CHAPTER FOUR
R honda and I met with Lorraine about an upcoming wedding. She also was handling the promo gift bags we’d distribute to each seat at the charity luncheon for cancer research. PR opportunities like this allowed us to do something nice for attendees—women supporting women. In addition to offering free or discounted spa packages, we gave away spa products, free weekend stays at the hotel, free transportation to health services for any woman who needed it, and simple but lovely silver necklaces to those who donated to the cause. Rhonda was also a major donor to the breast cancer clinic.
We studied the sample bag Lorraine had assembled and gave her a thumbs-up sign. In addition to what we offered, small bottles of perfume had been added, donated by a store downtown, along with candy from the specialty shop that supplied us with dinner mints and bedtime chocolates and purse-size leather-bound notebooks from a local gift store.
“I’d like one of these gift bags myself,” said Rhonda.
“It’s a lovely gesture to the women who’ve paid for this fundraising luncheon,” said Lorraine. “I understand the raffle is for a five-day stay at a hotel anywhere in London, along with two business class tickets.”
“Yes, there are other things too, but that’s the most exciting offering,” I said, wondering when Rhonda and Will would take their short vacation as she wanted.
After making sure the wedding was under control, we left the office, and I asked Rhonda the question that had lingered in my mind. “When are you and Will going to take the vacation that you talked about?”
Rhonda was worried about Will working so hard and had planned a vacation before things at the hotel got out of control, and she’d had to cancel it.
“I was going to discuss it with you. I figure once this luncheon is over and the five book club women have left the hotel, it might be a perfect time to try to work in a few days away.”
“That’s a good idea. It’s something you’ve mentioned before.”
Rhonda made a face. “It’s silly for Will to try to compete with Arthur. They own two different businesses with very different clients. Lorraine and I have spoken about it. Since she married Reggie’s father, she sees how competitive both men are. And I’m sure Arthur still resents that Reggie chose to work with his father-in-law rather than his own father.”
“But that choice has been excellent for Angie, the kids, and you,” I said. “Otherwise, Reggie might’ve been forced to work in New York.”
“Will and Reggie have always gotten along and work well together,” said Rhonda. “I suspect, though, when Reggie can have complete control over their financial advisory business, he’ll be more than ready to take over.”
“Chad and Liz trust Will and Reggie completely. They’ve each told me about the wise advice that both have given them,” I said. “It’s important for young families to have solid financial advice. The expense of raising children can be overwhelming. Especially when the kids are the same age with the same needs, like the triplets.”
“And now Liz and Chad are adding another child,” said Rhonda. “I understand why Liz is wondering how she will be able to cope. I’ll stop by in the next day or two to see if I can do anything.”
“That’s so sweet of you,” I said. “Liz loves you as much as I love Angie.”
“We were so lucky to have met through our daughters,” said Rhonda. “What do you say that we take a breather on the beach and discuss various vacation times for me? I need some fresh air and a break.”
“Sounds fine to me. Let’s go!” Rhonda and I had always found the beach a quiet place to discuss details of the hotel and how best to handle things.
Rhonda looked at her watch. “Brock shouldn’t be around.”
We stepped onto the sand and gazed at one another. The hotel had become a reality with freewheeling discussions in this very location.
“How long would you be gone on vacation?” I asked Rhonda. “You know the rest of us can handle the hotel for however long you need.”
“That’s the problem. I have to start slowly to convince Will that he needs this. I’m thinking three days maximum. Then, after Will realizes that the world won’t stop turning if he’s away from the office, I can work up to longer times.”
“That sounds reasonable. The five women in the house will leave in a week or so, the Cancer Fundraising Luncheon will be over, and it should be a slow time for you to be gone before holiday preparations.”
“Perfect,” said Rhonda. “Before I leave, though, I want to make that offer to Bernie. I want him to feel a bigger part of the hotel.”
“I agree,” I quickly said, looking up as someone called my name.
“Ann! Rhonda! I need to talk to you,” said Jane, walking up to us. “I’ve decided to do what you suggested, and I think I should see your doctor friend. I hadn’t wanted to do anything about seeing a doctor, but I can’t sleep without knowing if my cancer has returned.”
I reached over and gave her a hug. “I get it. There isn’t a woman around who wouldn’t understand your anxiety.”
“Dr. Perkins owes me a favor or two,” Rhonda said. “I’ll call her now and see what she can do. She’s here in town this week because of our luncheon and the fundraising she hopes to do.”
“I must be very discreet about it so I don’t worry my friends and ruin their vacation,” said Jane. “They stayed right by my side a few years ago when I went through treatment. I don’t want to upset them if I don’t have to.”
Understanding, I glanced at Rhonda, who was talking on her cell several feet from us. If anyone could pull off a quick visit like this, it was Rhonda.
