Every Little Thing (Hart's Boardwalk 2)

“Rex.”

After they’d shaken hands Jake gave me that focused, soul-searing stare of his. “Are you doing okay? We heard your sister has come home.”

“Yeah.” I gestured around. “She’s around here somewhere.”

It had been a week since her arrival and so far it wasn’t too bad. The first few days were hell but the last few days she’d been a little too preoccupied with her mystery man to annoy us at the inn.

“How’s that going?”

“It could be better. It could be worse.” I shrugged. “Family.”

Kell grimaced. “I hear that.”

“So you guys have done a great job again.” I gestured to the bandstand and the cordoned-off area around it. It was alive with activity as the first two bands prepared for sound check.

“We have a special day planned.” Kell clapped his hands together in excitement. “We have amazing bands this year. And guess what?”

“What?” I grinned. His excitement was infectious.

“Vaughn Tremaine helped me get some great bands from New York. Apparently he knows people.”

“Vaughn Tremaine? Helped?” I was amazed.

“Oh yeah,” Kell said. He looked up at Jake. “And wasn’t he lovely? He was lovely.”

Jake grinned. “He was lovely.”

“Lovely how?”

“Oh, he’s charming. I don’t know why more people don’t realize that. Everyone thinks he’s got a giant stick up his butt, yet he was so down to earth with us.”

“How much time did you spend with him?”

“He invited us to have dinner with him at the hotel and asked us how he could help with the events this year,” Jake said.

Shock held me to the spot.

Vaughn had listened to my advice. Wow. “Okay then.”

“Anyway, sweetie, I’d love to stay and chat but we have to get on. We’ll catch up later, yes?” Kell kissed me on the cheek and then smiled mischievously at Rex. “Be sure to show this young man a good time.”

I laughed as Rex and I walked away but I was still kind of in a daze.

“So, Vaughn, huh?” Rex said.

Oh no. It was music festival day and I did not want to discuss Vaughn with Rex.

“Bailey!”

I had never been more thankful for the sound of Jessica’s voice. Following it, I zeroed in on Jess standing near the market stalls where Dahlia had set up her jewelry to sell. Jess stood beside Cooper with Louis at their feet, surrounded by Cat, Joey, and Emery.

Emery was at the festival.

Progress.

I rushed toward my friends and playfully nudged Emery. “You’re here.”

She blushed, smiling at me. “I didn’t know it would be like this . . .” She gestured around. “It’s quite atmospheric.”