Page 15 of Birdie by the Bay (Wynn Harbor Inn #2)

Robert’s reply was brief and to the point. Call me.

Why?

We need to talk.

About what? How concerned you are about my health? Harlow deleted the second question. She already knew how her husband felt. The only thing he cared about was money and her fulfilling her contractual agreement for A City of Glass.

She pressed send.

Her phone rang again. Against her better judgment and the advice of Nigel Beckworth, she answered. Foregoing the pleasantries, Harlow blurted out her question. “Why are you blowing my phone up?”

“What’s the big idea of sending some woman named Aunt Birdie and your friend to New York?”

“It was my aunt and Eryn. I asked them to get something for me.” Proof you’re cheating.

“Get what?”

“It’s nothing you need to be concerned about,” Harlow coolly replied. “I gave them permission to enter the apartment.”

Robert let out a long string of expletives, peppered in with words “trespassing” and something about calling the police to report a robbery.

“Calm down. They were not trespassing. The apartment is as much mine as it is yours.” Before Harlow could stop herself, she added, “You don’t seem to have a problem inviting guests over.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Robert demanded.

“You tell me.”

“Your aunt and friend stole stuff.”

“Stole what?” Harlow asked, knowing perfectly well what her husband was referring to.

“Merchandise.”

“Skincare products. They figured they belonged to me and I would want them,” Harlow fibbed.

“You’re very picky about your skincare products.”

“They didn’t know that. So…we both know the stuff didn’t belong to me. I know it wasn’t yours. Who did the skincare products sitting on my bathroom counter belong to?”

“How do you know it wasn’t mine?” Robert answered her question with one of his own.

“Whatever. They made a mistake. If it’s so important to you, I’m sure the cosmetics can be replaced.”

“What about the champagne? They took it right out of the fridge.”

“Maybe they were thirsty.”

“Very funny.”

Harlow, figuring she’d gone this far, kept going. “By the way, thank you for cancelling my credit cards,” she said sarcastically.

Robert ignored the comment. “Where are you?”

“Why? Are you afraid I might pop in and surprise you? Maybe I’m around the corner. Maybe I’m down the street.”

He swore under his breath. “Don’t antagonize me, Harlow. I’m in no mood for your antics.”

“You’re in no mood for my antics? I wasn’t the one who cleaned out our main bank accounts. You need to put the money back immediately.”

“You knew we were switching the main business and personal accounts to another bank,” Robert said. “I told you about it when I opened the new accounts online last month.”

Harlow felt a hot heat creep up her neck. He was right. Robert had mentioned moving the money to a different bank, one with better terms. “I forgot. You should have reminded me.”

“Why? You’ve never been worried about it before. It’s because of me, you have money.”

Harlow gritted her teeth. “Who was the one who put in those twelve-hour days on movie sets for weeks on end?”

“Sweetheart deals that you never would’ve gotten without me. You would still be starring in B-list movies.”

“I earned the money,” she snapped. “Send me the information on the new bank and accounts today.”

“I will. Is there anything else you want to air your grievances over?”

“Why were my credit cards cancelled?”

“They were tied to the old bank account you’re so concerned about. New cards are on the way. I’ll have them overnighted to you.”

“And you wouldn’t be concerned if you were me?” Harlow shot back. “I’ve contacted an attorney. You had better not try any funny stuff.”

“What funny stuff?”

“Moving more money, canceling the new credit cards.” Ruining my reputation, she silently added.

“You’re such a b-.”

Harlow cut him off. “Am I? You haven’t seen anything yet.

” Her hand shook as she hung up on Robert.

Gone were the days she could throw her phone against the wall.

Which brought up another concerning issue.

She needed to switch her cell phone to another provider before Robert came up with the bright idea to turn her phone off.

“That went over well.” David patted his daughter’s shoulder.

“I blew it.”

“I disagree. You made it perfectly clear he had better let you know where the money went.”

“Where’s the nearest cell phone store? I need to put my phone in a new account before Robert shuts it off.”

“You’re in luck. We have a phone store downtown.” David told her how to get there. “Don’t blink or you’ll go right past it. I would go with you, but I want to be here to keep an eye on the workers when they flush the hydrants.”

“And Caleb shows up. Aunt Birdie should be here in time to whip up his lunch,” Harlow said.

“You’ll be back by then.”

“I’m not having lunch with Caleb Jackson.”

“He’ll be disappointed.”

“I think you’re wrong. He’ll probably be thrilled,” Harlow said.

Vic, who stood silently listening to the exchange, chuckled. “I wouldn’t mind meeting this mystery guy who has Harlow in a tizzy.”

