CHAPTER THIRTEEN
T he next morning, Rhonda and I met in our office. After catching one another up on personal news, we discussed hotel issues.
“Manny has the landscaping back in order after the storm. We might want to discuss building a storage unit next to the sundeck,” I said.
“Why don’t we go down to the beach and look at the area,” said Rhonda. “It’ll do me good to have a breath of fresh air. Drew is better now, but when he’s sick, he clings to me.”
“At eight, he still needs a lot of attention. Such a sweet kid.”
“Yes, even when he’s sick, he’s easier to handle than his sister,” said Rhonda.
I couldn’t help chuckling. Willow, at ten, was very much like her mother.
Rhonda and I left the office and walked to the beach. The minute she stepped onto the sand, Rhonda lifted her arms and gulped in the fresh, salty air.
Beside her, I felt my body lose its tenseness. Relaxed now, I walked toward the water. The beach was strewn with seaweed and other items tossed ashore from the storm. Two of Manny’s landscapers were raking up the seaweed in front of the hotel.
The waves washed into shore with a little extra force, still exhibiting signs of the storm, which had now died down. I couldn’t stop looking down at the sand to see if I could find a treasure. I was still studying the ground when Rhonda said, “Here comes Brock.”
“Well, I see you can take care of your own property but can’t be neighborly and assign a couple of your staff to help me,” said Brock.
Rhonda placed her hands on her hips and stared at him incredulously. “What is this you’re talking about? Are you fucking crazy?”
“I didn’t bother telling you about our conversation,” I told Rhonda. “It was so ridiculous that I didn’t want to rile you up.” I turned to Brock. “You already have your answer from both of us now. Just drop the subject.”
Brock shook his head. “You’d better be careful what you plan next. I’ll be sure to find a reason to block you.” He turned on his heel and marched away, his feet pounding the sand like a pouting schoolboy.
“Is he just stupid, or does he enjoy aggravating everyone else?” muttered Rhonda. “He actually asked that of us?”
“Yes, it seems he can’t find a landscaping company to work for him after insulting most of the staff at local companies.”
“I guess he’s just stupid,” said Rhonda. “Let’s look at the addition we want to make to the sundeck space and pray he doesn’t get wind of it.”
We walked over to the sundeck. It was a moneymaker for us, but being able to store chairs and other equipment nearby would make it much easier when we wanted it cleared for different functions. And a storage shed would’ve made it easier to handle chairs and equipment during the last storm.
We had a talented team of architects who usually came up with simple, attractive solutions to any problems we had. Standing next to the sundeck, I could see how we could add a space to the side of the building. Something that wouldn’t obstruct the view approaching it from either the hotel or from the beach.
Rhonda and I discussed it and agreed on what we wanted. “If we’re adding to a building we already have, it shouldn’t be up to the Neighborhood Association to approve it. A separate building might be different.”
“I agree,” I said, feeling strongly about it. “We’ll quietly get the work done. No fuss, no muss.”
“How are our ladies doing?” asked Rhonda, looking at the guesthouse locations.
“Today is a spa day. But this afternoon, we will meet with them for some bubbles. I already told them we would.”
“Great. I want to make sure that the death of Amy’s ex-husband doesn’t overshadow their time here,” said Rhonda.
We walked back to the hotel and made sure the library had been restored to its usual décor now that the two days of high tea were over.
“Starting Thanksgiving weekend, we’ll have Sunday high teas,” said Rhonda. “And then, during our busiest months, we’ll offer them both Saturday and Sunday, right?”
“Right, unless the demand is so high that we need to add a day. It’s extra work for the kitchen and staff, but people like it, and they make us money.”
“Okay, then. What’s on the agenda? Do we have a wedding this next weekend?”
“Yes,” I said. “I’m a little worried about it because the bride is a famous young actress getting married to her producer boyfriend. Lorraine, who can get along with anyone, has found her to be a bridezilla with a capital B.”
“Oh, yes. I remember hearing about her. Someone named Starr Bentley,” said Rhonda. “Well, no matter how bad she is, we’ll get through it.”
“As always,” I said. My cell rang, and I picked up the call. Liz .
“Hi, Liz. How are you?” I asked, praying for good news.
“I’m fine. Like Dr. Benson told me, nature would take care of things, and apparently, she decided that I would have this baby. I can’t tell you how delighted I am.”
“Oh, darling, that’s wonderful!” I said, meaning it with my heart. After my talk with Robbie about dying, I couldn’t bear it if Liz were to lose the baby.
“I’m still careful about lifting the kids, but things are more normal with me out of bed and active again. I wanted to tell you about the baby and then inform you and Rhonda that Angela and I have a fun idea for the Mother’s Pamper Package Program promotion. Next week, we’d like to meet with you.”
“That sounds exciting. Just let us know when,” I said. “I’ll explain it to Rhonda.”
I ended the call and embraced Rhonda. “Liz is fine. Dr. Benson doesn’t think there’s a threat of Liz losing the baby.”
“Congratulations. I’m relieved,” said Rhonda. “Now, what are our darling daughters up to?”
