Tangled Love on Pelican Point (Island County Series Book 3)

by Karice Bolton

  “I can imagine,” I answered.

  “Give us some time with the information you provided.” Rhonda patted the piece of paper on her desk. “But please send in Marcy on your way out.” She paused. “You’re sure about this?”

  “Positive. It’s what I need to do.” I stood up and slipped my bag over my shoulder.

  Rhonda’s smile widened, and she stood up and walked around her desk to give me a hug.

  “Big leaps happen from little steps,” she whispered, squeezing me once more before letting go.

  I gave her a quick nod and waved at Gary. “Thank you for meeting with me and thank you for everything you’ve done for my family over the years. I know my dad will be in awe of your support.”

  “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”

  I turned around and opened the door, nearly running over Brad.

  The little snot had been trying to eavesdrop.

  “You’re lucky you have such wonderful in-laws,” I told him and turned to find Marcy.

  It seemed that Mr. Hill was right about opportunity, and I couldn’t believe I’d actually handed the owners of Loxxy my business card. I liked this new Sophie.

  It was the morning of the fundraiser, and I was still in shock with the recent developments from yesterday. I showed up to my dad’s house, and a car sat in the driveway that I didn’t recognize.

  Turned out, my dad had decided to file for divorce, and the person parked in the driveway was his attorney, Larry Balters. Papers had been served on Cindy this fine Saturday morning, and word on the streets of Fireweed Island was that she wasn’t a happy camper, even though she was shacking up with someone else.

  Too much drama for me.

  My only hope was that she’d stay away from the festivities, but in case she didn’t, Mary and I both agreed on the unsaid. It was time for my dad to try the cane out in public. It was something he’d been trying to get us to let him do for the last couple of weeks, but I still made him stick with the walker when we were out for our walks and trips to the grocery store.

  I’d spent the morning opening up a special bank account for any funds collected today for my dad’s care, but I didn’t feel right accepting much of anything. My life had turned around so completely that I honestly felt I would be able to pay off his bills myself in just a couple more months.

  I walked into my dad’s bedroom and plopped down on his bed.

  “Dad, I’m not sure about this fundraiser any longer. I know it’s for you and not me, but things have changed drastically.”

  His brows furrowed.

  “With the money I have coming in and the payment plans I have set up for your medical bills, I think things will be okay, and I don’t feel right taking the money.”

  Mary walked into the bedroom behind me and sat next to me on the bed.

  “They’ve worked so hard on this, and all the proceeds from the ticket sales are going to Charlie,” Mary reminded me.

  “But I can keep taking care of him,” I told her.

  My dad’s eyes locked with Mary’s and she smiled.

  “And he appreciates that more than you’ll ever know, but it’s not your responsibility to put your life on hold any longer.”

  “I’m not,” I objected, thinking back to the one day CJ came over to help with Dad. Well, maybe in comparison to him, it looked like I had put my life on hold, but CJ was purely inconsiderate. He never even responded about whether he was going to attend today’s event.

  “Actually, you have, and your father recognizes that.” She grabbed my hand and held it. “And he doesn’t want that burden on his shoulders any longer.”

  I glanced at my dad, who nodded.

  “I know your pride’s getting in the way, but sometimes it’s okay to let people help. And they want to help your dad, and you need to let them help him.”

  I shook my head.

  “What happens if you spend the next six months paying off all his old bills while he accumulates new ones and money stops coming in? Let this community give back to your father the best way they know how. And start living your life.”

  “Is this coming from you or my dad?” My brow arched.

  “Your dad spends a lot of time talking to me and texting.”

  My gaze flashed to his. “Since when did he start texting?”

  “Since I gave him a phone a couple of weeks ago.”

  I started laughing and stared at my dad. “And you’ve never once texted me?”

  “You nag,” he told me.

  “I do not,” I protested.

  My dad smiled and nodded, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

  I probably would be sending him endless texts asking him if he took his pills, if he had his shake, and if he’d rested enough. Had I really turned into that?

  “He knows you well.” Mary grinned and held up her phone with the endless texts from me, asking those very questions.

  “You might have a point.”

  “So, my advice for you is to enjoy the love they’re showing for your dad and put your pride aside. This is for him. He wants you to try to keep your money for a rainy day.”

  “I’ll try.” My phone buzzed, and it was a text from Anthony.

  You coming or what?

  “Looks like our performer is getting antsy.”

  “Do you want to head over early?” Mary asked. “I’ll drive your dad.”

  I glanced at my dad and had to hide my laughter. His eyes told me everything.

  Scram!

  “That would be great.” I gave her a quick hug and knelt over the bed to kiss my dad. “See ya there. Maybe text when you arrive.”

  I walked out of my dad’s bedroom and texted back.

  I can’t believe I get to see my boyfriend perform.

  He texted back.

  Boyfriend, huh?

  I laughed and shook my head.

  It’s only fair. If you can call me your girlfriend, I get to do the same.

  Happiness filled me as I walked out to my car, and the last text came over from Anthony.

  I couldn’t agree more. Text when you get here.

