CHAPTER SIX
T he next morning, I took advantage of a beautiful day and headed toward the beach before work. Though I didn’t want to admit it to Vaughn, his words about something awkward happening worried me. He had an uncanny ability to sense those things.
The moment I stepped onto the sand, I felt better. After partying last night, I needed to stretch my legs, breathe in salty air, and get moving.
I headed up the beach toward the guesthouse area, moving at a brisk pace. The longer I walked, the calmer I felt. The matchmaking that Rhonda and I sometimes enjoyed was a fun way to keep us focused on certain guests we’d grown fond of.
Seeing Brock in the distance jogging toward me, I turned onto the private path leading to the guesthouses.
As I drew closer, I saw plenty of activity at the guesthouse where the women were staying.
“ ’Morning. What’s going on?” I asked Lisa.
“We’re going into Orlando for a visit to Disney World.”
“Everyone but Jane,” said Heather. “She’s going to have a day to herself.”
“I see,” I said, waiting for any other comments regarding Jane. They didn’t know about her minor surgery yesterday.
Amy and Caro walked outside to the van they’d rented.
“We’re off for a day of fun,” said Amy.
“I told Jane to let you know if she needed anything,” said Caro. “We tried to get her to come with us, but she said she wanted a day to relax.”
“I’ll go in and check on her,” I said, standing back as the four women climbed into the van.
After waving them off, I went inside the house to speak to Jane.
She stretched out on a chaise lounge next to the pool. The waterfall was turned on, and the soft sound of water splashing into the pool was soothing.
“ ’Morning, Jane,” I said quietly so as not to startle her. “I understand you didn’t want to go to Disney World with the others. Are you feeling okay?”
Jane opened her eyes and smiled at me. “I’m a little sore from the surgery yesterday, but I haven’t told them about it. They know how important time alone is to me, so telling them I wanted this day to myself was easy.”
“If you need or want anything, please let me know.”
Jane patted the chaise lounge next to her. “Have a seat. There’s coffee in the kitchen.”
“Thanks, but I’ll get coffee at the hotel,” I said, sitting beside her.
“I want to thank you and Rhonda for your help in getting an appointment with Dr. Perkins. She has a marvelous background and reputation. And she’s so very genuine.”
“I have an idea. I know you want time to yourself, but how would you like to attend the Cancer Fundraising Luncheon we’re holding today? You’d be our guest.”
Jane sat up. “That would be lovely. And maybe I’ll be able to contribute to the cause somehow.”
“There are going to be raffles for some terrific prizes. Buying tickets would help.”
Jane beamed at me. “Great. Thank you so much. And I’ll still have time to do my self-healing exercises here in the sun.”
“Self-healing exercises?” I asked.
“Yes, something I learned from a woman who did acupuncture on me once,” said Jane. “It involves calm, gratefulness, and determination.”
“That sounds fascinating,” I said. “Good luck with it. The luncheon opens at 11:30. I’ll meet you by the door then.”
“Okay. I appreciate it,” said Jane, stretching out on her chair as I left the lanai.
###
A s I continued my walk , I thought of Jane’s self-healing process and decided it was a helpful way to handle stress. Maybe I’d talk to Liz about it.
I was heading back to the hotel sometime later when I saw Henry standing at the edge of the water, studying the activity of the trio of pelicans gliding just above the water’s surface. I stopped and stared at their adeptness as they flew in formation.
Henry noticed me and walked over. “I love this time of day. It’s like seeing the world awaken to a new morning.”
“Well said. I didn’t realize you were so poetic,” I said.
Henry gave me a shy smile. “I often must smooth the edges of what Slade writes. It’s what makes us such a great team for Amelia.”
“Yes, she told us you and Slade work very well together,” I said. “Thanks again for including Vaughn and me in your party last night. It was fun.”
“It was our pleasure,” said Henry. “It’s always interesting to meet new people.”
“I saw that you and Caro got along,” I said, thinking how pleased Rhonda would be with me for mentioning it.
“Yes. She’s agreed to go on a date with me tonight. With my traveling and work schedule, I don’t do much personal socializing. But she seems the perfect change to my normal routine.”
