Meg (Beach Brides Book 1)

by Julie Jarnagin

  She looked at Elliot, trying to gauge his reaction.

  “It’s nice,” he said.

  She shook her head. “You don’t have to say that.” When she was growing up, the neighbors had been fine. She’d had other kids to play with, but all the trailers were rundown now. “I don’t want you to think I’m embarrassed by my family, because I’m not. My dad is a saint for everything he did for my brother and me when we were younger. We never went without, not even when he had to quit his job and go on disability. Not working was difficult on a man as proud as my father.”

  Elliot cocked his head to look in her eyes. “Hey, you don’t have to explain anything to me. I get it, and if he raised someone as wonderful as you, he must be a fantastic father.”

  The front door opened, and her father shuffled onto the top step with his cane in hand. She hadn’t planned on actually introducing them.

  “Is that him?” Elliot asked.

  Before she could answer, Elliot was out of the car.

  She scrambled to unbuckle her seatbelt.

  Elliot came around to her side of the car and opened her door.

  “It would be best if you let me talk to him—”

  “Y’all going to stand out there all day,” Dad said, scratching his graying stubble.

  She walked up the steps and hugged him. “Hi, Daddy. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m okay.” A lie. They both knew he was in constant pain.

  Elliot reached around her and held out a hand. “I’m Elliot Campbell. I produce One True Love. Good to meet you, sir.”

  She held her breath.

  Her father shook Elliot’s hand. Stooped over with his cane, he looked older than he actually was. For a man who’d always been in top physical shape, his injuries had also taken a profound mental toll on him.

  “I wanted to apologize for not coming to meet you the first time I was in town,” Elliot said.

  “I appreciate that.” He studied Elliot a second. “So, have you found Meg true love yet?” he asked in a gravelly voice.

  Elliot gave a good-humored laugh, and his gaze locked on Meg’s. “It’s probably too soon to tell, but I think we’re on to something.”

  Meg’s breath caught in her throat because she had found someone on Enchanted Island. She’d found someone kind and real, someone who accepted her for who she was. The problem was, it wasn’t A.J. or Peter.

  It was Elliot.

  ****

  Two days later, Elliot stood in the lobby of the theater that buzzed with activity. The first stop he’d made after going to Meg’s house was the local newspaper office. He’d lucked out and talked to the editor just before the weekly paper had been sent to the printer.

  All it took was a short write up inviting people to volunteer at the theater for a chance to be on television. The two cameramen had already gotten footage of volunteers picking up lumber donated by the local hardware store, and as soon as his set designer friend arrived, the volunteers would begin building and painting the sets.

  Carla stepped through the door, slid her sunglasses to the top of her head, and looked around the room.

  Elliot approached her, excited she was here. He could use the help, and Carla could always get things done. “You made it. How did the interviews go?”

  Tension—even more than usual—lined Carla’s jaw. “Fine. Looks like you’ve been busy.”

  “Great, right? We have way more volunteers than I expected. Are the guys here yet? We can get them on camera helping out.”

  She shook her head. “I really don’t think all this is necessary. We usually have a lot to pack into the hometown scenes. I figure most of this will end up on the cutting room floor.”

  He wouldn’t let that happen. He’d promised Meg he would help the theater get some attention. “There’s always room for an additional storyline, especially when it has an inspirational, small-town feel. It’ll be perfect. You’ll see.”

  Carla grabbed his arm and pulled him into the coat room by the entrance. “I have news.” She leaned forward. “I did a little homework on Meg’s family.”

  His gut tightened. Meg had been so adamant about her family’s privacy. He didn’t feel right about snooping around in their past. “What are you talking about?”

  “Turns out her dad lives in a trailer and walks with a cane and a limp. We have to get him on film,” she said, her eyes wide.

  He shook his head. “Meg has made it clear he isn’t interested. Besides, I’ve met him. He seems like a nice guy.”

  “And you didn’t think to tell me?” she asked. “Having him on the show would gain some viewer sympathy.”

