Frankie looked at him. “Is there something I can pick up for you? I’d be happy to get whatever you want.”
He nodded, smiling again. “Promise you won’t laugh?”
Frankie shrugged. “I don’t know. What do you want me to get?”
“Some knitting supplies.”
Her brows lifted, but she didn’t laugh. “You knit?”
“Yeah.” He sipped his water. “I find it very calming.”
“That’s cool,” Willa said.
He drizzled more vinaigrette on his salad. “It helps pass the time on set, you know? Keeps my hands busy but frees the mind. Anyway, now that I’m not drinking and I’m sort of cooped up in the guest house, it would be nice to have a new project to work on. I’ll write down exactly what I need and if you have any questions, just call me.”
Frankie took the dressing from him next. “I will.”
“What are you going to make?” Willa asked.
“I’m thinking a throw for the couch in the guest house.” Jack grinned. “It needs one.”
“You know I’m going to move in there at some point,” Frankie said.
“In that case,” Jack said. “Pick out whatever color yarn you like, then text me a picture of it and I’ll tell you how much to buy.”
Frankie grinned. “Okay, I’ll do that.”
They ate happily, and the conversation shifted to a variety of subjects, ultimately settling on what they were going to watch after dinner.
Harper checked the time. It was nearly six. “I have to run over to Mitch’s for an hour. Go ahead and watch whatever you want. I’ll catch up when I get back.”
Frankie’s eyes narrowed, but she was having a hard time not smiling. “Oh, sure, leave so you don’t have to help clean up.”
“I’ll take my plate to the sink, how’s that?” Harper hopped up and carried her plate, glass, and utensils into the kitchen. “Willa, will you keep an eye on you-know-who in case he has to go out?”
Willa nodded. “You got it.”
“Thanks. And thanks again for dinner, Jack. It was great. See you guys when I get back.” She ran into her bedroom, put flipflops on and went out the door. On her walk to Mitch’s, she stared out at the water.
The boats and paparazzi were still there. She glared at them, wishing there was something she could do to get rid of them. How long were they going to sit there? Until they got pictures? This was nuts. And while they might be on a public waterway, it felt very much like an invasion of privacy.
She was still scowling when Mitch answered the door.
“Something wrong?”
“Those stupid gossip hounds.” She glanced at Bunny, who was standing at his side. “No offense, Bunny, but you’re not a hound, either.”
Mitch smiled, but nodded as Harper came into the house. “They are aggravating, aren’t they? Amazing that we live in a world that puts such a high price on things like news about celebrities. Speaking of money, here.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out a folded check.
She took it, glancing at the amount. Her month was covered. And then some. “Thanks.” She put it in her pocket, since she hadn’t brought a purse.
“You’re welcome. How’s Jack doing?”
“Well enough to make us dinner.” She crouched to give Bunny some scratches. “Jack is used to this. More than we are.” She stood. “How are things here?”
He took her hand and gave her a quick kiss. “Better now. Things are good. It’s been a big day. Kyle sent his book to my agent, and I hired Beryl to be Ruthie’s part-time nanny.”
Harper blinked in surprise. “Beryl is staying?”