  I hopped in my car and took off down the road. The event was being held at the park behind the library. It was a brisk day, but the sun was holding on, which was a miracle in itself in November—not that Washingtonians ever let a little dampness hold them back from a good time. I was trying not to let the fact that this was Anthony’s last day in town get me down. Tomorrow, he’d be getting on a plane, and our real life would be starting, with him living in California and me on Fireweed. To commemorate the moment, Crimson Strings played in my car as I drove into town, but when I took the final left onto the main street, shock filled me to the brim.

  Traffic was at a standstill. Cars were parked on lawns, and people held up signs to offer their yards for parking for five bucks. As my car slowly crept along in the traffic, I saw local families from Fireweed, along with hundreds of people I didn’t recognize.

  And then I saw it—car after car driving off the ferry from the mainland. Crimson Strings was pulling them in and our little town could barely handle it. I waved and pulled onto the first vacant yard where someone was holding up a sign. The someone turned out to be Mr. Harten, our pharmacist. He looked dapper in his green sweater, grey tweed cap, and chinos. He came over to my car, and I nearly knocked him over in my excitement.

  “This is incredible,” I said loud enough for him to hear. Mr. Harten was an older gentleman who didn’t have the best of hearing. Sometimes he heard what a person had to say and other times, he just didn’t.

  “Quite a turnout,” Mr. Harten said, smiling and glancing down the road.

  I pulled out a five, but he shook his head.

  “Not from you, just everyone else.” He laughed.

  “I’ve only seen traffic like this during our fair and the lavender festival,” I said in complete awe.

  “It’s not every day a rock legend graces our town with a performance.”

  My che
eks flushed and I just nodded in agreement.

  “Better make your way over there.”

  “You too.”

  “Oh, we will.”

  I started toward the park and continued on in absolute amazement.

  My phone rang and I picked up. It was a call from Natty.

  “You here yet?”

  “Just parked. Where are you?”

  “At the entry. This is nuts. Cole is losing his mind. He’s giving away Crimson Strings bumper stickers and buttons every time he turns around.”

  I laughed. “Sounds about right. I’ll be there in a few.”

  Another text came over from Anthony.

  Are you here?

  I giggled and texted right back.

  Apparently, your band is kind of a big deal and parking is at a premium. I’m hiking my way over. See you in a few, Rock Star.

  I spotted the temporary fences they put up around the park, and my heart rate increased as I saw the lines of people at the gates waiting to get inside. Food trucks lined the inside of the park, and a huge stage was at the far end of the park. It looked like a tiny matchbox from this distance.

  “Sophie,” Jewels squealed, coming to hug me. “Is this not incredible? I can’t even begin to tell you all the good that’s coming from this. People are even donating to the library fund. Apparently, providing beer, wine, and good music makes people feel generous.”

  I smiled, mesmerized by the crowds swarming the park.

  “I’m kind of stunned right now,” I whispered.

  “Well, Anthony asked me to find you and bring you to him. He’s in hiding for obvious reasons.”

  I glanced around the park and noticed that most people were wearing some sort of Crimson Strings shirt or hat, and I giggled, realizing I really had no clue about what I was about to step into.

  “You need this.” She handed me a special VIP pass and linked her hand with mine. She pulled me through the crowds for what felt like miles to two small trailers behind the stage. Several security guards lined the barricades surrounding the trailers, and she flashed a special badge. They gave a slight nod and let us through.

  “Anthony,” Jewels called, knocking on the trailer door closest to us. “I have someone for you.”

  Anthony nearly took the hinges off the door as he pushed it open.

  “Okay, so I’ll just let you two be.” Jewels snickered, turning around to make her way back through the crowds.

  Anthony’s gaze locked on mine, and I saw fierceness behind his eyes. I was now looking into the eyes of Anthony the rock star, and it totally pushed me over the edge as he pulled me into the trailer, his mouth kissing me all over.

  “Aren’t you supposed to refrain until after the show?” I teased.

  “That’s the rule for boxers, not singers,” he barely mumbled between kisses.

  A loud knock at the door sounded in the tiny trailer. “Charlie and Mary have been seated in the VIP section. Ten minutes until show time,” Cole yelled.

  “He’s so annoying.” Anthony laughed, but he continued kissing me, his hands quickly working to unfasten my jacket. I slid my arms around his waist and scattered my fingers under his t-shirt, feeling the coolness of his bare skin. I realized that every single time with Anthony seemed to outdo the last.

  His fingers slid between my jeans and belly, and my breath caught as he trailed his kisses along my jaw.

  “Is this what it’s like before every concert?” I breathed, tangling my fingers through his hair.

  “First time ever, baby,” he whispered, and my body trembled as his fingers lowered.

  “Three minutes.” Cole rapped on the door again.

  “My one time to live the rock star dream, and my brother ruins it for me.” He kissed me softly and cradled my face in his hands.

  “Well, I’m up to reliving the moment at any time.” I grinned, seeing the heat run through his gaze.

  “Damn. I’m going to miss you.”

  His words hit me like a torch to my heart, and I knew the burn would last longer than this relationship ever would.