“They plan to promote the Mother’s Pamper Package Program here at the hotel. They want to meet with us next week.”
Rhonda grinned. “Sounds like the scare is over. Angela told me how ready they both are to work part-time on publicity for the hotel.”
We were always talking about having the girls work for us, but we knew that, realistically, it wouldn’t happen until our grandchildren were older and Liz and Angela really would have the time. But we wouldn’t complain. It made us happy to see our daughters with their children. Both of us wanted more children, and having so many grandchildren between us was thrilling.
My cell rang. Vice-President Amelia Swanson .
“Hello. How are you, Madame Vice-President?”
“I’m right here in Sabal, staying with my sister and Jean-Luc. It was time I came to visit my niece and nephew. I was hoping to see you sometime in the next day or two. Thank you for allowing Slade Hopkins and Henry Watson to stay in one of your guesthouses. It’s important that they relax and get some work done for me.”
“They both are very pleasant,” I said, unwilling to say anything about the women they seemed to be dating.
“I’m glad you think so. They’re decent men,” said Amelia. “If I can, I’ll come to the hotel incognito to thank you in person. I appreciate your help more than you can know. When I think how unhappy my sister was and to see her now with Jean-Luc and her children, I’m grateful for all you’ve done.”
“It’s a sweet family. Jean-Luc has never been happier,” I said. “I’ll thank Rhonda for you and hope to see you.”
I ended the call, gave Rhonda the news, and thought about her Henry and Slade. They were likable men, as Amelia had mentioned. But what would happen to those budding relationships when they left the hotel?
“Why do I get the feeling something bad will happen to us if Amelia Swanson is around?” said Rhonda.
“She’s not asking us for help, so I don’t think you have to worry. She wants to thank us,” I said.
“We’ll see,” said Rhonda. “Now, let’s schedule the meeting with our daughters. Our Mother’s Pamper Package Program has been suffering, and I think it’s time we do something about it.”
After talking to Angela and Liz, we set up a luncheon meeting early in the following week to give Rhonda and Will time for a long weekend getaway. It was going to be a quiet time at the hotel. The following week would be Halloween, and we’d be very busy with our new Halloween Weekend Discount Program.
We reviewed our reservation schedule for the next few months and were pleased that there weren’t many holes in it. It was easier to fill the hotel on the weekends, so it was important to offer deals that included mid-week stays. Once cold weather hit the north, it all became easier.
We met with Bernie to discuss the upcoming months, and he agreed that the deals we wanted to market were wise choices.
Toward the end of the afternoon, I said, “It’s time to go meet the ‘Fab Five’ as you call them.
Rhonda grinned. “From what you’ve told me, I think we have the making of not one, but two matchmaking successes.”
“We’ll see,” I said. “A ten-day vacation doesn’t give the participants much time to make anything happen.”
But as we walked over to the house, I kept thinking about the relationships that were developing between Slade and Amy, as well as Caro and Henry. The Beach House Hotel was the perfect place for romance.
“I hope the women had a delightful time at the spa. We could use them in some PR info,” said Rhonda. “I’ll take some pictures on my phone when we get there.”
As we walked by the guesthouse where the men were staying, it was quiet.
Rhonda nudged me. “They must be next door.”
We knocked on the front door of the “Fab Five’s” guesthouse, and Jane came to the door wearing a beach coverup, her skin aglow.
“Hi, Jane. We’re here for some bubbles,” I said, handing her a bottle of chilled champagne that we’d brought with us.
“Thank you! It’s been such a fabulous day at the spa. We’re relaxing on the lanai with Slade and Henry. Too bad you didn’t bring your bathing suits. We’ve been enjoying the pool.”
“I’m looking forward to spending time with you,” said Rhonda graciously.
“Me, too,” I said, following Jane out to the lanai. There wasn’t a day in the week or a week in a year that Rhonda would wear a bathing suit in a situation like this.
The other four women cheered when Jane held up the bottle of champagne we’d brought and announced, “More bubbles.”
Chuckling, I realized they’d already started with some of their own.
Jane offered us chairs at the table, and we watched as Amy and Slade climbed out of the pool. No doubt about it, Slade was an attractive man, even with a bit of a paunch.
Amy came over to the table and joined us. Slade pulled up a chair beside her.
“It’s nice to see you relaxing,” said Rhonda.
Amy glanced at Slade. “It’s been a few rough days. I couldn’t have gotten through it without Slade’s help.”
“I’m pleased you were able to work out problems together,” I said, wondering if their relationship would continue after they left the hotel.
I watched Heather and Lisa sitting on the steps of the pool, chatting. Caro and Henry appeared to be in deep conversation at the far end of the pool.
“I love to see our guests enjoying what we offer them,” I said to Jane. “Tell me about the spa. Was it as relaxing as you’d hoped?”
“Even better,” said Jane. “And we did agree to have our pictures taken for PR purposes as you’d asked.” She poured champagne into two of the plastic tulip glasses we kept at the house.
