CHAPTER FOURTEEN
A s we left the guesthouse , Rhonda turned to me with a sad shake of her head. “I think Amelia has ruined our chances with these two couples. I hope this trip is very important because you know I hate losing.”
“Matchmakers can only do so much,” I said sympathetically. The truth was nature, not us, made things happen. We might nudge things a little, but that was it.
“It’s going to be a busy weekend with a wedding. I’m glad Bernie is relieving us from greeting guests and schmoozing with them occasionally,” said Rhonda. “I need a break. I’ve planned one at the Palm Island Club.”
“You and Will really are taking a long weekend off?”
“Yes,” said Rhonda, “but the only time we could get is over the Halloween weekend, which means it will be left up to you and the others to oversee it.”
“You know we don’t mind. You both need to have a break, even a short one. It’ll do you both wonders.”
“Thanks. We’ve talked about it for so long I’m not sure I’ll believe it when we’re finally underway.”
“The Palm Island Club is fabulous—great food and a real escape,” I said. “Vaughn and I love it.”
“We’ll see how long Will lasts before he’s dying to get back to the office.” Rhonda grinned. “I’ve already bought a sexy outfit to wear.”
I laughed and clapped her on the back.
###
T he next few days were uneventful. Even the socializing with the five book club women was subdued because no one had heard a word from either Henry or Slade. The Secret Service had directed the hotel to remove their belongings from the guesthouse. Jean-Luc and Amelia’s sister, Lindsay, were going to see that their things were returned to them.
When it was time for the women to leave, Rhonda and I gathered around them as they prepared to get into the limo they’d hired to return them to the airport. Tanned and healthy-looking, it was a far different group from the one who’d arrived.
Rhonda and I hugged each woman warmly and smiled at their promises to return one day. Whether or not it ever happened, I’d never forget this special group.
After they left, it was back to business.
As we looked ahead, I was excited about the meeting with Liz and Angela. Liz had told me she was feeling much better, and each time I’d called her, she seemed fine. But I’d be unsettled until she passed her first trimester.
On the morning of our meeting, Rhonda and I decided to do something enjoyable for our daughters and arrange to meet them after they’d enjoyed massages. The spa had a small dining area called the Grotto, where they offered healthy meals , and one could eat in the fluffy robes we provided our customers.
When I called Liz to tell her what we’d planned, she gushed, “Thank you! Thank you! It’s just what I need.”
I realized one reason I worked so hard was to be able to do things like this for my family and others. “Okay, Rhonda and I will see the two of you when you’re through with your massages.”
I ended the call and faced Rhonda, who was smiling. “Guess Liz was as excited as Angela, huh?”
“Yes,” I said. “I love being able to do this for them. They’ve been a real help to us in creating PR ideas. They deserve this.”
###
L ater, Rhonda and I headed to the spa. Though it was smaller than many, it had grown from a simple operation into something bigger, more luxurious. We’d decided to go for quality instead of quantity. Troy Taylor, the young man who’d helped us with the first one, now owned three spas. With the help of his wife, my first beloved babysitter, Elena, they were doing very well.
The friendly, trim, middle-aged receptionist greeted us warmly. “It’s so nice to see you both here. Liz and Angela are waiting for you in the Grotto.”
“Thank you,” we said, and I followed Rhonda into a lovely nook of the building where a few tables were placed on a section of rock floor surrounded by large green potted plants. The sound of a waterfall added to the cozy, tropical feel.
Angie and Liz were sitting at a table drinking glasses of iced water with slices of cucumber added to them.
“Hi, Mom! Hi, Rhonda!” said Liz, jumping to her feet. “I’ve had such a great morning. Thank you.” She hugged us both.
“Yes,” said Angela, “it’s been delightful.”
“It’s heartwarming to see you two so relaxed,” I said, observing the glow of health on their faces.
“How did Sally Kate do with her kindergarten music program?” Rhonda asked Angela.
Angela laughed. “I’m so sorry you couldn’t make it to the show. She was trying very hard to be the star. And she loved the flowers you sent.”
“I’m sorry, too, but I couldn’t change my doctor’s appointment. You know how busy they all are.”
“Is everything all right?” asked Liz. She and Rhonda were very close.
