CHAPTER SEVEN #2
“Manny and his crew must have started before daylight to put the lights up,” I said.
When I pulled around to the back parking lot, I noticed Manny and his men still working on outdoor lighting.
Rhonda’s car and Laura Bakeley’s van were already parked in the lot.
Nell and I got out of the car, walked through the back of the hotel, and hurried to the lobby to see the work there.
A huge spruce tree stood in the middle of the space.
It had already been strung with white lights, and three people were hanging silver and gold balls and ornaments on the tree.
Other crew members were placing greens with gold and silver ribbons in various locations throughout the lobby, along with candles or flowers.
I knew this was just the beginning. By the end of the day, every area would be “dressed” for the holidays.
I left Nell there and went outside to the lanai and pool area. A smaller tree had been set up with white lights, and two people were hanging ornaments that were part of Laura’s seaside theme. Mermaids, birds, seashells, and starfish were all part of the decorations.
When I went to check the dining room, I saw boxes of decorations waiting. Under Annette’s supervision, a highly coordinated effort was made between Laura’s team, our housekeeping department, and the dining staff.
I stopped in the kitchen for my usual cup of coffee and happily accepted a Christmas cookie from Consuela. “How are you?” I asked. “Recovered from yesterday?”
She laughed. “Not for another day or two.”
After a quick hug, I went into the office where Rhonda was sitting, staring at the computer. “Angie and Liz have updated the website for the holidays, and it looks smashing.”
“Do we know yet how many people were served dinner yesterday?” I asked her.
“Almost four hundred people,” she said.
“That’s amazing,” I said. “The lobby is going to be stunning. Even though it’s a lot of work to make the process run smoothly, I love the holidays.”
“My Christmases growing up were about holiday food. Not the presents,” said Rhonda. “We didn’t have much, but we celebrated what we had.”
“I bet they were fun. Mine were pretty unexciting except for friends’ parties,” I said. “I guess that’s why I love being here at the hotel with everyone. Let’s go see where Laura wants us to help.”
When we found Laura, she was on top of a ladder in the lobby. She saw us and climbed down. “Will you two handle decorating the tree on the lanai? Two people are there now, but they need help, and I want it done to your satisfaction.”
“Sure thing,” Rhonda said, and I followed her outside to the sheltered spot to see what needed to be done. Guests typically arrived at the pool early to reserve poolside chairs. We hoped the decorating would be cleaned up before then.
Outside, working with the others, I lifted one ornament after another, placing it strategically on the tree.
I inhaled the smell of pine and lifted my face to the sun.
Some people couldn’t imagine celebrating the holiday in a warm place, but I loved it.
Though most of the snowmen were inflated, it was fun to see how different families celebrated.
Nothing was more beautiful to me than seeing the trunks of palm trees wrapped in white lights.
###
Early morning, Vaughn phoned to say goodbye. “I’m planning on heading north toward Tampa on the boat,” he said. “I’ve got enough food and drinks for both lunch and supper, if we choose to stay out late. It should be a great sail. The sea breezes are in our favor.”
“Have a great time,” I said. “I hope you get the chance to talk to Clint and find out what’s really going on with him.”
“That’s my goal,” said Vaughn. “Here he is now. I love you, Ann. See you later.”
“Love you, too,” I said. “Have fun, but be safe!”
I ended my call with Vaughn and looked up as Nell joined me. “Vaughn and Clint should have a great sailing day,” she said. “Clint’s excited. He called to tell me they’re getting ready to leave.”
“That’s sweet,” I said. “I had the chance to wish Vaughn a safe trip.”
Nell clasped her hands. “I’m hoping being here with you and Dad will help Clint see how he’s changed. Dad tells it like it is. Maybe talking to him will help Clint.”
“I hope so, too.”
###
Once the Christmas decorations were up, Rhonda and I met with Nell and Lauren to set up the library for our first high tea.
“It’s a special event for all ages but especially for women with friends or family,” I said.
“Rhonda and I ordered special dinnerware for the event, and it adds to the ambiance.” I held up a thin teacup decorated with flowers that matched the pink tablecloths on the tables for two, four, or six people.
“One of the women on the dining staff or a member of the local theater dresses up in costume for the occasion,” Lauren told Nell.
Printed menus had already been placed on each table describing the choices of tea or coffee and listing the sandwiches and sweets.
“I love it,” said Nell. “I can’t wait to bring Bailey here this year.”
“It’s a favorite for mothers and daughters to do, regardless of their ages,” I said.
“I’m excited that I’m staying here to participate,” said Nell. She checked her watch. “I’d better call Liana to check on the kids.”
“You’ve seen the layout. Why don’t you go home to be with them? Lauren and I can handle the tea.”
“Right,” said Lauren. “Thanks for your help, Nell.”
Making sure guests were enjoying the tea was something that I enjoyed doing. And it would take my mind off my worries.
Later, after seeing that the tea was going well, I went to my office to check in with Rhonda.
“I’m ready to go home,” she said. “Next week is going to be busy with not one wedding but two.”
“As soon as the tea service wraps up, I’ll leave,” I said. “Have a nice evening.”
“You, too,” she said. “See you tomorrow.”
###
At home, I found Nell in the pool with Bailey and Ned. Cindy was standing nearby, watching them. Robbie was stretched out in a lounge chair.
“Hi,” said Nell. “The water’s great. Come on in.”
“I’ll be right there. I’m ready for some downtime.” I went inside to change my clothes, eager to relax.
I’d just put on my swimsuit when my cell rang. Vaughn.
Frowning, I picked up the call. “Hi, Vaughn. What’s up?”
“There’s been a terrible accident,” he said. “Clint and I have been taken to the Tampa General Hospital. You and Nell better come up.”