A Nantucket Affair

by Pamela M. Kelley

  “Beth, we don’t have the money to spend. Be reasonable.” The irritation in his voice was evident. But Beth wasn’t backing down.

  “I know to the penny what we have to spend. We can do the ones we want, we just can’t have any more unplanned expenses.”

  “And you can guarantee that we won’t?” he snapped.

  She took a step back. Chase had never spoken to her like that before.

  “Of course I can’t guarantee that. But at this point, what could still crop up as an expected expense? We’ve already done the big stuff with the plumbing, and you’ve checked everything else. Aside from the cosmetic stuff you’re doing now, there’s nothing else left, right?”

  “Right.”

  “So, tell me again why we can’t do the combination that we both want? That we know will look the best and get us the highest price?”

  Chase sighed. “Fine, Beth. We’ll go with the ones you want. Are you happy now?”

  “Am I happy? I’ve been better. I think I’m going to go visit my mother this afternoon and will spend the night there. So I’ll talk to you tomorrow and hopefully you’ll be in a better mood.”

  “I’m in a fine mood,” Chase muttered.

  “Right. Well, enjoy your fine mood and I’ll talk to you later.” Beth gathered up her box of samples and headed to her car, walking quickly before the tears came. Chase had never spoken to her like that, and she realized that they’d had their first fight. It had taken her by surprise and while she knew that he was just stressed about money, it still hurt because she had the same worries.

  When Chase’s irritation faded, it was replaced by feelings of guilt. He knew he’d upset Beth. He’d never been angry with her before, and the look of hurt on her face pained him to see. To know he’d hurt her. But still, she could be so stubborn sometimes, and he’d known she wasn’t going to give up about those tiles. Her persistence was something he’d always admired about her, while at the same time it could also be frustrating.

  But, she was also right. There really shouldn’t be any other unexpected expenses popping up at this point. And he had been the one who said upscale was the way to go. They just both had a lot of money tied up in this project, and he wanted to protect what they’d invested. But the design combination they both liked was the one that would sell better. There was no doubt about that.

  Chase sighed. He knew he owed Beth an apology. His first inclination was to call immediately and ask her not to spend the night at her mother’s, to come home to him instead. But then he realized that it might be good for them to have a short break, for both of them to calm down.

  So, he texted her. “Sorry I was a grump. Tell your mom I said hi, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  A few seconds later, her reply flashed back, ‘ok.’

  He knew she was still upset. He’d apologize thoroughly tomorrow and see if she wanted to go out to dinner. He didn’t think Beth would stay upset for long—although this was their first argument, so he didn’t know that for sure.

  Chapter 15

  Kristen was looking forward to going to Angela and Philippe’s house for dinner. Kate and Jack were going, too, and all the guys got along well. Angela had said not to bother making anything, but Kristen didn’t want to show up empty-handed so she baked some chocolate chip cookies and had a bottle of Pinot Noir to bring over.

  The plan was for Tyler to drive since he didn’t drink, and Kristen was going to walk over to his cottage at a quarter of six. She was all dressed and ready to head out the door when her cell rang, and it was Tyler.

  “I’m just heading over now. I’ll be there in a sec.”

  There was an uncomfortably long silence before Tyler finally said, “I don’t think I can make it tonight.”

  “What? Why not? Are you sick?” He’d sounded fine when she checked in with him earlier in the day.

  “Yeah, I’m feeling lousy. I think I’m coming down with something. I don’t want to get anyone else sick.”

  “Are you sure? I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. We don’t have to stay out late, though.” Kristen couldn’t hide her disappointment.

  Tyler hesitated for a moment. “No, I think it’s best if I skip this one. You go and have fun. I’m sure it will be a good time.”

  “Okay. You will be missed, though. Feel better.”

  “Thanks.”

  * * *

  Twenty minutes later, she pulled up to Angela and Philippe’s house. Kate and Jack’s car was already outside. Angela answered the door, pulled her in for a quick hug and looked behind her for Tyler.