“Yes, it was just a routine physical,” said Rhonda. “Will and I are going on vacation next weekend. Both of us need a break. My doctor has insisted upon it.”
“What about you, Ann?” Angela asked. “Do you and Vaughn get a break too?”
“Yes, we’ll take one later,” I said. “Right now, it’s more important for your father to get away from the office.”
Angela frowned. “I’ve been worried about him. I’m glad you both can take some time off.”
“I’m hoping it will be the wake-up call Will needs,” said Rhonda.
“Okay, who’s hungry?” said Liz, handing out small menus encased in plastic.
It took us only a moment to decide. All four of us wanted the spring green salad with fresh fruit and a yogurt dressing.
“I always feel so healthy when I eat here,” said Rhonda, grinning.
“Me, too,” said Angela. “But I’ll probably have a cookie with the kids for their afternoon snack.”
At ease with one another, we all laughed.
After we ate our salads, I dabbed my mouth with a napkin and cleared my throat. “Okay, Angela and Liz, tell us about your PR suggestion.”
“I’ll begin,” said Liz. “We’ve noticed that the Mother’s Pampered Package Program isn’t as active as it used to be, and we wanted to come up with a unique way to spur some interest. We decided we had to use real people and real situations for it. Do you remember a young pregnant woman named Jessica Winchester? She participated in the program almost a year ago. Her mother-in-law paid for the three-day pamper program because she was so excited Jessica and her husband were having a baby boy.”
“We decided to promote it as a thank you from the husband and baby for a mother’s first year,” Angela said. “It would add another layer to the program. Up until now, it’s been advertised especially for pregnant women and brand new mothers.”
“But what about the young mothers who survive the first year?” said Liz. “That’s when it’s really important.”
Rhonda and I glanced at each other.
“I like it,” said Rhonda.
“Go on,” I said, becoming excited.
“We got in touch with Jessica Winchester and asked if she and her husband would participate in advertising for the special,” said Angela, grinning.
“We told them it would mean a free stay here at the hotel, but they’d have photographers take pictures of them at special times during their stay,” added Liz. “What do you think?”
I looked at Rhonda. “I think it’s a great way not only to advertise the special program but to showcase the hotel for people in that age group.”
“Me, too,” said Rhonda. “The rates for that special make it available to young parents who are willing to work around dates for it.”
“If it’s agreeable to you, we’ve planned to have them come in early November and stay from a Sunday night to Thursday morning,” said Angie.
“Before our Thanksgiving rush,” I said.
“Oh, yes,” said Liz. “We know how busy that is.”
“I think it’s great,” said Rhonda. “We’ll want to see graphics for the program.”
“And we need to have some sort of contract drawn up. Bernie can help with that,” I said. “If Jessica and her husband are amenable, let’s make it an online story on our website.”
“That’s what we thought we’d do with it,” said Angela. “Maybe even put it up on YouTube and Instagram if it comes out right.”
“I’m sure glad you two are arranging this. All this online stuff is over my head,” said Rhonda. “But I’m proud of both of you.”
“Me, too,” I said, unable to stop smiling at our daughters. Maybe when the day came for them to take over the hotel, it would be an entirely different way of doing things.
###
I was still in an upbeat mood when I pulled into my driveway that afternoon. When Cindy didn’t come to the door to greet me, my suspicion rose. I hurried through the kitchen and out to the lanai. Observing Vaughn down on the dock, I clapped my hands with joy. Life was so much better with Vaughn at home.
I opened the door to the lanai and headed down the slope of the lawn to greet him.
He sensed my presence, grinned, and then trotted toward me.
When we met, he swept me up in his arms, and I held on tight, never wanting to let him go. After dealing with the ups and downs of running the hotel, I always felt safe in his embrace.
He tilted my chin, and his lips met mine. And I knew from his kiss how happy he was to be here.
“They changed the shooting schedule around, so I have some time off,” he said when we finally pulled apart.
“You’re in time for our Halloween weekend. Rhonda and Will are taking off for a much-deserved break, but I’ll spend as much time with you as I can. How would you like to dress up in costume for dinner on Saturday evening?”
Vaughn let out a sigh and squeezed me tighter. “If you weren’t so darn cute, I might say no. But, for you, I’ll do it. But only if I have to. I don’t want to interfere with the planned festivities by being recognized and forced to sign autographs.”