After she ended the call, Rhonda walked toward us, smiling. “Good news. Dr. Perkins is in the office and will see you if you can come with me right now.”
“You go, and I’ll let your friends know that you’re with Rhonda and will see them later,” I said.
“Okay, tell them I’m doing research on the hotel for a special project I’m putting together for a group back home,” said Jane, giving me a panicky look.
“It’ll be all right,” I said, squeezing her hand before she left with Rhonda.
I headed up the beach toward the strip of sand in front of the houses. I noticed a group of four standing and talking together. As I got closer, I realized it was the pink-haired woman named Amy and the beauty named Caro talking to Henry and Slade.
I knew Rhonda would be thrilled to know these people were already viable prospects for her matchmaking talent, and I couldn’t help grinning as I approached them.
“Nice afternoon,” I said.
“Delightful,” said Slade, letting a glance slide over Amy, who was smiling at him.
Henry and Caro were standing by quietly, onlookers to the conversation that had been going on between Amy and Slade.
Henry bobbed his head at me in greeting, and Caro said softly, “Hello.”
“Where are Heather and Lisa?” I asked.
“They left to go to the nearby outlet mall to buy things for their children,” said Amy. “Heather’s stepdaughter is having her first baby early next year, and Heather is going to go crazy, I’m sure. I have some time before my son even thinks of marriage. Thank God.”
There was an edge to Amy’s voice that made me consider her forthcoming unspoken decision. I wondered if it had to do with her family.
“I think it’s sweet of Heather and Lisa to use the time to do something for their children,” said Caro, and I distinctly heard a note of envy. For a beautiful woman, she seemed to carry a lot of pain. If it was because she lacked her own children, I knew that feeling well. It had taken me years after having Liz to try and fail to have any others.
Henry was studying Caro thoughtfully before focusing on what Slade was saying.
“We’ve invited the women to our house for dinner,” said Slade. “We’ll order pizza and salad and keep it simple.”
“A sort of get acquainted gathering,” said Henry. “In all our travels, we like to get to know people in the area.”
Caro let out a soft ripple of laughter. “In this case, we’re visitors like you.”
Henry grinned at her. “Guess you caught me on that. But we enjoy meeting people. It’s part of our jobs.”
“Yes,” said Slade. “All the travel can get pretty lonely without it.”
“What do you do for a living?” Amy asked.
Slade and Henry exchanged looks, and then Slade said, “We’re in government.”
“Ugh, that sounds pretty boring,” said Amy. “What is it that you do?”
“We don’t usually talk about our jobs,” Henry said reluctantly.
Caro gave him an impish look. “Are you talking about spy work?”
Henry laughed. “Not exactly.” He turned to me. “Would you and Rhonda and your husbands like to join us for a casual dinner?”
“Thanks,” I said. “Can I let you know later after I have had a chance to see what is going on at home?”
“Certainly,” said Henry.
“The more the merrier,” said Slade, glancing at Amy, who grinned at the idea.
“I’m here to tell you that Jane is spending some time with Rhonda. She didn’t want you to worry.”
“Thanks for letting us know,” said Caro. “We want this vacation to be about doing whatever suits each of us.”
“I understand,” I said, knowing the group had at least two secrets. “Thanks for the invitation,” I said to Henry and Slade. “I’ll let you know as soon as I can. And Rhonda will, too.”
I left them as Slade and Amy headed to the water, and Henry and Caro took off on a walk. It was a fascinating group.
###
R honda called me late that afternoon to update me on Jane’s appointment. “After taking a 3-D mammogram and an ultrasound of the spot, Dr. Perkins has removed the lump and sent it off for analysis. She said the lump, which was easily taken out, appears to be a cyst but that they need to have a definitive clinical report, which they should have in a couple of days.”
“That sounds very hopeful.” I had some experience with cysts and their removal, so I wasn’t overly concerned about Jane having one removed in the clinic’s surgery center. “Please be sure to thank Dr. Perkins for me.”
“She’s very pleased to do this for us, especially after I told her I’d increase my donation to the fundraiser,” said Rhonda.
I laughed. Rhonda was very generous and made it work to her advantage, leaving everyone pleased.
“I have an invitation for you and Will,” I said, and I told her about the pizza party.
“Even if Will doesn’t want to attend, I’ll be there. This is a dream come true for any matchmaker.”
Laughing, I said, “You might be on to something. Vaughn and I will be there. Robbie is going to a sleepover at Brett’s house.”
“After listening to Jane talk about some of the other women in the group, I think both Amy and Caro are due for some happiness,” said Rhonda.
“Well, let’s help that along,” I said. Though Vaughn and Will didn’t always understand our motive for playing matchmaker, it was quite simple. We were both happy in our marriages and wanted others to have that same experience. Everyone needs love in their lives.