LITMIR.BIZ

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He missed them, even their bickering. “That sounds like fun.”

      “I guess so.” She paused. “Daddy, I was wondering if I could get an advance—”

      “I knew you wanted something.” Sam kept his tone light. “An advance on your allowance? For what?”

      “Oh, Dad.” Emma’s disdain came through loud and clear. She lowered her voice. “I found a birthday gift for Papa. It’s his birthday next week, you know. There’s a half-off coupon online, but it expires tomorrow.”

      Sam had completely forgotten about John’s birthday. Thankfully, he had a wonderful daughter to remind him. “Tell you what, send me the link and I’ll pick up the tab. No need to get an advance on your allowance.”

      “Really? That would be great! You’re the best, Daddy.” She went on to tell him about the deal she found to have a book made of family photos.

      “That sounds like the perfect gift,” Sam agreed. “We can gather pictures when you get home. Is Oliver around? I need to get back to work or your grandfather might replace me.”

      Emma laughed as expected and then said, “There’s one more thing.”

      “Sure, what is it?”

      “I heard Papa talking to you and he mentioned that lady’s name. Allie Miller. Isn’t she the one who caused all that trouble a few years ago?”

      Emma had an outstanding memory. She’d been about eight at the time of Allie’s appearance in their lives. Old enough to be aware there was a problem, but too young to process the details. “One and the same,” he said, “but don’t worry. I’m keeping an eye on her.” A very close eye. Maybe too close.

      “Okay.” Her answer was hesitant, then she added, “I really don’t like her.” She spoke in earnest. “But I’ll help to watch her when Papa brings us back to the island. I’m not going to let her cause trouble again.”

      He was about to tell his daughter that he could handle Allie without her help, but Oliver grabbed the phone to tell Sam all about Papa’s new 3-D television.

      As soon as he finished speaking with Oliver and disconnected, Katie showed up in his office doorway. “I have a list of conference attendees. All but two people have checked in.”

      “Is one of them Allie Miller?” If the woman he kissed was really Allie’s twin, then Allie would be one of the missing.

      Katie checked her list. “No, she arrived and checked in.” She consulted her notes. “We got a call about Peter Reynaud. He had a family emergency, but Jerry Cummings is a no-show.” She handed him the list.

      The truth stared him in the face. Allie Miller was attending the conference, not her twin. He should have known when he had first seen her, and again when she’d worn the name tag. She’d lied about having an identical twin. But why? What was she up to this time?

      * * *

      CHARLOTTE SPENT THE morning in a teak lounge chair on the beach while everyone attended workshops. There were two or three workshops taking place at the same time, so she figured no one would miss her. They’d think she had attended a different workshop than them.

      She’d brought her camera and sketch pad, but after taking several pictures of the resort behind her and the ocean view in front of her, she’d packed them away in her tote bag. Then she’d luxuriated in the sunny day and the peace she had found with the sounds of the ocean and the various birds calling as they’d flown over the water searching for food.

      “There you are!”

      Charlotte turned to see it was the woman from the plane. When they’d checked in together, Charlotte had learned her name was Mona. She stopped next to Charlotte’s chair, hands on her hips and her long, flowing skirt flapping in the breeze. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were avoiding me. I haven’t seen you since we checked in.”

      Charlotte smiled kindly. Mona did know better. “I’ve been around. I needed a break to clear my head.” Charlotte quickly changed the subject. “How are you?”

      Mona grabbed her floppy brimmed hat, which was about to blow off her head. “Wonderful! Were you in that workshop about transfer?” She didn’t wait for an answer, pulling her hat down over her mop of resistant curls. “It wasn’t just about transfer, but other techniques, as well. Most of them I’ve heard of or used before, but it was a good refresher.”

      “I missed that one.” Charlotte had no idea what transfer was, but filed it away to look up later. Hopefully, Mona wouldn’t ask her what workshops she had attended. The woman was probably a very nice person, but Charlotte needed time to get used to her big personality.

      Veronica and Jared were more Charlotte’s speed.

      “Anyway,” Mona continued, adjusting her sunglasses, “Katie has been looking everywhere for you.”

      “Me?” Charlotte pointed at herself. “Why?”

      “How should I know?” Mona said on a shrug. “But I’ll take your lounge chair since you’re getting up.”

      The woman didn’t sugarcoat her thoughts and feelings, Charlotte would give her that much. You knew right where you stood with her.

      Charlotte rose from her chair, unhappy to be leaving the salty air and sunshine behind. Not to mention the peacefulness of the ocean. At least before Mona interrupted.

      As Charlotte made her way across the sand, carrying her sandals in one hand and her tote bag in the other, she puzzled over why Katie wanted to speak to her. Had she figured out Charlotte wasn’t Allie? But why would she care? The conference fee was paid and Katie worked for the hotel, not the company that coordinated the conference.

      The lobby was deserted when Charlotte arrived, except for a young woman at the registration desk. “Do you know where I can find Katie?” Charlotte asked.

      The young woman gave her a friendly smile and pointed in the direction of the hallway leading to Sam Briton’s office. “She’s probably in her office back that way.”

      Charlotte nodded. “Thank you.” She turned in that direction and paused ever so slightly. She had no wish to run into Sam again. Not only was her body remembering what happened between them in his office, but on the beach, as well. Her hand touched her side where he’d massaged her cramp away.

      Her head held high, she took the plunge and headed to Katie’s office. The door was open, but her office was empty. Now what?

      Just as she was about to look for paper and pencil to leave a note, Katie came up behind her. “Ms. Miller?”

      Charlotte spun around. Her pulse rate accelerated as if she’d been caught doing something illegal. “Yes,” she said breathlessly, then continued in a stronger tone, “I was about to leave you a note. You were looking for me?”

      Katie smiled. “Yes, I was. It’s actually Mr. Briton who wants to speak with you. He was dealing with some other issues and asked me to locate you.”

      Charlotte’s stomach revolted. She didn’t want to talk to Sam Briton...ever. If she’d known Sam was the one who’d requested her presence, she would have stayed on the beach.

      Wow! Where did that come from? Maybe the beach air was giving her the courage to stand up for herself, even if it was only in her head. Although, thinking she’d stay on the beach and actually staying there to spite Sam were two different things. After all, he was in charge of the resort. He could easily make trouble for her.

      “Please step into my office, Ms. Miller.” The male voice coming down the hall was already intimately familiar. Instead of allowing Sam to intimidate her, she straightened her shoulders and tried not to be too annoyed by his tone.

      Without speaking, she did as he requested. His presence was tangible as he followed her into his office. Thankfully, he left the door open as they took positions on either side of his desk.

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