Page 54 of Moonlit Hideaway
“Hey Ma, what’s up?” Hank greeted her.
“That real estate agent, Linda Marshall, stopped by the inn again,” his mom said. “I told her we weren’t selling like always, but I think she was just sizing up the place for a buyer.”
Hank sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’ll take care of it when I’m back.”
“Exactly. I made it clear again, but she doesn’t listen.” Mom paused momentarily before adding, “Emma wants to talk to you. Hold on.”
“Hey, Dad,” Emma’s voice rang out, tinged with longing. “I miss you guys. Can I talk to Jane?”
“Of course, sweetheart,” Hank said, handing the phone to Sierra.
“Hi, Emma. How’s my favorite girl?” Sierra’s smile was genuine, bubbling over with affection for his daughter.
Since he couldn’t hear Emma’s side of the conversation, he polished off his bacon and eggs.
“Don’t worry,” Sierra said to Emma. “We’ll be back in time for the festival. Just make sure you’re practicing. Want to speak to your dad?”
Sierra handed the phone over after saying she missed Emma, and Hank was glad that they got on so well.
“Anything new going on at school?” he asked.
“Everyone’s talking about whether you and Jane are getting married. Since I know who she really is, and I haven’t said anything to anyone because I don’t want you-know-who to go away and never come back.”
“Slow down. Try not to talk about her at all. It won’t be safe.”
“Okay, Dad. I’m doing a good job not saying who she really is, but the Thompsons are going around calling Jane trash and how she brought Liam to the island. Sheriff Davis is trying to get rid of Liam, but he keeps hanging around. Gran says as long as Liam is here, Jane can’t come back.”
“That’s true, but this has nothing to do with you. Just stay safe, okay?”
“Where are you and Jane going to go?” she asked.
“Can’t tell you, sweetie. In case anyone’s listening.”
“Okay, gotta go,” Emma chirped. “Have fun with Jane. I hope you two fall in love.”
Hank couldn’t help smiling at his daughter’s enthusiasm. “I do, too, but don’t get ahead of yourself.”
Hank drove the rest of the way to Atlantic City. From miles away, billboards showcased pop stars and upcoming shows. They crossed a bridge, and that was when he realized Atlantic City was also on a barrier island, although it wasn’t as narrow as the ones in North Carolina. The houses had a seaside vibe, with high-rise casinos looming over them.
“I played a show at that Hard Rock Cafe,” Sierra said. “Sold out in ten minutes.”
“Impressive,” Hank said. Though he’d known Sierra was famous, seeing the evidence of her success firsthand made it feel more real.
“There’s the Oceans Casino,” Sierra pointed to a narrow glass slice that glittered in the afternoon sun over the famous boardwalk. “I’m headlining there in a few months.”
The tone of her voice told him how much she missed being the star singing sensation.
“You okay?” Sierra asked.
“Yeah, just taking it all in,” Hank said as the layered parking garages and high-rise casinos came into view. “Where to?”
“Why don’t we check in at the Oceans Casino hotel,” she suggested. “I can check out the stage where I’ll be singing.”
“Will anyone recognize you?” The sleek hotel tower looked nothing like a quiet bed-and-breakfast tucked in the woods.
“Trust me.” Sierra tugged on her hoodie strings. “I look way too dowdy for anyone to recognize me.”
She was being modest, of course. She had that star quality that exuded from her, no matter what plain clothes she was wearing.
