want to alienate half of our audience. We might not get them back.”
Over coffee and dessert, Kate learned the reason why all the execs were in town. Philippe quietly told her that they were negotiating a long-term deal for him to create more shows over the next few years. And they were on hiatus now for a few months. The execs wanted to get a deal done before Philippe could say yes to a different project.
“That’s exciting,” she said.
“It is. It means I’ll have a lot of free time over the next few months. I’ll be working on a new book of course, but there are still nights and weekends. Maybe we can go out sometime? Grab dinner or see a movie?”
Kate was taken aback, both by the invitation and the uncertainty she saw in his eyes. As if he was worried she might say no. She couldn’t refuse him, though she wasn’t looking to date anyone, especially Philippe Gaston. But, she hoped they could be friends.
“That sounds fun. I’d love to.”
“Good, I’ll give you a call later this week to set something up.”
Kate took a sip of her coffee and realized that Jack had heard their interchange. She turned to ask him a question, and he beat her to it.
“How’s your mom? Are you staying with her while you’re here?” he asked.
“She’s great. I’ll be staying with her for a while, but she’s turning the house into a bed and breakfast, so I’ll probably be moving out soon. Her friend Paige is heading to Florida for a few months, so I’m going to watch her house for her while she’s gone.”
“Paige Burton?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yeah, she lives a mile or so away from our house, on Sycamore Lane.”
He grinned. “Well, it looks like we’ll be neighbors then. I live a few doors down from her place.”
“You do?”
“I bought the house three years ago and spent a year renovating before I moved in. Mine’s the blue-gray one, same side as Paige.”
“So, you’re on the water too. I think I know which house you mean.” It was a smaller house for the area, but plenty big enough for most people and had a huge, wrap around deck.
“Yeah. The house was a mess when I bought it, really run down. But the land and views are amazing. I built the biggest deck I could get away with and that’s where I spend most of my time when the weather is good. There are stairs to the beach too. It’s not good for swimming as it’s kind of rocky, but it’s great for fishing.”
“Funny that we’re going to be neighbors,” Kate said.
“Yeah.” He glanced at Philippe who was engrossed in an animated conversation. “I’d say you’re settling in pretty well. He’s newly single too by the way.”
Kate felt herself flush a little. “I meant it when I said I wanted to take a break. I’m not looking to get into a relationship with anyone right now.”
“Same here. Just taking things one day at a time. You never know what each day will bring.”
“You’re sounding philosophical,” Philippe said. He’d caught Jack’s last comment.
“Must be the time of year. With New Year’s Eve around the corner and all,” Jack said lightly.
“Right. That’s not even a week away.”
Kate didn’t want to think about New Year’s Eve, especially as there was no one in her life to kiss when midnight rang in the New Year. She decided to change the subject.
“Do you ever go to the board of selectmen meetings?” she asked Jack and then looked at Philippe and added, “either of you?”
“I’ve never been to one. I avoid that kind of thing,” Philippe said.
“I go once in a while, it depends what’s on the agenda. Why do you ask?” Jack said.
“The next meeting is a week from today, and my mother is seeking approval to officially open her bed and breakfast and put a sign up.”
Jack frowned. “What will she do if they say no?”
“She’ll still open but won’t put her sign up. She can rent rooms through Airbnb. But if they approve, she can also put up a website and advertise more heavily both on and off-island.”
“There’s really nothing in all of Beach Plum Cove area for hotels, or restaurants. Seems like an unmet need.” Jack said.
“I know. They are looking to approve a new restaurant too. Someone is taking over the old one and reopening.”
“No kidding? That place has been closed for years. It would be great to have it open again and