“Thanks,” said Rhonda. “With the beach right here, guests sometimes forget about using our spa.”
Caro and Henry came up to the table. “More bubbles?”
“Yes,” said Jane. “Let me pour you some of this wine, and then I think we should make a toast to Ann and Rhonda and The Beach House Hotel.”
Heather and Lisa joined us as Jane lifted her glass. “Here’s to having the most sensational vacation ever.”
“More than we’d hoped for,” said Caro, smiling at Henry, who wrapped an arm around her.
I studied them. Caro seemed much younger, freer, and happier than when she arrived. Henry beamed at her, looking every bit like a tennis player with long, muscular limbs and a trim body. Handsome, he had a gentleness about him that was appealing.
We all remained gathered around the table, chatting and enjoying one another’s company. Heather, as she usually did, provided us with hors d’oeuvres—crackers, nuts, and a vegetable dip.
We were listening to Slade tell a joke when I noticed a car pull up to the front of the house. A figure emerged from the automobile and started walking toward us.
Surprised, I got up from the table and went to the door, leaving the others laughing at Slade’s joke.
“What brings you here?” I asked, my heart pounding at the seriousness of his expression. I could see Amelia sitting in the car.
“Are Henry and Slade here?” he asked. “I must speak to them.”
“Come with me.” I took his arm and led him to the pool area while another security man quickly checked the house.
When Henry and Slade saw the Secret Service man, the shock on their faces was telling. They straightened as if he’d commanded their attention.
The women were as shocked as they were to then see the Vice-President of the United States enter the house with another security man.
“Slade, Henry, you need to come with me now,” said Amelia. “You don’t need to pack more than an overnight bag, but we must leave immediately.”
“You didn’t tell me you knew the vice president,” said Caro to Henry in a loud whisper as Amelia stood by. “What else were you keeping from me?”
“No, it’s not like that,” Henry said. “I’ll call you later.”
Amelia observed the two of them with obvious fascination. “I’m sorry to interrupt your fun. My apologies to you all. But our time isn’t always our own in this business of running the country.”
“It was great getting to know all of you,” said Slade, addressing the group.
Henry gave a last look at Caro and followed with visible reluctance.
I hurried to the front door to usher them out of the house, wondering what was going on. It had to be some sort of emergency for Amelia to give up time with her sister’s family.
When I returned to the lanai, the atmosphere was as if the bubble of fun we all had been enjoying had burst, leaving mere remnants of happiness behind.
Caro’s eyes filled with tears. “Henry works for the vice president. Don’t you think that’s worth mentioning? God only knows what else he conveniently forgot to tell me. Maybe that relationship he told me was over is another lie.” She covered her face with her hands. “I’ve been such a fool. I thought I knew him.”
Lisa turned to Amy. “Did Slade say anything to you about his job?”
Amy shook her head. “Only that he worked for people in Washington D.C., like a consultant. With everything going on in my life, we no longer talked about it. I’m just as surprised as everyone else.”
“It must be an emergency,” said Rhonda.
“Yes, Amelia was visiting with family and would never leave if it wasn’t necessary,” I added.
“What kind of emergency are we talking about? And why do Henry and Slade have to be part of it?” Caro asked.
“I can only guess that some national crisis has taken place and the men’s talents are needed,” I said. “I know that Amelia relies on the men to assess a situation and understand the ramifications of any actions taken. They report to her on them.”
Jane looked around the group. “We must remember that government secrecy is required in many instances. This has to be one of them. I’m sorry things have ended this way. Who knows when they will return?”
“We most likely will be long gone,” said Lisa.
Caro let out a small sob and ran from our group.
“Henry and Caro had planned a romantic dinner alone tonight,” explained Lisa.
“It may sound foolish on our part, but I honestly believed Caro had found the perfect man for her,” Jane said.
We gathered around the table, sipped our wine, and nibbled on food with less enthusiasm.
A short while later, Caro returned to the group red-eyed.
I wanted to hug her but allowed Jane to direct the conversation. It was easy to see that the other women were used to having her in charge.
“We’re not going to let this ruin our vacation,” said Jane. “It has been a fantastic time for all of us.
“You’re right,” said Heather. “And now we’ve become friends with Ann and Rhonda. Let’s enjoy being together.”
“It’s so charming that the five of you are such close friends,” I said. “Thank heavens, I have Rhonda as my best friend.”
Rhonda’s cheeks flushed with pleasure. “And I’ve got you, Annie.”
I turned to Caro. “I’m sorry to learn that Henry had to leave so abruptly. Will you have a chance to see him again?”
Caro shook her head. “I doubt it. I guess I got caught up in the situation here. I should’ve known any relationship with him would end, but I couldn’t bring myself to think that way.”
Heather put her arm around Caro. “Don’t say it’s over until it is.”
“Time will tell,” said Amy. “I can’t believe I won’t at least hear from Slade.”
“That’s the way to think,” said Jane. “Here’s to us and all kinds of possibilities.”
I lifted my glass with the others and hoped the hotel's magic would rub off on this group of wonderful women.