stools."

  "Okay, here's what I was thinking.” Her enthusiasm was through the roof.

  "If you look at the setup of this page, you can upload a picture from this morning at the click of a button. Include one of the shots with the couch and all of the staging. Then you can write a quick blurb underneath. Something like 'props from today's engagement photos,' or 'looking for a creative photographer for your next event?' You know what to say… basically anything else that inspires you and describes your business."

  "Natalie, you might be on to something. That's not a bad idea."

  "It's a way to stay connected with your customers."

  "I like it, and I can't think of a better person to spearhead this new project than you! Maybe you can help to at least get it up and running for me?"

  "I was hoping you would say that. This is my specialty. My boyfriend recently shared some new features with me that I think you'll love."

  "Natalie, I didn't know you had a boyfriend. What's his name?"

  "Brandon."

  Her cheeks started to blush.

  "Do tell. How long have you been together? And where did you meet?"

  "We've been dating for almost a year. I have a study group that meets weekly at the library, and he works there. Over time I noticed him always fumbling and going out of his way to help me find books, so I took that as a sign that he might be interested. He's a bit of a nerd, but I'd prefer his type over the arrogant jock types any day of the week."

  "I hear ya on that one. Nobody wants to waste time with a jerk."

  She smiled.

  "So have you started making plans for what you want to do in the spring when you graduate?"

  "I'd love to move to New York," Natalie said.

  This was precisely what I was afraid of. It was the very thing my sister Abby had warned me about when I hired a college student. I still believe that any part-time help could leave just as easily. But, if Natalie left, I knew I would miss her.

  She continued. "They have so many fortune five hundred companies that could really help pave the way for my marketing career. However, it's a dream that will have to be deferred for now. My mom has been ill, and I really need to stay close and to help take care of her."

  "N
atalie, I'm so sorry. I didn't know. You didn't say a word."

  "It's okay, Payton. I try to put all my personal life matters to the side when I'm here and at school to stay focused. It's not your fault."

  "I appreciate it, but still. I'm sure you just see me as your boss, but please know that I'm here and care about you should there be anything you want to talk about."

  "Thanks, Payton. I love working with you. I really do."

  "I love you working here. The thought of you ever leaving makes me sad, but please know that I would be understanding when the time comes."

  The bells on the front door signaled as a customer entered in.

  "Welcome to Picture Perfect. How can I help you?" Natalie greeted a woman who approached the counter and laid her bag down. She was gorgeous with long dark hair, fitted jeans, and tall boots.

  "Hi there. I'm here to make an appointment to take a few pictures for my modeling portfolio."

  "Hi, I'm Payton Matthews, owner of Picture Perfect. I'm going to let Natalie pull out some sample packages that we have to offer. I'll let you look through and choose the best options, and then we can get you set up with an appointment."

  "Sounds great."

  Natalie opened up a few drawers to pull the pamphlets that we needed.

  "Man, it was crazy getting over here. The traffic is backed up for miles trying to get into Pelican Beach." She seemed flustered, so I offered her a bottle of water.

  "I wonder what's going on," I said.

  "You didn't hear? It's all over the radio. There was a major fire over on the northern end of the beach. One of the mansions over there was undergoing some remodeling, and somehow a fire broke out. Firefighters are trying to get the fire under control, but a few of the crew members are trapped on the upstairs level."

  I instantly felt uneasy. As she was talking, I was scrambling to remember the name of the street where my fiancé was working on his renovation. I knew it was on the beach's northern end, but I couldn't remember the details.

  "Ma'am, are you alright? You don't look like you feel so good,” she said.

  "I'm sorry. What station did you say you heard this on?"

  "I'm sure you can catch it if you turn to 1010 on the AM stations."

  Natalie took over while I went to the back. I turned on the radio and dialed the numbers to the right station just in time to conclude the weather.

  'That wraps up our weather. Now let's hear a few updates on our local news. Firefighters are still working hard to contain the mansion fire over in Forest Hill Estates. It's been reported that they're trying to rescue those trapped on the top floor. More details to come as the situation unfolds.'

  I tried Cole's cell phone several times but continued to get his voicemail. Even though I had this feeling of unrest, I tried to remain calm. I decided to dial his mother to see if she heard anything.

  "Hi, Alice. This is Payton. How are you?"

  "Payton, I was just about to call you. Have you seen the news?"

  "I haven't seen it, but one of my customers told me about the fire. Have you heard from Cole by any chance?"

  "No, I haven't. I tried his phone several times, and he hasn't answered. I thought I would try you to see if you knew anything," she said.

  "Well, we were both thinking along the same lines. That's precisely why I called you. Alice, I know Cole mentioned that he had a job out on the northern side of the beach. But did he share any other specifics with you?"

  "He did mention that he was working on a mansion project. That's what's making me nervous about the news report. I'm sure there are many mansions in Forest Hill. But, how many of them are getting their house renovated?"

  Nail-biting while staring around the room didn't bring me any closer to a solution.

  "Payton?"