  Sympathy? He’d only met Meg’s father once, but he was sure that was the last thing he would want. “Come on, Carla. Using a man’s disability to our advantage would be low. We both know it, and I’m not doing it.”

  Carla raised her eyebrows. “When did you get so high and mighty, Elliot? Meg’s dad should be our secondary storyline. Not some burned theater.”

  Pressure grew in his chest. “Where did you hear about all this? We’re not here to exploit anyone’s hardships.”

  “Who cares where I heard it,” Carla said. “We’re here to tell a good story.”

  “If Meg doesn’t want her father on camera, I’m not going to push it.” And he didn’t want to talk about it with Carla anymore.

  “Hang on there, lover boy.” Annoyance dripped from her voice. “Since when do we let the contestants decide what we film?”

  “Don’t call me lover boy. We’re friends.”

  Carla crossed her arms. “You have to stop protecting Meg simply because you have a thing for her.”

  He rubbed his hand across his jaw. Was it really that obvious? “Stop saying that, Carla. You and I both know that me getting involved with her would ruin the season?” And maybe the entire show.

  “Do you? Do you know that, Elliot? Because you certainly aren’t acting like it.”

  “I’m not protecting her.” If he was, he was doing a lousy job of it. “We both know that Meg isn’t our typical contestant. If we push too hard, she might bail on us.”

  One of the cameramen stuck his head through the doorway. “What are you guys doing in here? The set designer arrived. We’re ready to get started.”

  “We’ll be right there,” Elliot said.

  When they were alone again. Carla pinched the bridge of her nose. “Look. Why don’t you finish up whatever you have planned today, and I’ll handle the date tomorrow night?”

  At least he wasn’t going to have to convince her to go through with the theater repairs. It was important to Meg and everyone here. “Sounds like a good plan. What were you thinking for the date?”

  She cocked her head. “You just let me take care of that.” She turned and walked out of the room, leaving Elliot to wonder what she was up to.

  ****

  Meg had dreaded filming in Alna, but she’d been wrong. Spending the past two days in the theater with the kids in the after-school program had completely renewed her. Sure, it had started out as an awkward collision of two worlds, but when A.J. and Peter had helped the kids paint the set, everything changed. They’d reminded her why she was doing the show in the first place. Peter was as dry as usual, but he seemed to relax with the kids. A.J. was unintentionally entertaining. He was growing on her. She could never see herself actually dating him, but she could see them being friends after the show.

  Maybe something was wrong with her. Maybe she only liked men she couldn’t have…like Elliot.

  She couldn’t believe Elliot had coordinated all of this. It had been unbelievable how many people turned out for the event he planned. Not only did they have new sets for Annie, but they got enough donations to carry the theater through the next year and get all the repairs needed. Plus, now that the people in Alna were invested in the theater she had hope the theater would survive for years to come. And it was all because of Elliot. As much as she resisted it, she was beginning to believe his charm was genu
ine.

  Meg stood on the stage of the theater with Peter and A.J. in front of her. Everything was exactly as it had been on Enchanted Island, but she was home. It was like a bizarre dream. She had been tasked with choosing someone for a surprise date. Carla had encouraged her to pick Peter, but Meg feared he’d try to kiss her again.

  She searched for Elliot’s face among the cameramen and sound guys. He was probably hidden away somewhere watching her on a screen.

  Robby wore an expensive suit. “Meg,” he said, leaving a long dramatic pause. “Who do you choose for your special date tonight?”

  Peter stared at her hopefully, but her gaze moved over to A.J. who fidgeted in anticipation. “A.J., would you accompany me on a date?” A date she hoped didn’t include him embarrassing her. But A.J. was the best choice. He was fun and never failed to make her laugh.

  Peter glared at her, not hiding his insult. A.J. pumped his fist in the air.

  She bit back a smile. She liked him in a crazy-little-brother kind of way. Surely he wouldn’t try to kiss her, would he? She cringed. That would be weird.

