My brother’s college sweetheart was Scarlett Sinclair. LiketheScarlett Sinclair. The incredibly talented and successful Academy Award-winning actress.
Their romance was a whirlwind. They met during their freshman year, quickly fell for each other and were inseparable, got married toward the end of their senior year, and then divorced a few years later. My parents and I had been shocked by the divorce. We saw the two of them together—what they had was real. It was the type of love people wrote romance books about.
“Wow, you’ve really been off social media. I thought you would’ve heard by now.” Grant’s words had me on edge. What wasn’t he telling me?
“Well, yeah, I couldn’t check my phone when we were filming, and then I haven’t been online since getting back. What happened?”
“When you were filming, there was an announcement in the tabloids that Scarlett was engaged. It was all speculation, but there were photos and everything,” Grant explained.
My eyes widened, and somehow, I’d managed to hold in my gasp.
He continued, “Then a few days ago, a story came out claiming Scarlett’s engagement was fake because she was still married. To me.”
I shrieked, unable to hold in my reaction this time. I parted my lips, about to tell Grant this sounded very similar to the movie I just watched, but I figured that wouldn’t help, so I kept it to myself.
“I haven’t been able to get in touch with her. I texted and called. I thought maybe I could get through to her by social media. But nothing. It’s been complete silence. Whatever, it’s not my problem,” he scoffed.
I had no idea what happened between the two of them, but I couldn’t imagine any of this was easy. He might claim it wasn’t his problem, but I knew from the tone of this voice it was very much on his mind (and it really did seem like his problem!). My brother liked to help others and fix what was wrong—he wasn’t going to be able to forget about this.
“I’m sorry, Grant. Hopefully, you hear from her soon,” I offered.
He sighed again. “Nothing I can do but wait. And, hey, don’t worry about this. Focus on yourself, okay? This summer is supposed to be for you. I gotta run, though. My next appointment showed up a few minutes early. Let me know if you need anything, and talk to you soon.”
“I will. Talk to you soon,” I responded before hanging up.
I wondered if the Campbell siblings were doomed when it came to relationships.
It sure seemed like it.
8
WESLEY
When life got toobusy or chaotic, I knew I could at least hide out at home. Similar to the bar, this house had been in my family for years. It was where my parents first lived after they got married but before they had me and my sisters. Once they knew they wanted to start a family, they decided to buy a family home and rent this place out.
It had been a rental property for most of my life growing up—same with the cabin down the road. When I decided I was putting down roots in Golden Falls after college, I bought the house from them.
It was in good shape, but I wanted to make it my own. I fixed up the floors, changed out the faucets, and painted the walls. While I hadn’t asked Lily for help, I appreciated the decor she brought in. The place had a comfortable and simple feel on the main floor. In the basement, I’d put in a small bar that matched the one at Lake Ridge, as well as a pool table, dart board, and workout area.
While I lived among rental properties—most of the road had tourists coming in and out over the summer—the house was tucked into the trees, which made it quiet and private. Plus,nothing beat looking out the window and being surrounded by water and a line of trees.
I didn’t have nearly as much time these days to be out on the water. I finally had the chance yesterday to spend time on the dock and get the pontoon ready. Normally, I would’ve already taken the boat out at least once or twice.
Today would’ve been a great day to be out on the water since it was a perfect summer day—not too humid, clouds in the sky, and the sun shining bright. I had my kitchen window open, letting in the breeze as I cooked breakfast. A comfortable and quiet morning was exactly what I needed before heading into Lake Ridge in the afternoon.
I lifted the skillet from the stove, letting the two over-easy eggs slide off and onto the two pieces of toast on my plate. I was ready to have my breakfast at the kitchen table when the silence was broken by a high-pitched scream followed by a loud splash.
Great.So much for quiet.
It wasn’t uncommon for people visiting Golden Falls to be reckless out on the water, and it was one of the things I hated most from the tourists. Driving the jet skis like idiots. Not wearing life jackets. I lived here long enough to see and hear about the tragedies that happened when you weren’t careful—when you thought you were invincible.
The last thing I wanted was someone getting hurt. I quickly set my plate down and pulled the back door open, standing on my deck first to see if I could spot anyone.
My bare feet thumped quickly on the wooden steps until I reached the dock, nearly ready to jump in. But then she surfaced the water, pushing her wet, brown locks out of her eyes.
Juliette Campbell. Of course.
She blinked the water out of her eyes and reached for the stand-up paddle board. The ankle strap cord was submergedunder water, meaning she was using it. I let out a sigh of relief. She likely lost her balance and fell in but was overall fine.
