“That he is,” Lucas said. He refilled their glasses, then returned the pitcher to the fridge. “I know he didn’t come here to work, but I bet you he’s eating this up. Getting to work for a guy like Jackson Marsh? And maybe even Mitch? He’ll be full of himself. More than he already is.”
Frankie nudged her shoulder against his. “Yes, but then you can remind him that you’re the reason he got those jobs.”
“True.” Lucas smiled. “I like the way you think.”
Harper sipped her lemonade. She really could taste the orange now. It was delicious. “How did the editing go on the show today?”
“It went well,” Lucas said. “Those two are so good. I could have used almost every bit of footage. All the little comments they made back and forth to each other were hilarious. I think at some point they forgot they were mic’d.”
He looked in Mitch’s direction. “I don’t know how long Beryl is staying, but I would love to get them in for another show. I have a feeling my viewers are going to go crazy for them.”
“She’s probably staying for a little while longer,” Frankie said. “She came a long way. Wouldn’t make sense to leave that soon.”
Jack joined them. Mitch and Angie were still talking.
Lucas smiled at him. “I sincerely hope my brother can help you.”
“So do I, brother,” Jack said. “We’ll soon see.”
Mitch and Angie came over then. Mitch stood next to Harper. “Thank you for your hospitality, Lucas. This has been very fruitful.”
“Good,” Lucas said. “I’m glad.”
Harper was, too. She didn’t know quite what Mitch and Angie had discussed, but she knew it had something to do with Ruthie. What Angie could do to help with getting custody of her, Harper wasn’t sure. Mitch would share, if he wanted to.
Mitch put his hand on the small of her back. “I’d like to get back. I don’t mean to cut things short, but I need to talk to Kyle, and I know Angelo just got in.”
“It’s all right,” Angie said. “I need to unpack anyway. It was good to meet you all. Mitch, Jack, I’ll be in touch soon.”
Mitch reached across the corner of the island and shook Angie’s hand. “For sure. Thanks again.”
Harper looked at Frankie. “If you want to stay…”
She shook her head. “Lucas and his brother need time to catch up. Besides, I still have work to do.”
They said their goodbyes and climbed into the golf cart. No one said anything for a moment, then Jack spoke. “He seems solid. And maybe a little frightening.”
Mitch snorted. “That’s a fair assessment. He’d make a great character in a book.”
“He’d make a great character in a movie,” Jack countered, chuckling as he changed subjects. “Frankie the artist, do you have a price for me on that portrait?”
“Um…”
Harper turned in her seat. “It’s going to be expensive, Jack. And she’s probably a little worried it’ll be too much.” Harper knew her sister was glaring at her, but she kept going. “So let me ask you this—is it worth ten grand to you to have the painting done?”
Jack nodded. “Of course it is.”
“Then there you go. Ten grand.” She finally looked at Frankie, whose eyes had rounded like saucers. “Are you good with that price?”
Frankie nodded, swallowing. “Yes.” She looked at Jack, nodding some more. “Yes. I’ll go to the art store tomorrow and buy supplies. I’ll start working on it right away.”
“Cool, cool.” He grinned. “With all the ugliness in the world, it’s good to create new, beautiful things. Don’t you think?”
Frankie took a breath. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Smiling, Harper turned back around. Another minute and Mitch pulled into her driveway. Willa came out the front door with Archie on his leash. She was frowning and looked upset.
Harper jumped out of the golf cart. “What’s the matter?”