  “Tyler couldn’t make it. He’s sick.”

  “Oh, no! I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Yeah, it seems to have come on suddenly. He was fine earlier. Anyway, here are cookies for dessert and my new favorite red wine.” She handed Angela the plate of cookies.

  “You didn’t have to bring anything, but thank you. Did you make these?”

  Kristen nodded. “It’s the same ones I made when you came over.”

  “Oh, good. Come on in. Jack and Kate are already here.”

  Kristen followed Angela into the kitchen where everyone was gathered around the big island. Crackers and cheese and a bowl of nuts were already out, and everyone was nibbling.

  “Should we open this?” Angela asked. “Kate and I were just trying to decide whether we want white or red.”

  “Yes, let’s open it. I don’t think Kate has tried this one yet.”

  “Is Tyler coming?” Philippe asked after pulling Kristen in for a welcome hug.

  She shook her head. “No. He’s sorry to miss it. He’s sick.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad,” Kate said as Angela handed her a glass of wine. She took a sip and Kristen could tell she liked it. “What kind of wine is this?” she asked Angela.

  “Your sister brought it.”

  “It’s that pinot I told you about, Charles Krug. I thought you’d like it.”

  “Love it.”

  “I invited Abby and Jeff, too, but Abby called earlier and said the baby is sick, so they didn’t want to leave her,” Angela said. “It doesn’t sound like it’s anything serious but she had a slight fever.”

  “Oh, poor Natalie,” Kate said. “Maybe that’s what Tyler has, too? Could be something is going around.”

  They chatted for a while in the kitchen, snacking and sipping wine. Philippe put out some fresh shrimp with a spicy cocktail sauce, too.

  Philippe was in charge of the main course—marinated swordfish on the outside grill, while Angela had a few side dishes going on the stove. When everything was ready, they sat down to eat in the dining room. The swordfish was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Angela’s whipped potatoes were light and fluffy, and the roasted asparagus went well with it.

  Conversation was lively over dinner and as usual, it turned to writing. Philippe gave updates on where he was with his current project, a novel this time.

  “I have to admit, I’m kind of glad to take a break from the TV stuff. It’s nice to just be here on the island, sitting in my office every morning, staring out at the waves. Doesn’t get any better than that.”

  “When do you have to head back out West?” Jack asked as he reached for more potatoes.

  “Not until the fall. Thankfully.” Philippe turned his attention to Kate. “I don’t suppose you’ve heard any updates on your movie option?”

  Kate’s first book had attracted the attention of a brother-sister team that she’d met through Philippe. Her first freelance project after leaving the magazine had been to interview Philippe, as he was active with the Nantucket Film Festival.

  “I actually heard from them last week. They warned me that it might take a while. They are waiting to hear back from their development contacts. I’m glad you warned me not to get too excited.”

  “Unfortunately, actually getting the movie made is the exception, not the rule. Lots of projects are optioned, sometimes more than once. One of my books had three different production c
ompanies option it.”

  “Was it ever made?” Kristen asked.

  Philippe laughed. “Nope. The last option expired six months ago and they didn’t renew it. I’m not giving up hope, though. You never know.”

  “How’s Tyler’s book coming along?” Kate asked Kristen.

  “Good, I think. He said he’s further in now and it’s starting to come together.”

  Angela glanced her way and smiled. “Do you have any shows coming up soon?” It reminded Kristen that she had a few phone calls she needed to make the next day.

  “I need to call Andrew, now that you mention it. He told me to let him know when I was ready to do another show and I have a few new paintings that might be good.”

  “Well, let us know when you schedule it.”

  “I will, thanks.”

  When they finished eating, Angela insisted that everyone go into the living room while she cleaned up. Kristen and Kate helped her carry the dishes to the sink, and Angela shooed them away.

  “It will just take me a few minutes to load the dishwasher. Do you want to set out your cookies?”