  “That was the most incredible thing to have ever hit Fireweed,” Natalie said, lounging on the back deck of my dad’s house. It was hard to believe that yesterday was in the low fifties, and today, we were expecting the season’s first snowfall. Natty wanted to be sure to catch the first flake, even if that meant us catching frostbite in the interim.

  Cole was going to stop by with Anthony before he took him to the airport, and I was trying not to get depressed. I wanted to believe that a long-distance relationship with Anthony would work, but given his profession and our reluctance to meet in the middle, the odds weren’t working in our favor.

  Regardless, I was still completely dazzled by Anthony’s performance yesterday. I fully understood how groupies came to be. They felt like the singer was singing directly to them, and that’s exactly how I felt with Anthony. I swore our eyes connected multiple times through each song.

  “It was pretty amazing.” I pulled my coat tighter.

  “How are you doing with him leaving?” Natty asked.

  “Not well.”

  “I’ve heard from Cole that Anthony’s invited you down to visit.”

  “He did, but I don’t have time for that. Not with all the orders coming through and working at Loxxy and Island Bluff.”

  “Does that mean you might not be able to help on Thanksgiving orders this year?” she teased.

  “You need help, and I’m there in a second.”

  She smiled and nodded. “I’ve done some of the calculations.”

  “On what?”

  “The orders you’re filling left and right.”

  I dropped my gaze to the deck. “And?”

  “You have more than enough reasons to stop working at Loxxy and Island Bluff.”

  I shook my head. “Not if the orders stop coming in.”

  “You need to believe in yourself.”

  “I do. I believe that I can work at Loxxy, Island Bluff, and my Etsy shop.”

  “You’re actually losing money by keeping your jobs at the hotel and restaurant.”

  “How do you figure?”

  “Lost productivity. I’ve broken it down, and you make more per hour on your signs.”

  “But there’s no security in signs, and that’s worth a lot to me.”

  Natty nodded, and her eyes caught something behind me.

  I turned around and saw Anthony and Cole standing behind the sliding glass door. Anthony looked as incredible as ever. His beanie was pulled down over his head, and his low hanging jeans fit just right under his puffy jacket. I shot up from the freezing chair and slid open the slider, nearly knocking Cole over in the process.

  “Hi to you too,” Cole laughed, stepping aside.

  Anthony picked me up in his arms and carried me into the living room.

  “This is turning out to be far more difficult than I imagined,” he whispered.

  “Really? I’ve been imagining it to be pretty difficult this entire time.”

  “You’ve got your phone all charged for Facetime?” he asked.

  I nodded, knowing that wouldn’t be enough, and I wondered if he knew that too.

  “Look at me,” he whispered, gently tipping my chin up. “We’re going to be fine. We’ll make this work.”

  “I hope so,” I said softly.

  “I know so.”

  I kept my arms looped around his neck, trying to memorize everything about him—the way his brows so easily furrowed, how his lips curved, the lushness of his lips, the expressiveness in his eyes.

  “You’ll come down to California before the holidays, right?” he asked, squeezing my waist a little tighter.

  “As long as I can manage.”

  He sank his teeth into his bottom lip and let out a frustrated sigh, and I felt slightly better knowing he was as unsure about this next step as I was. This wasn’t going to be easy.

  Anthony nodded as Cole came back inside with Natty.


  “First flake of the season, and it landed in my mouth,” she declared.

  “And you’re how old?” I teased.

  “Old enough to know that every single person should stop and enjoy the little things.”

  “Did Natty tell you the good news?” Cole asked, but I wasn’t really listening. I just wanted to will Anthony to stay on Fireweed.

  “No. What?” I asked absently.

  “Two thousand people attended the concert. After paying for security and everything else, that leaves over sixty thousand dollars for your dad. That doesn’t even count the donations or sales on food and beverages. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out we’re tipping in at a hundred grand.”

  My gaze flashed to Cole’s.

  “Are you kidding?”

  “Not even a little bit.”

  “That would wipe out my dad’s bills and ensure his rehabilitation.” In complete shock, I turned my gaze back to Anthony’s. “Did you know?”

  “I did, but Jewels wanted to be able to tell you the good news. Apparently, my brother is awful at keeping secrets.”

  “Well, he’s in the perfect line of business then.” I smiled.

  “A truer statement couldn’t be said,” Anthony agreed.

  “I can’t wait for my dad to find out, and Mary will be absolutely beside herself. She was walking around all yesterday with a look of surprise permanently plastered on her face.”

  “She did kind of have a funny look on her face.” Natty laughed.

  “Depending on when you ran into her, it could have been because Cindy showed up.”

  “No way,” Anthony said. “You didn’t tell me this.”

  “It’s true. Mary said it couldn’t have worked out better if we’d planned it, which we kind of did. My dad was standing up with his cane, his arm wrapped around Mary’s waist, swaying to the music.”

  “Perfection,” Natty whispered.

  “It was, by all accounts. Cindy got so angry, she stormed out and threw her beer in the trash.”

  “At least we got her money for the ticket to get in and for the beer tab,” Cole joked, wiggling his brows.