Page 28 of Sunrise

"Why not?" Kade asks.

Brynn looks at me. "Come on, Lin, you grew up in this town and know this gossip mill better than anyone. What is the quickest way to get the people here to leak something about you and Kade?" Brynn asks.

Then it hits me like tons of bricks, and I bury my face in my hands. "Telling the right people not to tell anyone." I groan.

"Exactly. So, we need our story down, and then I head into town to go shopping. Run into said people and spill the beans like it's a huge secret so by the time you go on your date tonight, everyone knows. That will lead to a ton of photos shared tomorrow, forcing your hand to share a photo yourself tomorrow night." Brynn smiles.

I hold my hand out to her. "And that is why she does the inns' PR." I laugh.

Brynn takes a dramatic bow, then walks over and sits in one of the several seating areas on the porch. Kade and I follow her, each taking a different chair.

"So, what is your story?" Brynn asks.

"I think we need to stay close to the truth. Travis saw us the other day. So, I say we met when he came here for a break, and running into Travis forced him to admit his feelings for me, and tonight is our first date. He hasn't been here that long for it to be more than that. Which also allows for you to verify the story and back it up since you have been here," I say.

"I agree. It's always better to stick to the truth. In my experience, reporters always uncover the truth, anyway." Kade nods. "Wren suggested the inn to get away from the stuff with Matt and Cassie, and we met that day you checked me in."

"That is perfect for the gossips in town. A Hollywood movie star blew into town under their noses. They will be so upset they are just now finding out that they will spread it so fast. Plus, everyone has been waiting for Lin to date again, so they will all want to be there. Now where are you having dinner? I want to make sure we get you reservations and spread that little tidbit, so the right people are there tonight," Brynn says.

I glare at her about the comment about my dating, but she just shrugs her shoulder. Kade doesn't seem to be focusing on it, so I will let it go. This time.

"Well, I mentioned the seafood place on the water, but Lin said that was owned by Jasper's family so..." He stops and looks at Brynn.

Brynn looks at me as she thinks. "Honestly, it's one of the best places in town, and it makes sense you would take her there. I hate it's owned by Jasper's family, yes, but I think it's the best place. His dad always hired teenagers to bus tables and hostess. Then gossip mill eats there regularly, so I think you should go," Brynn says.

I get up and sit next to her. "You sure?" I ask.

"Yes," she says, then pulls me into a hug. "But if you see Jasper, you give him hell," she whispers in my ear.

"Always," I whisper back.

"So, when you break up, it should be done quietly with no announcement right away, and you,"—she points at Kade—"better make her look good in all this."

Kade shakes his head. "Of course, that was part of Lin's conditions as well." Then he cocks his head to the side and looks at her. "What's in it for you? You seem pretty well invested."

"Lin is my best friend. If it affects her, then it affects me. Plus, if this goes well, it helps my inn too, and if it goes bad, I'm affected. As is the whole town, so keep that in mind." She gives him a pointed look. "Now, I need to head into town and start planting the seeds. Lin, you call and make the reservation?"

"Shouldn't I be doing that?" Kade asks.

Brynn shakes her head, and I can't help but smile.

Brynn looks at me. "He really knows nothing of small towns, huh?"

"Nope." I smile at him.

"Well, Mr. Blue, you are about to get a firsthand education. I hope you are ready.”

"Okay, the seeds are planted," Brynn says as she plops down on the couch in my office later that afternoon.

"Have a good day in town, dear?" I joke.

"Yes, ran into Dorothy, Ginger, Holly, and Becca. I planted the seed with each, and you know they will try to outdo each other in spreading the gossip. In fact, I bet they are all online right now looking for the best place to share once they have their photos."

Dorothy and her gang all went to school with my parents and are known as the town's biggest gossips. They know everything, even if you don't want them to. If you ever need info, they are who you go to, but it will always cost you a bit of info in return.

They never like to be outdone by the other, so they will spread this news fast and far. The whole island will know by dinnertime. Brynn is right. It's the perfect way to spread the news. When you tell these four ladies you have a secret and not to tell anyone, it's like a shark with a blood trail. They aren't going to listen. They are going to attack. The attack being anyone who crosses their path and being told the juicy bits.

"And you told them we would be having dinner at Samuels?" I ask.

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