Wandering Heart (9781101561362) (11 page)

Claire stood beside her and touched her shoulder. “My dear, it’s only natural that all these big questions would come bubbling up to the surface right now. Look at what an ordeal you’ve been through. It’s not entirely a bad thing. We all need to take account, from time to time.”

Charlotte nodded. Claire’s words made sense to her. They just felt … true.

“Thank you. And thanks again for the soup. I feel better already,” she said honestly.

“Good.” Claire nodded, looking satisfied. “That’s what we’re here for. If you need anything else, just let me know.”

A few moments later, Charlotte was finally alone in her room. She stretched out on the bed, pulled the fluffy quilt to her chin, and closed her eyes. She thought about calling home. She wanted to talk to Lily just to hear her voice. But she didn’t want to tell them what had happened today. Especially her mother. She was so frail emotionally, she would worry and fret for days even though Charlotte was safe. It didn’t make sense to upset her. But Charlotte felt lonely not being able to confide in anyone.

Charlotte’s thoughts turned to the past, to the memories that haunted her, the pages of her life story she hid from the world, like a secret demon locked in a closet. For years now she had lied about her past, sure it would radically change her public image if the truth were ever revealed.

Some days, she felt as if she were hiding out in her own life, in her own heart. The ordeal in the ocean had brought up all these memories and feelings. She tried to push them back and get some sleep, but it was very hard.

A knock on the door sounded. “Charlotte, it’s Judy. The nurse is here. May we come in?”

“Yes, that’s okay. Come in,” Charlotte called from the bed.

Judy swung open the door. “How are you feeling?”

Charlotte sat up. “I’m fine. I just feel tired.”

“That sounds about right, all things considered.” A sturdy woman, carrying a medical bag, walked in behind Judy. Liza came in, too. The nurse was Liza’s friend and neighbor, Charlotte remembered. She could tell they were close friends just by the way they glanced at each other.

“This is Audrey Gilroy,” Judy said.

“Hello, Audrey. Thanks for coming.” Charlotte shook her hand and sat on the edge of the bed. She could tell the woman was a bit in awe of meeting a “star” but was trying hard to hide it.

“I’m happy to help. Liza told me about your awful experience. It’s a good thing that boat came. You must have been terrified. How are you feeling now?”

“Tired mainly and a little sore. I did a lot of swimming out there. I guess I’m out of shape.”

Audrey asked Charlotte more questions about her physical condition and examined her, taking her blood pressure and listening to her lungs and her heartbeat. She also peered down her throat and into her ears.

“Wow, you were in the water a long time. There’s a fish in there,” she said from behind the instrument.

Charlotte turned her head. “You’re kidding?”

Audrey laughed and leaned back. “Yes, I am. I did see a little water though. You probably hear it. You should see a doctor if it doesn’t come out on its own tonight when you’re sleeping.”

Audrey turned to Judy as she put her instruments away. “I think she’s fine. She just needs rest and fluids. It’s counterintuitive, but staying in the water is extremely dehydrating. You would think it was the other way around. You should feel better in the morning, Charlotte, and back to your full strength in a few days. If you don’t, then please visit a physician. Dr. Harding in Cape Light is an excellent doctor. I could call him for you, if you like.”

“Dr. Harding. All right, I’ll make a note of that. But if she takes a turn for the worse, we’ll probably bring her into Boston,” Judy answered.

Charlotte gave Judy a look. “I’ll be fine. But I will remember about Dr. Harding,” she promised. Audrey began to pack up her medical bag. “I’ve been curious about your farm,” Charlotte told her. “I can see it from the window. Liza told me you raise goats?”

“Yes, we do. And we make cheese and other good stuff.”

“Really? I’d love to come visit if I have time while I’m here.”

“Please do.” Audrey looked amused at the idea. “My husband, Rob, would just faint if he ever saw you in person.”

Charlotte smiled graciously. “Better get some smelling salts on hand. I could surprise you.”

When the women finally left her, Charlotte lay down again. It was only late afternoon, but the weather outside made it seem almost as dark as night. The shades were drawn and she turned off the lamp on the bed stand. She closed her eyes and felt herself drifting off to sleep.

It was frightening at first. For some reason, she resisted the feeling
of losing consciousness. It was as if she were out in the water again, struggling to hold her breath and stay alive.