  Kristen did as instructed and brought the cookies into the living room. Philippe and Jack pounced on them and Kate laughed.

  “You’d never know the two of you said you were stuffed just a few minutes ago.”

  “There’s always room for dessert.” Philippe grinned as he reached for a second cookie.

  Kate took one too and offered the plate to Kristen, but she shook her head.

  “I really am too full. Plus, I may have had one or two this afternoon while I was making them.”

  Angela joined them and asked if anyone wanted coffee. Kristen would have preferred a glass of wine, but she’d already had two so she knew coffee was a wiser option since Tyler wasn’t there to drive.

  Philippe turned on a basketball game, and he and Jeff turned their attention to it. Angela made a face at the TV.

  “I think basketball is the most boring game. You only need to watch the last two minutes. Let’s go into the kitchen so we can chat.”

  They followed her and settled around the island, sipping coffee and catching up on all the local gossip.

  “Any more new clients?” Kristen asked Angela. She was impressed by how Angela’s business had grown.

  “Yes, actually. Brandi from Sue’s insurance agency. I think she’s around your age. Did you go to school with her?”

  Kate shook her head. “No, she’s not local. I remember Mom said she moved here specifically to work at their agency. I think they used a headhunter to find her.”

  “It can be hard to find experienced people here, unless it’s restaurant or tourist related work,” Kristen explained.

  “Her condo is gorgeous,” Angela said. “It’s right down by the pier, and it’s all soft pinks, blues and grays and lots of white.”

  “Does she live by herself?” Kristen was curious.

  Angela nodded. “Yeah, with her white Himalayan cat, Gidget. She’s a beauty.” Two seconds later, almost as if she’d called his name, Angela’s cat Sam strolled into the room and rubbed against her leg. She reached down and scratched him behind his ears. “Yes, you’re a beauty, too.”

  “I can’t imagine moving here not knowing anyone. I wonder how she’s liking it so far?” Kristen said.

  Angela laughed. “That’s pretty much what I did. I didn’t know a soul when I first got here.”

  “Well, you weren’t planning to stay either, though,” Kristen reminded her.

  “That’s true, and I was lucky to sit next to your mom on the plane ride here, and then to meet all of you.”

  “And Philippe, too,” Kate said. “There really is something to that old saying that love finds you when you’re not looking for it.”

  “It’s very true,” Kristen agreed.

  “It can be hard to meet people here, especially in the winter when it’s so much quieter,” Kate sipped her coffee and looked around the room.

  “I like the changes you’ve made.” Philippe’s house was gorgeous. Kate had visited before when she was interviewing him and they became friends. The house had a masculine feel at the time, but Angela had added candles and soft throws here and there, and now it was just beautiful and homey.

  “Thank you. I wanted to give it a bit of my touch, adding things that I loved, and now it feels more like our home, instead of just Philippe’s.”

  Kristen thought about how different her cottage was from Tyler’s, although they were identical in size and layout. His had a darker, more masculine feel. She wondered how he was doing, and if he was feeling better.

  “Before I forget, there were a lot of leftovers so I made a plate for Tyler if you want to take it to him. When he feels like eating, he’ll have a good homemade meal he can just heat up,” Angela said.

  “Oh, that was nice of you. I was just thinking about him. If his lights are on, I’ll drop it off on my way home.”

  * * *

  An hour later, after everyone had said their goodbyes and headed home, Kristen pulled into her driveway. It was a just a few minutes past ten and Tyler’s lights were all still on. She grabbed the container Angela had packed and walked the short distance to his house.

  When she reached the door, she knocked and waited a few minutes. Then knocked again. She heard footsteps finally and then a loud crash, a few swear words, and finally the door opened.

  Tyler stood there in bare feet, sweatpants and an old, faded Red Sox t-shirt. His hair was mussed and his eyes were heavy. He looked horrible. She looked beyond him and saw a table where he kept pots and pans was on its side and two pans on the floor. She guessed he must have just knocked them over on his way to open the door.