  When the director yelled cut, Peter walked away red-faced, and Robby disappeared behind the curtain. Carla came over and motioned for A.J. to join them.

  “What’s up, ladies?” A.J. said.

  He really was a frat boy with a body builder’s physique.

  “Filming schedules are tight the next few days, and we took more time doing the theater fundraising and repairs than expected,” Carla said with a hint of irritation. “So you’re going on your date now.”

  Meg looked around. “Right now? Where are we going?”

  Carla’s eyebrows lifted. “It’s a surprise date, remember?”

  Meg looked at A.J., who didn’t seem fazed. She turned back to Carla. “I’m not a big fan of surprises.” Especially when it involved a date in her hometown on camera. She wanted to prepare herself for what was to come.

  A.J. rubbed his hands together. “If you ladies will excuse me, I think I saw someone bringing in food.”

  As he headed to the catering table, Meg followed Carla to the wing of the stage.

  She looked around for Elliot. Where was he? He would tell her what was going on. He would talk Carla out of whatever was giving her that mischievous look in her eyes.

  “Everything okay?” Carla asked.

  Meg nodded.

  “Looking for Elliot?”

  Meg tensed. Did she suspect Meg had feelings for him? She’d promised not to tell anyone. Elliot wouldn’t want Carla to know. “I wanted to thank him for all of this,” she said pointing to the stage where all the new sets were set up.

  “I’m handling things tonight.” Carla leaned in close to her. “A.J. likes you, you know?”

  Meg forced a smile, hoping she wasn’t leading poor A.J. on, but she suspected he also saw her as more of a friend. “Maybe.”

  “Meg, can I ask you a question? Is the reason you’re not interested in Peter or A.J. because you like Elliot?”

  Meg tensed. “What makes you say that?”

  Carla sighed. “Look. Elliot is a charming, good-looking guy, but I’ve seen this in the past.”

  Meg’s heart squeezed. Had he kissed other women on the show? “What do you mean?”

  “Elliot forms a bond with the women so they trust him. It’s what makes him great in his job, but it doesn’t mean he has feelings for you.”

  Carla was right. She didn’t know if Elliot’s feelings for her were real. But why would he kiss her. “You don’t have to worry about that, Carla. I know he would never do anything to hurt the show.”

  “I just don’t want you to get your emotions wrapped up in Elliot and miss what’s right in front of you. I need you to focus on Peter and A.J., okay?”

  Feeling numb, Meg nodded. “Sure.”

  Carla sighed. “And I wanted tonight to be a surprise, but if you really want to know what you’re doing for your date, I’ll tell you.”

  “Please. I’d love to know.”

  Carla stood straighter. “Well, it’s great news. You’ll be sharing dinner with your family.”

  Meg sucked in a breath. “Dinner with my family? My dad and brother? Do they know about this?” Having her dad on camera was far from great news.

  “Of course. They had to sign all the waivers.”

  How was that even possible, and why hadn’t anyone told her about it? “But how did you talk my dad into it?” She couldn’t imagine any reason that he would agree to it.

  Carla gave an overzealous smile. “I stopped by his home and explained to him how important it was. He’s a very reasonable man. I think it will help the audience relate to your story.”

  Her story? This wasn’t a television script. It was her life. Betrayal crept into her belly. Had Elliot told Carla about the trailer and her father’s disability? What had Meg been thinking, taking him there? She’d shared things about her family with Elliot in confidence. She’d never intended for him to use it against her on the show. Would they make her father look weak? Because he was far from it. Despite his struggles, he was her rock. “Can I call my brother? I’d like to talk to them before we get there.” Alone. Without the cameras on them.

  “No need. You’re headed there right now.”

  Her gut clenched. “Headed where?”

  “Your dad’s house, of course.”

  “What?” Her heart thudded. “You mean we’re going to his house.” She couldn’t remember a single time growing up that they’d ever had company over for dinner, much less a camera crew.

  A.J. approached with a piece of pie and a plastic fork. “I don’t normally eat things that are this unhealthy, but these Oklahoma ladies can cook.”