Finally, she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

A
UDREY
was so excited by meeting Charlotte Miller, she practically floated down the stairs and into the kitchen, where Liza and Claire were hard at work, fixing dinner for the movie crew.

“I didn’t really believe you, Liza. But it’s true. Charlotte Miller is just as nice in person as she seems in the movies. And even more gorgeous, if that’s possible. She nearly drowned this morning, and she still looked better than most women do on their best day.”

“Now, now. We all have our charms, Audrey,” Claire insisted.

“Sorry, ladies. Of course we do.” Audrey took a carrot stick from a platter of crudités and noisily crunched down. “It’s just that some women seem to hit the jackpot. If Charlotte ever does visit, I’m not sure whether I should give Rob any warning, or let it be a surprise. I’d love to get a picture of his face when he sees her—up close and personal—stepping around the goats.”

Liza laughed at the image. “That would be some picture. You could probably sell it to some fan magazine.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Audrey said with a grin. “It goes against my professional ethics. Nurses shouldn’t hawk photos of their patients. But speaking of stepping around goats, I’d better get back home. Have to feed the livestock—and the husband—soon.”

Once Audrey left, Liza got back to work again. Since there had been no work on the film today, dinner would be served early. Then the crew members who weren’t boarding at the inn would go back to their hotels in Cape Light or the rented waterfront mansion in Newburyport, where the studio executives and stars were staying.

Serving dinner to the large number of guests had its challenges. Liza and Claire decided on a buffet and set up tables in the downstairs rooms with enough seating for all the guests. It was a lot like catering a wedding or other type of large party, Liza thought. There just wasn’t any music. And there certainly wasn’t a festive mood. Charlotte’s near-drowning experience had cast a somber, tense mood on the entire crew.

Dinner ended with a spread of Claire’s delectable desserts. There wasn’t a crumb left, Liza noticed as she cleared away the platters. Luckily, she had saved some of the dinner and a few slices of the chocolate cake and peach pie for Charlotte.

As the executive group got ready to leave, it became apparent that they intended to wake Charlotte and take her back to Newburyport with them. “Did you knock on her door?” Mike asked Judy.

“Of course I did, but she didn’t answer,” Judy told him. “I hate to just barge in there.”

“I think you have to. It’s getting late.” He looked at his watch. “She’s slept long enough, hasn’t she?”

Liza glanced at Claire. They were standing nearby and couldn’t help but overhear. Claire looked upset. Not that she ever lost her temper, but now she seemed as close to it as Liza had ever seen.

“No, she hasn’t slept long enough.” Claire stepped into the circle and answered the producer’s question. “She’s suffering from exposure. She nearly drowned today. She’s exhausted, dehydrated, and probably still has the chills. She’s perfectly comfortable right now, snug as a bug. She should stay here with us. We’ll take good care of her,” Claire promised. “Won’t we, Liza?”

“Absolutely. My room is right next door. I’ll hear her if she needs anything during the night.”

“My room is upstairs but I’ll check on her, too. And she can get
a few more minutes of sleep in the morning if she doesn’t have to travel down from Newburyport.”

Liza could see that the producer didn’t enjoy being overruled by the inn’s housekeeper and cook, but he valiantly held his tongue. Perhaps because Claire was a dignified older woman and he wanted to be polite and respectful. Or maybe because he knew she was right.

With a little more conversation, they finally deferred to Claire and decided Charlotte should stay. A few minutes later, the trio was gone, along with the others who were not staying at the inn.

Meredith decided she should stay, too. She clearly considered herself the star’s shadow though, from what Liza had observed, Charlotte didn’t seem to feel the same close connection. Liza found a room for Meredith across the hall from Charlotte’s, which seemed to satisfy her.

T
HE
inn emptied out and the movie crew scattered, most going off to their own rooms, some staying downstairs and using the common areas to watch TV or play cards and chess.

It was about nine o’clock when Liza heard someone at the front door. She was in the kitchen with Claire, going over menu plans for the next day. “Who could that be in this rain?” Claire asked. “Is Daniel dropping by tonight?”

“I don’t think so. It’s his night to work at the clinic.” Liza went to answer the door, expecting to see one of the movie people, coming back for a forgotten cell phone or iPad. Or even, for Charlotte.

