Page 51 of The Romance Adventure

“Emmaline should be here,” Ryan says.

“No,” Magnus and I say at the same time.

“It’s better to keep her out of it. Protect her from this madness.”

“She said she’s going on a writing retreat. Won’t answer her phone when she’s in the zone,” I say.

“I hate that she does that,” Magnus says.

Ryan comments about microchipping her ear.

“She’s not a pet,” CJ says.

“No, she’s our sister and there are a lot of bad people in this world,” Magnus grinds out.

CJ leans back in his chair like he’s confident Emmie can handle herself, but I doubt he’s even talked to her in the last six months. Isla is right about him, but not that we underestimate him. No, he’d need to do something meaningful to measure his contributions to the world.

Bean and Isla talk about the Driftwood.

Bean says something about Hurricane Howie that ruined the town. “The insurance had lapsed. Chip said it would all wash out in the end.”

“But he ended up washed up,” I murmur.

Isla elbows me. “Don’t say that about your grandfather.”

CJ gets to his feet. “You guys don’t see, do you? You never did. You’re all too preoccupied with your aspirations and accomplishments.”

“Better than being a deadbeat,” Magnus says.

“A beach bum,” I add.

CJ smirks like his sense of self-preservation is so minuscule, he’ll take it on both cheeks, clinging to the dream of treasure. “The three of you knew Chip the longest, but you didn’t know him the best.”

“And you did? How’s that work with you couch surfing and, well, surfing?”

“I have a boat, Magnus,” CJ says as if that explains everything.

“What am I missing?” Ryan says.

“I took care of our grandfather after the storm,” CJ says.

“I was up at the resort yesterday and you took care of nothing. The place is in shambles.”

“He moved into the villa at the end of the peninsula. I was with him most days.”

“Freeloading because you don’t have your own place.”

CJ lets out a stilted breath. “I am a homeowner, Magnus. I was not freeloading, Royal.”

“Then what were you doing?” Ryan asks.

“Chip had unfinished business. He sent me on errands.”

“CJ, when you grow up and stop believing our grandfather’s fairy tales, we can talk.” I get to my feet, tired of this conversation.

“Either I’m going to tear down the resort or find a way to repair it.”

Isla hops to her feet. “Might I remind you that your grandfather left specific instructions?”