Page 55 of Jack
“The what?” London asked.
“It’s a Spanish galleon that went down in 1622 about thirty-five miles off Key West, and”—Austen turned to her sister—“we’re not sure they were from theAtocha, although it was in the area where the stern went down. But there are other shipwrecks up and down the coast. And it’s a hobby, not a side hustle.”
Boo held up her hands, but grinned. “Someday you’ll find a lost treasure and strike it rich.”
Austen laughed. “I’m happy with my dolphins.” She pointed to Penelope’s dress. “Should we bring this with us?”
Harper had already updated them on Penelope’s whereabouts, based on her security detail’s words.
She’d left out, of course, any details about Jack.
Details about how he’d listened when she’d told him about Ty, and even filled her in on Sabrina and the truth behind his hunt. It felt, just a little, like they’d found a friendship. Or maybe just partnership. Still, when he’d dropped her off, he’d met her eyes, holding on a little when she’d said“See you at dance lessons.”
Dance lessons. The first time in his arms had roused the old crush. After today, tonight might do her in.
“I’ll take it,” Harper said. “I still can’t believe she did this.” She picked up the dress.
Boo nodded. “She probably wasn’t the best choice for a bridesmaid. I only recently got to know her. But we needed someone to walk down with Conrad, and Oaken really liked how she handled the Mike Grizz case on her podcast. She’s funny and sweet, and I don’t know—it was a bit of an impulsive ask, but . . .”
“She’ll be here,” Harper said, putting her arm around Boo’s shoulders, pulling her close. “It’ll be fine.”
“I hope she’s back for tomorrow’s spa and manicure day.” She glanced at Harper. “Thanks for looking. I hope spending the day with Jack wasn’t a total nightmare.”
“I managed. Although I’ve decided that getting him to smile might be a personal goal.”
Boo laughed and headed out of the dressing area. “He’s always been serious—comes with being the oldest, I guess. But yeah, he was a lot more fun before law school and Sabrina’s death.” She reached for her wool coat, hanging by the door.
Harper grabbed hers as well. “He told me the real story in the car.”
“Did he mention that after he finished school, he didn’t attend graduation and completely abandoned his future?” Austen said.
“Not really, but I got that gist. Feels like he blames himself.”
“They were study partners, so maybe. He’s been a bit of a loner since then. He’s a thinker and super loyal and probably spends way too much time in his head. Which is why he likes traveling, helping people that he can walk away from.”
His words bumped into her head.“I can’t let people down if they don’t depend on me.”
Boo stepped outside, holding open the door.
The setting sun had unleashed the wind, now burning against Harper’s neck. “You couldn’t have picked a destination wedding?”
“This is a destination,” Boo said, winking. “The King’s Inn is a famous wedding venue.”
“InJune.” Harper shook her head. Austen cracked a smile.
“It’s warmer than Alaska,” London said and climbed into the back of the rented Escalade.
Boo stopped Harper with a hand on her arm. “Did Jack mention that he also hasn’t had a girlfriend since Sabrina?”
“He said he wasn’t dating Sabrina.”
“Yeah, well, maybe not, but the fact is, he’s a closed book. Don’t get hurt, Bee.”
Harper raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry. I’m over your big brother. Really.”
Boo narrowed her gaze. “Right.”
Harper rolled her eyes and got in. The car rumbled, started by remote, already warm.