  "Yes, I'm here, Alice. I'm wondering if I should drive over to Forest Hill. This way, I can confirm if Cole's there by looking for his truck."

  "That's a good idea. Emmie and I can ride with you if you'd like."

  Even though Cole's daughter, Emmie, was extremely mature for her age, the last thing I would want is to upset her.

  "It's okay, Alice. I think we better exercise caution with Emmie."

  "You're right. We don't want to make her worry. Especially if we find out there was nothing to worry about in the first place."

  "Exactly. I just wish Cole would answer his phone. I don't want to belabor this any longer. I'm grabbing my keys and leaving now. I'll call you as soon as I know more."

  "Likewise. I love you, Payton."

  "I love you, too, Alice."

  I grabbed my keys and returned to the front to explain the situation to Natalie. She was wrapping things up with the customer who came in to book an appointment.

  "Ladies, my apologies. I had to take an important phone call. Is there anything I can help you with, or are you all set?"

  "I think we're good. I decided to go with a large portfolio. I'll be back on Saturday to take the pictures."

  "Wonderful. I'm sorry, I think I missed your name earlier."

  "It's Amanda."

  "Amanda, thank you. I'm looking forward to our appointment."

  "So am I. I'll see you then."

  "Sounds good."

  As soon as she left, I proceeded to give Natalie the run down.

  "Oh, no. I hope it's just a coincidence—no wonder you started to look so nervous. Please let me know what I can do to help," Natalie said.

  "If you're able to hold down the fort here at the store, that would be the most helpful."

  "Yes, of course."

  "If, for some reason, I'm not back within the next two hours, I'll gladly pay you any overtime."

  "Payton, don't worry about it. Just go. I want you to be able to put your mind at ease."

  "Thank you, Natalie."

  No sooner than I left the store, my cell phone rang. I exhaled, hoping it was just the relief I was looking for.

  It was Alice again.

  "Hello."

  "Payton, it's me."

  "Did you hear anything?"

  "No, I didn't. However, they just showed the front of the home on the news. I'm confident the pickup truck is the same color as Cole's. It's sitting in the front driveway."

  "Oh, no."

  "Look, there's nothing like being there in person instead of speculating, but the camera zoomed in pretty close. I tried to call the police station to see if they could confirm anything, but names aren't being released at the moment."

  "Alright, Alice. I'm in the car now. I'll try to get there as fast as possible and call you back when I have information."

  "Okay. Be careful, Payton."

  I drove as fast as I could on a two-lane road heading to the most northern point of Pelican Beach. Even if I didn’t have an exact address I could at least find the gated community. When I arrived, the sign for Forest Hill Estates couldn't be missed. It was a private golf club area within Pelican Beach, where only those with extra deep pockets occupied real estate.

  At the front gate, I stopped the car and was greeted by a police officer.

  "Good afternoon, officer."

  "Good afternoon, ma'am. Are you a resident or family member to someone in Forest Hill Estates?"

  "No, sir."

  "Well, if that's the case, I'm going to have to ask you to turn your car around. We're currently dealing with an emergency," he said.

  "Sir, I came here because I believe my fiance is involved in the fire. His renovation company was supposed to be doing a job in the area, and his mother called me worried because she thinks she saw his truck on the news."

  "Ma'am, can you confirm the address where your fiance is working?"

  "I can't. But I promise I wouldn't drive from the southern end of Pelican Beach if I didn't have good reason to believe he might be here."

  The officer looked around for a minute as if he were contemplating what to do.

  "Can you describe his truck?"

  "Yes, it's black with a crew cab and tons of work
materials in the back."

  "Why don't you pull over to the side and let me radio to my partner in the back."

  "Thank you."

  The gates were opened, so I pulled over to the right and out of the way of traffic. I watched the officer in my side mirror, trying desperately to interpret what he was saying. Before I could make much of it, he started heading toward my side of the car.

  "Okay, here's what you're going to do. I need you to pull in the gates and park right in front of the house to your right. Once the car is secure, you'll need to walk around the corner to the next row of houses. They have the yellow tape up, but my partner will be looking for you so he can help you confirm whether it's your fiance’s truck."

  "Okay." My voice was rattled. I knew there had to be some similarities with my description for him to allow me to get closer to the scene.

  "Ma'am. What's your name?"

  "Payton Matthews."

  "Okay, Miss Matthews. Whatever you do, please adhere to the guidelines and stay behind the tape. Like I said, my officer will be looking for you."

  "Okay, thank you."

  I walked as fast as I could around the corner to the second street of homes. Just as they described on the radio, you could immediately see a lot of smoke coming from the house. With all the fire trucks blocking the way, I couldn't see the driveway, but I could see a big crane elevated to the top windows.

  The officer came across the tape and walked toward me.

  "Are you Payton Matthews?"

  "Yes."

  "I'm Officer Blackwell. I want you to stick with me. We're not going beyond the tape, but we can follow along the side where you should be able to see the vehicle you were describing to my partner."

  "Okay."

  I followed him several feet closer to the house. He turned to ask me another question.

  "What's your fiance’s name?"