Divers found Simon’s remains in Ashe Lake last year, buried in mud. The county prosecutor declined to press charges against Isadore, citing self-defense, and the henchmen from Cleveland were long gone. After the discovery of Simon’s body, Finn realized it was impossible for Haven House to remain secret. He offered the property and lake for the filming location while working with his family to maintain their safe house. Between selling the film rights and an advance from Olivia’s first newly published book, the trust earned enough to erect a taller fence and hire security.
Harper had spent two weeks in Olivia’s turret, hammering out the first draft on the Royal KHM. Even with a compelling story and inexpensive location—along with a large investment by Delve Paperworks—the project still wouldn’t have received enough funding to proceed except for the woman who’d just pulled up behind their limousine in a chauffeured SUV.
“I’m in,” Kelsey had said before reading the preliminary screenplay. “As long as I get to kill the—”
“It’s a story about redemption, Kelsey. Not revenge.”
“Redemptionandjustice.”
“Fair enough,” Harper said. “But with a happily ever after in the end.”
“It’s going to be the best movie,” Kelsey had told her.
Fortunately, she still agreed after reading Harper’s script.
Investors poured in once Kelsey signed up for the leading role, and by the time Clella Vinton, Kelsey’s mom, decided to play Olivia, Sissie had more than enough money to make their movie.
As the limousine driver circled the engine to open their door, Harper’s phone buzzed. She glanced out the back window like she might be able to see Kelsey behind them, but the SUV windows were tinted Hollywood black to hide the stars. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“Not a one,” Kelsey said, “but please tell that gorgeous grandmother of yours to take her sweet time on the carpet. We’re not stepping out until she and Peter are inside.”
Harper smiled at the thought of Kelsey, Chet Taylor, and Sissie clustered together in the SUV. Officially, Chet was Sissie’s assistant director, but in the past weeks, it seemed to Harper that his interest in the film’s heroine had extended beyond the script. Oddly enough, Kelsey didn’t seem to mind. She told Harper that while Chet was a flirt, he was one of the good guys.
Harper glanced at Isadore. “Kelsey says she’s not moving until you do.”
“I did not say that!” Kelsey protested loud enough for all four of them to hear.
“She wants you to shine tonight,” Harper told Isadore as the driver opened the passenger door.
“Now, that’s the truth,” Kelsey said before disconnecting.
“It’s the real Izzy,” a woman shouted from behind the velvet rope.
Isadore beamed as she stepped onto the carpet, Peter following right behind her in his wing-tip oxfords, their hands clasped together.
Her grandparents, Harper thought with a smile, sharing a lifetime of love.
What would it be like to have someone promise to walk the path of life beside you forever, hand in hand?
Finn wore a black tux and bow tie, classic handsome with his unruly hair refusing to be tamed into place, his gaze on Peter and Isadore. While they hadn’t formalized their feelings in the past year, she was long past thinking of him as a friend.
Tonight, Harper was equal parts nervous and excited. Finn had avoided the film shoot at Haven House, so she’d never introduced him to Kelsey. And she was terrified to do so, afraid of what she’d calledthe switchduring her high school and college years. That moment when her boyfriend ditched her for her best friend. Not that she blamed them, in hindsight, but with Finn... it would break her heart if he fell like the others.
Finn turned his gray eyes on her. “You ready?”
“I’m not sure.” She refocused on the crowd outside the theater, their attention still fixed on Isadore. It would remain on the older woman until Kelsey emerged, followed closely by Clella Vinton and then the actor who’d pleaded with Sissie for Simon’s part.
Moments like this, she still couldn’t believe that her script, a part of her story, had really been produced as a film. Finn had been right. This was her story to tell, and what a story it had been. Tonight, she would embrace not just the narrative but the many who’d worked together to breathe life into her words and the many who’d come to watch it.
“You look gorgeous,” Finn said, and she glanced down at the blackBreakfast at Tiffany’sdress with a single strand of pearls. Kelsey had even talked her into sporting heels.
“Thank you,” she replied as they stepped out of the limo. “And you... you look nothing like a lumberjack.” Even with his tousled hair.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Finn offered his arm, and she gladly took it.
A publicist ushered Peter and Isadore toward a line of photographers for pictures, then the four members of their little party waved to the crowd and proceeded up the carpet. As Finn opened the theater door, the fans behind them roared, flashes of light popping like corn. Kelsey must have emerged from her car.
Gilded statues, Chinese murals, and hanging lanterns shimmered in the lobby. Like walking through a dream, Harper thought, her hand secure in the crook of Finn’s arm. Through the lobby and into a theater bathed red and gold.
