CHAPTER TWO
A t home that night , I sat with Vaughn on the lanai, chatting after dinner. He’d been away filming some commercials, and we always made a point of catching up with one another when he came home. Having given up his role on the soap opera Sins of the Children , Vaughn was enjoying more time at home with me and Robbie and being close to Liz and Chad and their triplets. His two children visited with their families as often as their busy lives allowed.
Seeing the smile he was giving me now, the one all his fans loved, I sometimes found it hard to believe all the changes that had come into my life.
Life had seemed so bleak after my ex-husband dumped me for the receptionist in our office, leaving me with no job and no home. But good things began to happen after teaming up with Rhonda to change her seaside mansion into The Beach House Hotel.
“It’s great to see you excited about new guests again,” said Vaughn. “I know how much pressure running the business can be for you and Rhonda.”
“True, but it’s especially rewarding when we get a group like these women who are so excited to be here to relax and enjoy it. Rhonda and I want to be sure they have an excellent stay.”
Vaughn stood up and stretched. “It’s getting late. Ready for bed?”
My pulse sped up at the grin he gave me. Even after almost ten years together, I couldn’t resist a chance to make love with him. I had known how it would be between us the first time I’d held hands with him standing in the water at the beach.
###
T he next morning, I awoke and stretched, automatically reaching for Vaughn. Finding his spot empty, I realized he must be in the kitchen. Then, I heard him talking to Robbie there. At twelve, Robbie was a great kid into computer activities, the school’s swim team, and sailing with Vaughn on Vaughn’s boat, Zephyr.
It pleased me that Vaughn and he shared a beautiful father-and-son relationship. Robbie had come to us a confused little boy of two after my ex-husband and his wife were killed in an automobile accident.
I got out of bed and dressed quickly. With Vaughn at home to see Robbie off to school, I could fit in an early morning walk on the beach before going to work.
In the kitchen, Robbie was telling Vaughn about his recent computer project. He and Brett, the boy next door, who was his best friend, had developed a new computer game.
Cindy, our black and tan Dachshund, was listening as spellbound as Vaughn.
“Morning, all,” I said. I kissed them each, patted Cindy, and announced I’d be back to get ready for work in a while. “Good luck on your English test, Robbie.”
He groaned as I took off.
I left the house eager to hit the beach. Spending early morning on the sand, becoming part of the scene there, grounded me. It was there that Rhonda and I often made our best business decisions walking together. But my time alone there was equally as important.
After pulling behind the hotel, I parked and got out, feeling my body relax as I inhaled the salty tang of the air.
A gentle breeze ruffled the fronds of a nearby palm tree, and I sighed. Having grown up in New England, I loved the tropical feel of Sabal, Florida.
I removed my sandals and stepped out onto the sand and down to the water’s edge. I watched as sandpipers and sanderlings hurried by in small groups, leaving tiny footprints behind in the wet sand. I was about to step into the frothiness of the water when I heard my name being called and turned to see Jane Sweeney headed my way.
I walked over to greet her. “Beautiful day! You’re up and about early. I expected you to be in bed ’til noon.”
“Oh, some of us will do that, but not me. I’m used to getting up early. Especially when I need time to think things through.”
“I understand. I do my best thinking here. But is there something I can do to help you?” I asked.
“I’ve been holding something back from my friends, but I don’t want to ruin this vacation,” said Jane. “Four years ago, I had breast cancer. And just before we came here, I discovered a tiny lump in one breast. I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled after we get back.”
I hugged her. “That’s an awful lot to keep to yourself. Rhonda had a scare a while back. We have a fabulous doctor associated with the Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa. Would it help to see her? Talk to her? Dr. Perkins is a friend of ours, and I’m certain she’d be willing to squeeze you in for an appointment.”
Jane clutched my hand. “You’re so sweet to think of that. Let me think about it. If I can’t stand not knowing, I’ll let you know, and we’ll sneak in an appointment without letting the others know.”
“Okay, that’s a deal,” I said.
“I’ve had cysts before, so it could be just that. It’s simply the waiting game that is so difficult,” said Jane. She looked up as the woman with pink hair walked toward us. “Here’s Amy. I’ll leave you two and go on my way. I don’t want her to see me so emotional.”
“I’ll cover for you,” I said, heading toward Amy.
“ ’Morning! It’s a beautiful day, perfect for a walk on the beach,” I said to her. “What are you doing up so early?”
“Like you said, it’s a beautiful day, and I couldn’t wait to get outside,” Amy said. “I’ve made an important decision, but I don’t want the others to know about it. Not yet. This is our playtime together.”
“It’s fantastic that you’re all so close,” I said.
“Yes, we’ve been through a lot over the years. I feel very lucky to have them as friends.” She turned and waved as one of the other women in the group headed our way.
“Hi, Caro,” said Amy. She turned to me. “Caro is the only one who doesn’t realize how beautiful she is. Her husband left her for someone in his office, and she thinks it was somehow her fault. But in my opinion, he was never good enough for her. She’s a lovely lady. Far too nice for him.”
Caro approached us. “Gorgeous day! I still can’t believe I’m here. The two moms are sleeping in, but I couldn’t wait to get out here on the sand.”
“Being here at the beach at this time of day is one of my favorite things,” I said. “Grab hands and follow me into the water. You’ll see exactly what I mean.”
Caro took my hand and Amy’s, and I led them into the water’s frothy edge.