“Yes, she does.” I wanted to ask a lot of questions, but Vaughn’s warning came to me, and I hesitated.
Henry studied the water and then turned to me. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this, but I feel a connection between Caro and me. I intend to find out what it is.”
“Sometimes, you just have to go with your heart.”
Slade joined us. “Glad to see you up so early.”
“I try to walk on the beach every day I can,” I said. “Thank you for inviting Vaughn and me to your pizza party. It was a great opportunity to enjoy the group.”
“Yeah, it was,” agreed Slade. “Amy and the others have gone to Disney World for the day. Thank God, it isn’t going to be too hot. That’s pure torture in the park.”
“See you later,” I said, realizing the time. “I need to get on my way. It’s going to be busy at the hotel today.”
I walked away from the two men, excited to tell Rhonda about my conversation with Henry. He seemed like an exceptional man—someone honest and kind.
###
L ater, I entered the hotel dressed for the luncheon. I loved seeing The Beach House Hotel used for worthy causes, and this occasion was one of my favorites.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and a sweet roll in the kitchen and went to the office. Rhonda was already there, studying the seating chart.
“Morning,” she said. “Dorothy called to say that there’s an empty seat at our table. Have any suggestions?”
“I do.” I then filled Rhonda in on my morning conversations with everyone and sat back as she nodded her approval.
“It makes me glad when we can help our guests find love. Love is what it’s all about. Right?”
“Right,” I said. “But Vaughn is worried about us interfering with others. He says bad things seem to come from it.”
Rhonda shook her head. “Only when Amelia Swanson is involved.”
I raised my eyebrows and gave her a steady look. “Slade and Henry are associated with her.”
“Okay, but she doesn’t know about the five women staying in the other house. That should be some protection, right?”
“I hope so,” I said. I hated to be such a worrier, but I didn’t like how I felt.
“Jane is excited to be attending the luncheon. She’s promised to buy a lot of raffle tickets as a thanks to you, Rhonda, for all the help you gave her.”
“That’s what women do, help one another,” said Rhonda. “She’ll love being there.”
We stayed busy with several small projects, and then we headed to the dining room for the event.
Jane was already there, in a lovely pink-linen dress, waiting for us.
“I’m glad you’re right on time because I want you to meet Dorothy Stern, who has placed several of her friends at a table. We’ll be seated with her, and you’ll have the chance to meet them.”
“How are you feeling?” Rhonda asked her.
“Fine,” Jane said. “Whatever will be, will be.”
“Jane has a self-healing program she follows,” I told Rhonda. “I’m thinking of adding something like that to our mother’s retreat program.”
“Interesting,” said Rhonda before heading into the growing crowd to speak to several of her friends. While I’d met lots of people and made a couple of close friends, it didn’t compare to Rhonda, who seemed to know almost everyone in town. Those friendships had helped get our hotel underway.
Dorothy approached, and I introduced Jane to her. “She’s staying at the hotel and is excited to be here,” I explained.
“How nice to meet you,” said Dorothy, taking Jane’s arm. “Now, come meet some friends of mine.”
After they left, I checked the layout of the dining room, which had been closed to our hotel guests for a few hours to accommodate the luncheon. It would open again for the dinner crowd.
Round tables of eight covered with pink-linen tablecloths filled the space in front of a small stage where the female emcee would speak. The woman, Penelope Pierce, was a wealthy breast cancer survivor and was a generous donor at affairs like this one. Each year, she donated a four-day cruise aboard her yacht to one lucky couple.
Lorraine walked into the room carrying a basket of flowers and placed them on the lectern. I walked over to her, and we studied the room filling with guests.
“Thank you,” I said. “You’ve done a great job of seeing this room come alive for this event.”
“This is a worthwhile cause, and I’m pleased to help,” said Lorraine. “Here comes Penelope now.”
Penelope waved and came closer. “Everything looks so lovely. This is one of my favorite places.”
Rhonda walked over and gave Penelope a brief hug. “Let’s raise a lot of money. I’m counting on you, Pen.”
Penelope grinned. “You’re my biggest donor. Let’s see who we can get to join you. I see some women who can be a big help to us.”