  “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t wake you? I saw the lights were on and wanted to give you this. Angela sent me home with a plate of food for you. The swordfish was really good. I’ll just put it in the fridge and you can heat it up tomorrow.”

  Tyler just nodded sleepily as she quickly walked to the kitchen and put the container on the top shelf. She noticed that there was nothing in the fridge except for a few limes and some soda water, so it was a good thing Angela had sent the food home.

  When she closed the refrigerator and turned around, her eyes fell on the cutting board by the sink where there was a sliced lime and next to that, a half-empty bottle of vodka. Her spirits sank as Tyler’s recent behavior began to make sense. She turned to face him. He was leaning on his kitchen island, watching her, and looked like he was trying to focus.

  “You weren’t sick tonight, were you?”

  He looked down and away before mumbling, “No, not exactly.” When he spoke, waves of alcohol fumes poured off him. Kristen wasn’t sure what to do. This was a situation that was foreign to her. Without thinking too much about it, she grabbed the bottle of vodka and poured it down the sink.

  Tyler flinched as it disappeared down the drain.

  “Did you have to do that?”

  She knew that to him, it was a shocking waste of good alcohol. Too bad.

  “Tyler, let’s get you to bed. We’ll talk tomorrow. For now, you need to sleep.”

  His eyes were already half shut as he swayed by the island. She took his arm and led him to his bedroom, and he went with no protest. Once they reached his bed, she waited for him to climb in and folded his covers over him like one would do for a small child. Meanwhile, Kristen’s emotions were all over the place, ranging from furious to numb to heartbreakingly sad.

  She turned off his lights and closed the door behind her as she went back to the kitchen and straightened out the pots and pans, putting them back in their spots. She threw out the cut limes and put the knife and cutting board in his dishwasher, and the empty bottle of vodka in the trash.

  When she left, she locked the door behind her. As she walked home to her cottage, the tears that had threatened to come spilled over. She had no experience with this and didn’t know what it meant. What had caused Tyler to relapse? Was there something she co
uld have done to prevent it?

  Did it mean that their relationship wasn’t strong enough to keep him from drinking? That was the most confusing thing of all. What did this mean for their relationship? She fell into bed and tossed and turned for a long time before settling on a plan to call Tyler’s brother, Andrew, in the morning. He would know what to do.

  Chapter 16

  Tyler woke the next morning in a world of pain. The sun streaming through his window was so bright and his head was throbbing. It felt like a bunch of tiny men with ice picks were hammering away. His mouth was dry and when he rolled over, his stomach heaved. He gave his odds of making it to the bathroom in time at about fifty-fifty.

  He barely made it there and spent the next five minutes with his arms wrapped around the toilet. When there was nothing left but dry heaves, he slowly pulled himself up, swallowed a few Ibuprofen, washed his face and felt like the walking dead as he trudged to the kitchen and found his cell phone on the counter. There were two messages, one from Kristen and one from Andrew, about ten minutes apart.

  He grabbed a bottle of cold water and popped a K-cup in the coffeemaker. Coffee would help the headache, too. Once it was brewed, he brought the steaming mug and his water to the living room where he collapsed on the sofa, took a sip of the hot coffee and stared at his phone. He assumed that Kristen had called Andrew. He didn’t blame her.

  His memory of the night before was hazy, but he remembered enough to know that his little secret was out. Kristen had seen him at his worst, and he was sorry for that. But he also felt a sense of relief. It was too hard keeping that secret, trying to hide the drinking. He listened to Kristen’s message first.

  “Hi, Tyler. I’m guessing that you probably aren’t feeling so great this morning. I’m sorry about that. I…I called Andrew. I’m sorry about that, too, but I know he’d want to know. We both want to help you to get the help you need. Andrew is coming here at noon, and then we’re both coming to see you. We can get through this.”