  Ignoring him, Meg turned back to Carla. “We’re going to have to do something else on the date. There’s a mini golf in a nearby town. This isn’t a good idea.”

  “It’s too late,” Carla said. “Your family is already waiting for you. It’ll be fine.”

  But Meg knew that dinner at her dad’s could only end in disaster.

  Chapter Eleven

  When Meg and A.J. approached the house, her pulse thudded in her ears. What were they doing here? Everything inside her told her to run the other way, but she felt trapped. She glanced at A.J. to get his reaction on the little mobile home.

  He squinted up at it, then patted his stomach. “I wonder what we’re eating.”

  She gave a half-hearted smile, thankful she’d chosen A.J. “I have no idea. My dad isn’t much of a cook. Maybe my brother is grilling burgers or something.”

  The cameramen on either side of them followed their every move.

  The front door creaked open, and her brother stepped out. A big guy, her brother might look menacing to anyone who didn’t know better.

  “A.J. This is my brother, Charlie.”

  The men shook hands. “Good to meet you,” A.J. said.

  Charlie’s eyes darted around. Her normally cool brother looked nervous. He wore his usual jeans and a clean gray T-shirt. “Come on in.” He pointed inside.

  When A.J. and the cameramen had filed inside, her brother leaned in and hugged her. “I’ve been trying to get a hold of you,” he whispered in her ear. “They’ve been here filming all day.”

  She leaned back. “Why didn’t you come to the theater?”

  “I tried. They wouldn’t let me through the front door.”

  “I’m sorry. I had no idea?” What was going on here? Was this all Carla’s doing, or had Elliot been playing her the entire time? The thought made her sick to her stomach.

  Inside the dim trailer, the cameras stayed locked on A.J. as he looked at her framed class photos on the wall. He pointed to her sixth-grade picture. “Those are some awesome glasses.”

  Charlie laughed. “They were almost as big as her face.”

  Great. Meg’s fake television date and her brother were bonding over her bad fashion choices. “Where’s Dad?”

  Charlie wrinkled his face. “Maybe his room. I don’t
know. He wasn’t in a great mood about this whole thing.”

  “I’ll be right back, A.J.” She walked down the narrow hall. His bedroom was empty, so she knocked on the bathroom door. “Dad? You in here?”

  The door opened a crack. A hand gripped her forearm and pulled her inside. The door shut quickly behind her.

  She looked up to find her dad staring at her. “Hi, sweetheart.” His deep voice was kind, despite everything.

  She hugged him. “Dad, what is going on? Why are we here?”

  Even with the cane and the limp, her father’s gruff voice and scowl made him almost as imposing as her brother. His hair looked freshly cut in a short buzz. “That lady showed up here. What’s her name? Carla?” He shook his head looking defeated. “I don’t like these people you’ve gotten tangled up with, Meg. They’re not good for you.”

  He sounded like he was giving her a talk about high school peer pressure. “Dad, tell me what she said to you. Why did you want us to have dinner at your house?”

  “I didn’t want you to have dinner here.” His expression softened. “I mean, of course I want you to come home. I don’t want the cameras here.”

  “I told them not to bother you. I never intended them to come here. Why did you sign the releases? Why did you give them permission?” Her father wasn’t a pushover. Not even close. He could be a pretty intimidating guy.

  The veins on his throat constricted. “That lady, Carla, said that you’d already agreed to it.”

  “What? That’s a lie. I knew you didn’t want any part of this. Why didn’t you tell them to forget it?” Her voice was near a shout.

  He scratched the back of his head. “She said that if we didn’t go through with it, you’d be breaking some kind of contract, and as much as I think you being on this show is a bad idea, I’d do anything for you, Meg.”

  She let her shoulders slump. “I know you would. I’m so sorry I got you into this mess.”

  His rough hands took hers. “It’s fine, sweetie. The only reason I didn’t throw them out of the house is because I didn’t want to embarrass you. I know that having me and my place on television may not be much better.”