Copper Beach

closer to Abby.

    “Mom and Grandma and Dawson are really pissed at you,” Laura warned.

    “I know,” Abby said out of the side of her mouth. “But Dad made it clear that this was one of those command-performance gigs.”

    Jessica wrinkled her nose. “Not sure what’s going on, but we think Dawson screwed up big-time. I heard Grandma telling Mom that he’s trying to close a really important deal. She said that you could help him, but you won’t on account of you’re jealous because you didn’t inherit any of her money. Is that true?”

    “No,” Abby said. “Not true.”

    “Hah.” Jessica looked satisfied. “I knew there was more to it.” She immediately switched subjects. “Who’s the hot new boyfriend?”

    “Boyfriend?” Abby repeated blankly.

    “The guy you came here with tonight,” Jessica hissed in a low voice. “The one at the back of the room in the leather jacket. Looks a lot more interesting than Kane Thurston.”

    Abby followed her gaze and saw Sam. He stood with his arms folded, one shoulder propped against the wall, watching her.

    “Oh, him.” Abby pulled herself together. “His name is Sam Coppersmith, and he is definitely a lot more interesting than Kane.”

    “Uh–oh,” Jessica said.

    Abby looked at her. “Uh–oh what?”

    “We heard Dawson talking to Mom about someone named Coppersmith. He said the Coppersmiths have tons of money. They even have a private island in the San Juans.”

    Abby was saved from having to respond, because the moderator had moved to the lectern and was announcing that the author would now sign his book and that refreshments were available.

    Abby stepped off the stage, followed by Laura, Jessica, Dawson, Diana and Brandon. They ended up in a small cluster.

    Brandon looked pleased. He glanced at Diana. “I think that went very well, don’t you?”

    Diana smiled, but there was a strained expression in her eyes. “They loved you, dear.”

    The event coordinator, a small, spare, middle-aged woman with glasses and neon-red hair, materialized at Brandon’s elbow. She was as focused as an air traffic controller. “I’ll escort you to the table, Dr. Radwell.”

    “In a moment, Lucy,” Brandon said. “Family comes first. I want to have a chat with my eldest daughter before I sign books.” He winked. “It’s a father thing.”

    Out of the corner of her eye, Abby saw Dawson grimace. Jessica and Laura rolled their eyes.

    Lucy did not look happy about that, but she rallied. “In that case, I’ll direct people to the refreshment table until you’re ready.”

    “Good idea.” Brandon gave Abby his patented paternal smile. “How about introducing me to the new man in your life, honey?”

    A wave of anxiety swept through Abby. On the rare occasions when Brandon chose to play the concerned father, things rarely turned out well.

    “Sam is a client,” she said quickly. “There’s nothing personal between us.”

    Brandon chuckled just loud enough so that people standing nearby could hear him. “You can’t fool your dad. A father always knows when another man is interested in his little girl. I could tell from the way he walked into the room with you that there is definitely a very personal aspect to your relationship.” He looked around, frowning a little. “Where did he go?”

    Sam materialized out of the crowd directly behind Brandon.

    “I’m right here, sir,” Sam said. “Sam Coppersmith.”

    Brandon turned easily, radiating his charismatic smile, and extended his hand. “Brandon Radwell. A pleasure to meet you. I have a few minutes before I start signing. Why don’t we find a quiet place for a quick chat?”

    “Sure,” Sam said. He looked at Abby. “Don’t wander off.”

    “We don’t have a lot of time,” Abby said through her teeth. “Dad needs to sign books.”

    “This won’t take long,” Brandon said.

    The two men walked through the crowd to a quiet corner of the room. Abby watched, deeply uneasy. When she turned back, she realized that Dawson had vanished.

    “Done,” Laura said, relief evident in her voice. “Jessica and I get to leave now, right, Mom? You said we only had to stay for the perfect family scene.”

    “Yes, you can go,” Diana said. She looked at Abby. “I want to talk to you.”

    “I’m afraid I’m a little busy this evening,” Abby said. “I’ve got plans.”

    “After all I’ve done for you,” Diana said, her voice low and hard, “and after all I put up