I left them to stand by the door to greet arrivals.
###
A fter people were in their assigned seats, servers poured a light rosé wine for those who wanted it, and the luncheon began with a lot of chatter.
I was pleased to see Jane talking to the woman next to her at our table. She seemed to be having a good time and was enjoying the warm bread and roll selections with her wine.
The main course arrived. Arugula with fresh strawberries, grilled chicken, and goat cheese was served with a sweet wine dressing. I took a bite and sighed. It was one of my favorite light dishes.
Keeping to a simple menu, the meal ended with orange sorbet served with chocolate truffles.
We’d tried various menus for the group, but light food with a bit of decadence for dessert was what everyone wanted.
As dishes were cleared away, the women got up to use the facilities and to move around before the drawings began. Servers went through the room offering last-minute chances for raffle tickets to those who wanted to add to their online bids.
I noticed Jane buying some tickets, and then she left the room.
I was talking to Dr. Perkins when Jane returned to the table looking ill. Her face pale, she took her seat and clasped her hands to her cheeks.
“Jane, what’s wrong?” I asked.
“I think I saw someone I know,” said Jane. “I can’t be sure. But it was enough to frighten me.”
“Do you need to leave? Is there something I can do for you?” I asked, reaching across the table to grip her hand.
She shook her head. “It could be just my imagination. I shouldn’t have had so much wine after taking a pain pill.”
“Okay, let me know if you want to leave. I’ll help you out of here,” I said. Whether it was true or just an illusion, Jane was still upset. “How about a cup of coffee?”
“Yes, that might be helpful,” said Jane. “I’m so sorry. I don’t mean to bother you.”
I got up and went around the table to give Jane a hug. “I’m here for whatever you might need. Just let Rhonda or me know, and we’ll help you.”
“Thanks,” she said. “It was probably nothing. Just a mistaken identity.”
I took my seat and kept an eye on Jane.
As the drawings began, I noticed how relaxed she was and decided the situation was probably as she’d said—too much wine while taking medication.
The drawings were a load of fun as people won things big or small, and we all clapped for the winners and the amount of money raised each time. One of Dorothy’s friends won the 4-day cruise on Penelope’s yacht, and I hoped Dorothy would be invited to go along with her.
“Now, here is a delicious prize,” said Penelope. “A dinner for four at Andre’s restaurant has raised over five thousand dollars. Let’s see who the lucky winner is.” She lifted a ticket out of the glass bowl and held it up.“6781829,” Penelope announced. “Again, the number is 6781829.”
“That’s me,” cried Jane, waving the ticket in the air.
A server came over to Jane and handed her an envelope. “Congratulations.”
Jane clasped the envelope to her chest. “I never win anything. Wait until I tell my friends.”
“It’s one of my favorite places to eat,” I said. “You’ll love it.”
“This has been such a surprising afternoon,” said Jane. “I’m so glad you and Rhonda invited me.”
Later, when I won a weekend stay at the Palm Island Club, I knew exactly who to give it to. Liz and Chad needed a break and a chance to get used to the idea of adding another baby to their family.
At the end of the winnings, Penelope announced in a quivery voice, “Ladies, we’ve made over $90,000 for this very worthy cause. My beloved daughter, who died from breast cancer, would be so proud of us. Thank you to every one of you.”
Dr. Perkins came up to the dais and spoke into the microphone. “With your generosity, we continue to offer the latest in breast cancer detection, surgery, and care in southwest Florida. Speaking as a woman, I’m pleased we can now add equipment to the surgery center here in Sabal. With our affiliation with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, we can proudly say we’re among the best in the south. Thank you.”
Rhonda then spoke. “Thank you from Ann and me for attending this annual luncheon. We love the idea of women supporting women.”
As everyone stood to leave, I looked around the room, pleased that we’d done so well.
“I’m going to take my prize and go back to the house for a rest,” said Jane.
“Are you okay after your earlier scare?” I asked her.
She gave me a sheepish look. “It must’ve been just my vivid imagination.”
“I’m glad. Have a nice break,” I told her, relieved the incident was over. I hadn’t had a chance to tell Rhonda about it, but now I wouldn’t worry her.