When she pulled open the door, she found Colin Doyle. He looked a little wet, especially his hair, which was combed back from his forehead. Otherwise, he was hardly recognizable from the man who rescued Charlotte earlier that day. Dressed in jeans and a dark
blue sweater with a white polo shirt underneath, his scruffy beard was gone and he was cleaned up from head to toe.

He carried a bouquet of flowers close to his chest, trying to shield them from the rain with his large hand.

“Hello, Colin. Come on in,” Liza welcomed him.

“Hey, Liza. I just wanted to see how Charlotte is doing. Is she around?”

He looked around the inn, seeming self-conscious. Liza felt for him. Wow, he had some crush. Who could blame him?

“Charlotte’s been sleeping for hours. She’s exhausted but otherwise seems fine.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. I mean, it’s good that she’s getting some rest.”

“She’s coming along.” Claire had come out of the kitchen and was walking toward the door to meet him. “Charlotte asked me if you lived on the island. I think she wants to get in touch—to thank you for helping her.”

Colin shook his head. “I just did what anyone would do in those circumstances. I don’t deserve any medals.”

“Well, she seems to think you do,” Claire countered with a twinkle in her eye.

Colin looked pleased to hear Charlotte had talked about him, Liza noticed. But he was trying to hide it.

“I’m glad she’s okay. Just tell her I stopped by. And you can give her these, I guess. If they have any petals left.” He started to hand over the wet, drooping bouquet, then gave it some consideration.

Liza heard someone coming down the staircase and turned to see who it was. “I guess you can give them to Charlotte yourself,” she said, turning back to him. “Here she comes.”

They all turned to look at Charlotte making her way down the
stairs, a disheveled but gorgeous mess, wearing a pair of gray yoga pants and a sweatshirt Liza had left in her room that read: “Save a Chicken’s Life … Eat a Lobster.”

Charlotte’s thick reddish-gold hair hung in long, wild curls. She brushed them back from her cheek with a graceful motion then lifted her head and saw Colin in the foyer. She stopped and stared at him, her eyes opening wide.

“How do you feel, dear?” Claire called out to her.

“Better, thanks.” Charlotte smiled but had not spared Claire a glance. Her gaze was fixed on her surprise visitor.

Liza thought she actually heard Colin sigh. He definitely cleared his throat but didn’t say anything.

“You have a visitor,” Claire said, though it was perfectly obvious. “Why don’t you two go in the sitting room? I’ll fix you something to eat, Charlotte. Would you like some more soup?”

“That would be perfect.” Charlotte turned to Claire a moment, then looked back at Colin. “Good to see you. Are those for me?”

He nodded and stepped forward, handing her the flowers. “They got a little wet.”

“Seems about right, considering the occasion.” She bent her head to smell the bouquet. “They’re beautiful. Thank you. I’ll put them up in my room.”

“Oh, I’ll do that,” Liza offered. She took the bouquet and headed for the kitchen with Claire while Charlotte and Colin walked into the sitting room.

Charlotte was glad to see that the room was empty. She didn’t want to feel as if the entire crew was listening in. She sat on a small love seat near the hearth, and Colin chose an armchair. She was surprised to see him. And secretly thrilled. She had planned to get in touch with him somehow, if only just to thank him again. But this
was even better. She had been thinking about him so much, she felt as if her wishes had summoned him here.

“I won’t stay long, but I came to see how you’re doing,” Colin said.

“I’m much better now,” Charlotte told him. “A hot bath and a nap can work wonders.”

Colin nodded. “I’m glad you feel better. Do you have to go back to work tomorrow?”

“I do, if I can walk and talk—or anything close. Time is money in this business. You’d be surprised what some actors have endured while filming. Marilyn Monroe worked when she had appendicitis. She had a doctor freeze her appendix so she could finish a film before getting an operation.”

“I had no idea Marilyn was so tough. So fighting for your life out in the ocean for an hour or so is no big deal for a beautiful actress, I guess.” He shrugged, his eyes sparkling. He was teasing her, of course.

“It was at the time,” she countered, feeling herself blush at his compliment. She was used to having men tell her she was beautiful. At times she was even bored by it. Why did she feel so giddy with this guy? Like a teenager with her first big crush.