“Okay, close your eyes and simply stand here breathing in the salty air. Let your body relax as you take in the sounds around you. Listen to the birds, and feel the water tug and pull back at your feet in a rhythm as old as time.”
Amy let out a long sigh, and Caro did the same beside me.
While they remained quiet, I let my thoughts drift. One of the reasons I was so happy here was because it was how I first connected with Vaughn. I didn’t know these women well enough to ask about their personal lives, but I hoped they’d find comfort here too.
“It’s so peaceful,” murmured Caro. “I’m so excited to be here. I just had a feeling we all should come.”
“Yes. I want this time to be peaceful for all of us,” said Amy.
“It’s time for me to go,” I said. “Enjoy yourselves. I hope to see you all later.”
I stepped away from them, envious of their long-term friendships, and was again glad for what Rhonda and I shared.
###
L ater, in the office , I filled Rhonda in on my conversations with the women.
“Thanks for telling Jane about Dr. Perkins,” said Rhonda. “I know she’ll help in any way she can.” Though Rhonda had a lot of money from winning the Florida lottery, she’d invested wisely and continued quietly providing funds for charities and good causes.
“The five women seem awesome together, but each has a story. I wonder how it’s going to affect their stay. Secrets are bound to come out.”
“It could become a problem. I know how difficult it is to keep a secret,” said Rhonda.
“We’ll see how it all works out,” I said. “I thought we should walk down and welcome the two men to the other guesthouse. We must ensure their stay is perfect with them working for Amelia.”
“Right. Let’s look over the notes Bernie gave us,” said Rhonda. “Slade Hopkins and Harry Watson both work for Amelia writing speeches and papers. Amelia says Slade is the optimistic one, and Harry is the realist, which is why they work together so well. They’ve just returned from a trip overseas and need to work on reports and policy papers for her. She says she wants them to have a good working vacation.”
I couldn’t help chuckling at the “working vacation” idea. I respected Amelia for so many reasons. One was for the seriousness with which she tackled her job. She should be president, not vice-president of the country. Maybe one day she would be.
“The men sound interesting,” I said. “Let’s go welcome them.”
“Yes. It could be important PR for us,” said Rhonda. “Besides, I love a beautiful day like this.”
We left the office and walked down the private path to the houses. I sensed a bit of homecoming when I saw the first house, which had once been mine before I sold it to the hotel. It had been a rundown caretaker’s cottage when I bought it. But renovation had made it a charming three-bedroom home with a private pool, perfect for occupancy by those who could afford to pay for it.
Rhonda stopped. “You know, this might be an opportunity to improve my matchmaking skills. It certainly worked last time.”
“Seriously? You’re talking about matchmaking using two men we haven’t met yet?” I couldn’t help chuckling. Rhonda was convinced that every couple who’d recently become engaged at the hotel was because of her matchmaking ability.
Rhonda nudged me playfully. “Go ahead and laugh. You’ll see.”
“First, we’d better meet these men. And if you’re thinking of involving one of the women staying next door, you must admit you don’t know them.”
“I’m just sayin’...” said Rhonda, taking my arm and leading me toward the house.
We knocked on the door and waited.
A trim man who looked to be in his forties with a touch of gray at the temples of his dark hair and wearing round, horn-rimmed glasses opened the door.
“Yes?”
“I’m Ann Sanders, and this is my business partner, Rhonda Grayson. We’re owners of the hotel and want to welcome you and make sure you’re comfortable.”
“We understand you came in late last night,” said Rhonda, giving him an appraising look.
“Yes. Amelia told us about you. Won’t you come in? I’m Harry Watson.”
As we entered the house, a man wearing swim trunks approached us. “Hi, I’m Slade Hopkins.” He looked a bit older than Harry and carried extra weight around his middle. The man had a swagger to his step that was unexpectedly charming.
I agreed with Amelia that Harry must be the more serious one, while Slade was the optimist.
“We like to welcome our guests to the hotel,” Rhonda said.
“And we want to make sure you have everything you need,” I said. “As you may know, we ask our guests to respect the privacy of others. The house next door is occupied, as well.”
“You can meet them on the beach at this end of the property,” said Rhonda, ignoring my frown.
“That might be fun,” said Slade. “All work and no play make for boring times.”
Henry rolled his eyes and shook his head. “We’ve been under a lot of pressure lately. But hopefully, this time away will get us ready for the next crisis, whatever that may be.”
“How long have you two worked together?” I asked.
“For many years,” said Henry.
“Yeah, as Amelia says, you’re a great team,” Slade said. “Best to have two different views on any subject, even though we agree on many things.”
“In any case, we work together to provide Amelia with a clear understanding of what people want and expect in different circumstances,” said Henry.
“I see you have a car in the driveway. If you need directions or any help, please contact the concierge desk. In the meantime, if we can do anything, please let us know,” I said.
“Thanks for stopping by,” said Slade, giving us a little salute.
“Absolutely,” Henry said with a bob of his head.
Rhonda and I left and stood a moment outside the house.
“While we’re here, let’s go see how the women next door are doing. Like you said, Annie, I don’t know them at all.”
“I know what you’re up to,” I said to Rhonda, giving her a warning look.
“Oh, what harm can it do, huh? Making people happy is what it’s all about.”
“All right. Let’s do it. I know you won’t rest until you size up the situation,” I said. Truthfully, I was curious to know more about the women.