“Absolutely not. That’s not fair to you or me,” I said.
Cindy jumped around my feet, barking for attention. I picked her up. “Guess she was glad to see you.”
Vaughn laughed. “She wiggled so fast she fell. Not that she had far to fall.”
I hugged the dog and put her down. “Robbie should be home soon from swim practice. I’d planned just a light dinner, but we can change that to celebrate your being home.”
“No, let’s keep it simple. Want me to grill up some steaks?”
“Sure. I’ll make a salad,” I said. Chicken breasts could wait for another night.
“I’ll change my clothes, and then we can relax on the lanai.” Though temperatures were a little cooler at this time of year, it was still in the low 80s.
“How about a swim?” Vaughn asked.
“You just want to see me in my bikini,” I teased.
He laughed. “I’ve missed being home with you. But, yes, there’s that too.”
We went into the bedroom together to change.
Glancing at Vaughn as he stripped down to change, I couldn’t help smiling. Though we were aging, we worked to keep ourselves healthy for our jobs, and he looked great.
He sensed me looking at him and playfully flexed his arms.
I chuckled and went to give him a hug. Hearing Robbie come into the house, we hurried to get dressed.
“Mom! Where are you?” called Robbie. He stepped into the bedroom as I slid my coverup over my bathing suit.
When he saw Vaughn in his trunks, Robbie grinned and dashed over to him for a hug, crying, “Dad! You’re home!”
My heart filled with love for them.
“Are we going out on the boat?” Robbie asked Vaughn.
“Maybe tomorrow. I want to spend some time with you and Mom right here. I’m going to clean up the boat and make sure everything is in order before we take her out.”
“Aw, okay,” said Robbie.
“How did you do with your swimming?” Vaughn asked him.
Robbie grinned. “The coach expects me to place first at the next meet.”
“Great. But even if you don’t win, remember to enjoy it,” I said.
“I know,” groaned Robbie. “I’m hungry. I need a snack after all that swimming.”
“Help yourself. Dad is going to grill steaks later, so don’t go overboard,” I said, amazed at how much my skinny boy could eat, and realized he was about to go through a growth spurt.
While Robbie headed to the kitchen, I grabbed beach towels, filled a pitcher with ice water, and headed to the pool with them and two plastic glasses. It had always been a spot to relax and enjoy one another. I was anxious to know about Vaughn’s progress with the movie and what other plans he might have for work. After the holiday rush, I hoped Vaughn and I could take a break. Maybe even go to Paris, as we talked about occasionally.
I sat on the steps of the pool as Vaughn did a few laps. His strong, long arms cut through the water easily, and after completing several laps, he sat next to me.
I offered him ice water, and he eagerly accepted it.
“Ah! That tastes wonderful.” Vaughn smiled at me. “And it feels even better to be home with you and Robbie. How is Liz doing? I plan on visiting her and the family tomorrow. I’ve sent texts back and forth with her, but I want to see that she’s okay.”
“I understand. Rhonda and I met with Liz and Angela about a plan they have for a hotel program, and both women looked so relaxed after spending the morning at the spa.”
“I spoke to Nell today. She, Clint, Bailey, and Ned want to come for Thanksgiving.”
“Fantastic!” I loved Vaughn’s daughter, Nell, from the moment I first met her. She and I talked at least once a week, often more. The unusual thing about her was that she and Liz looked alike, as if they could be sisters. They were that close, too.
With the weather in D.C. getting colder, we had a better chance to see them more often.
I floated on my back and looked up and observed puffy clouds of white floating in the darkening sky. Hopefully, tonight, we would enjoy a beautiful sunset.
###
T hat night, as we lay in bed, Vaughn and I talked about everything and nothing, catching up with one another as we snuggled together after making love.
“If you want to try to go to Paris in April, I’ll mark my schedule. I’m not sure what’s coming up after this film. I like the crew and the producer. I’m hoping to get more work from him. But if I don’t, I’ve got other things I can do to support theater programs in Florida.”
“Even if a trip to Paris doesn’t work out for some reason, it’s an exciting thought. The most important thing is being here with you.”
“Have I told you lately how much I love you?” Vaughn asked, sweeping a lock of hair behind my ear.
“Not for the last five minutes,” I said, chuckling.