“I’m not in a tizzy.” She heaved a heavy sigh. “I just prefer to avoid certain people. He happens to be one of them.”

“What time is lunch?”

“Twelve thirty-ish.”

“It’ll give us plenty of time to get Harlow’s new account.” Vic clasped his hands. “I can’t wait to check the island out.”

Despite the heated exchange with Robert, Harlow was in good spirits as she and Vic made their way toward town. She took them on a small detour up the hill and past the Grand Hotel.

“This place is super cool,” Vic said. “I kinda dig not having to dodge vehicles.”

“The only dodging you’ll do on Mackinac Island is to avoid bikes, carriages, horse-drawn taxies and piles of poo,” Harlow joked.

Circling back around, they passed the fire station and community hall. Cutting down a side street, they quickly reached the main drag. If not for Harlow’s walking app letting them know they’d reached their destination, they would have gone right past the cell phone store.

Once inside, she switched the phone over to a new plan but kept her old number. Transferring her information and contacts was quick and easy, and soon she and Vic were back on the sidewalk.

“Where to, boss lady?” He spun around in a slow circle.

Harlow shaded her eyes and studied the skies. “It looks like rain, but the clouds are moving fast. I think it’s going to blow over. If you’re not in a hurry, I wouldn’t mind walking to the end of the block before heading home.”

“Not at all.”

While they walked, she pointed out various landmarks, places which had long been a part of the island’s history. “When I’m back on my feet, I want to visit Fort Mackinac.”

“That’s a pretty steep hill.” He let out a low whistle, commenting on the lush lawns and lack of high-rise buildings. “This is about as far away from Hollywood as you can get.”

“Right?” She closed her eyes and breathed in the island air. “I forgot how much I loved this place. It’s magical.”

They avoided a tandem bike threatening to wobble out of control and narrowly missed being hit by a kid who wasn’t watching where he was going seconds later.

Vic instinctively stepped closer to shield Harlow. “Instead of keeping an eye out for crazed fans, I’m going to have to keep an eye out for wild two-wheelers.”

A family with a pull-behind bike carrier cruised past. “What about renting an adult carrier? I could haul you around the island.”

Harlow tilted her head, curiously eyeing her friend. “When’s the last time you rode a bike?”

“Years. Decades. So long ago that I can’t remember.”

“And you want me to trust you?” she playfully asked.

“True. I suppose I should practice first.”

“I’m going to be back on my feet soon. My goal is to bicycle all the way around the island by myself,” Harlow said. “Let’s do it together.”

“It’s a deal.”

The journey back to Wynn Harbor Inn flew by.

Harlow’s upside down world was starting to right itself.

Her father, not to mention the prestigious Easton family, trusted Attorney Beckworth.

Doing her own due diligence, she was completely confident he would help her handle whatever Robert threw her way.

But Harlow wasn’t kidding herself. She could very well be facing the fight of her life. Although Robert Barbetz was a shrewd businessman, he had one thing working against him…underestimating his wife. Harlow would do everything in her power to keep what belonged to her, to hang onto her fair share.

Admittedly, her husband had been key in landing some of the major movie deals. But he wouldn’t have a dime without her. She was the star. She was the brand. Harlow Wynn was what sold. Not Robert Barbetz.

The niggling concern over him spreading rumors about her instability would have to be addressed. One crisis at a time , Harlow.

Taking the scenic route, she showed Vic some of the Victorian beauties and majestic cottages along the way. Meticulously manicured lawns, cozy courtyards, and quaint gardens. Late summer flowers in full bloom.

Mackinac Island was a picture-perfect postcard. Michigan in all its glory, showing its best to guests and islanders alike.

“The more I see, the more I like,” Vic said. “Makena would dig this place.”

“Invite her to come visit.”

He brightened. “Visit us here?”

“Sure.” Harlow warmed to the idea. “Dad is letting you stay in the cottage. We have plenty of room for Makena. Besides, I haven’t seen her in ages. It would be fun to catch up. Find out when she has a break.”

Vic promptly texted his girlfriend, extending the invitation. “Would next week be too soon?”

“Not at all.”

“Cool. She’s in New York. It would be a hop, skip, and a jump for her.”

Rounding the corner, they reached the pristine picket fence surrounding Wynn Harbor Inn. Streams of water flowed down the side of the street. An array of city vehicles sat parked alongside the curb.

As they drew closer, Harlow noticed another vehicle, a truck with “Mackinac Island Fire Department” emblazoned on the side.

“Great,” Harlow grimaced. “I guess running into Caleb is a bullet I won’t be dodging.”