CHAPTER EIGHT
A s I dressed for dinner , I could hear Robbie and Liana Sousa talk in the kitchen. Liana was a young woman we were helping through college who, in return, worked for us part-time. More like family, she and Robbie got along, which made it satisfying when I needed to work at odd times or when Vaughn and I needed to get away for some time alone.
I slid on a black linen sheath dress, which was one of three of my evening “work” dresses. Even though the dinners were private, with extra attention paid to service, I liked to stay in the background, ready to help while VIP guests talked about confidential matters. It made them comfortable.
I slid diamond earrings into my earlobes, and that, along with a simple diamond drop necklace, completed the outfit. I gave a last look at my image and went into the kitchen to say goodbye to Robbie and Liana.
“Liana said she’d help me with my Spanish homework,” said Robbie.
“Excellent, thank you,” I said to her. “I shouldn’t be too late. I’ll leave as soon as I can.”
I gave Robbie a quick kiss, patted Cindy on the head, said goodbye to Liana, and headed to the hotel.
As I drove, I recalled our first VIP dinners. They were a huge success for political figures from Washington, D.C., who wanted to work out their differences regarding legislation and other matters in secret. From there, CEOs of various businesses booked us for private conversations. Over the years, we’d come up with several ways to keep these meetings and overnight stays private. I loved the idea of being a silent part behind the scenes for these productive meetings.
I parked behind the hotel and walked through the kitchen to my office to check on things. Rhonda had left me a message: “ Don’t forget to visit the lovebirds at dinner.”
I vowed to do that later as I headed to the small, private dining room where a bar was being set up. The governor of Florida was the host for this affair, and he’d ordered simple hot hors d’oeuvres and steak dinners. As usual, he wanted the best Scotch and Bourbon available.
There were to be five men for the meal. I made sure the table was properly set and fussed with the fresh flowers, admiring the low arrangement that allowed the men to see each other without obstruction. We’d learned that important requirement after one meeting that didn’t go well, and the flowers were blamed for being part of the failure.
Governor Daniel Horne entered the room. “Ann, such a pleasure to see you!” he said before bending over and giving me a kiss on the cheek.
“And you,” I said. “Did you bring Carlotta with you?”
He smiled and shook his head. “No, and for an excellent reason. Carolina just found out that she and her husband are pregnant. Carlotta is beside herself with joy in thinking of becoming a grandmother and is on a trip to visit our daughter.”
“That’s spectacular. Be sure and give her my best. Becoming a grandparent is the gift one is given for surviving the teen years.”
Daniel laughed. “I’ll be sure to tell her. It looks like everything is set here. You’ll be handling the dinner?”
“Yes. Is there anything special you need?” I asked.
“Just the standard privacy. I’m helping someone in the party decide if he wants to run for senator, so it’s all very hush-hush stuff.”
“That’s understood,” I said.
“Now, let’s welcome everyone.”
Four men walked into the room and headed over to the bar to speak to Daniel.
I welcomed them on behalf of the hotel and then left to bring in the hot mushroom and cheese canapes Daniel had ordered. Two staff members we’d used before for these occasions would serve the dinner.
After seeing that things were in order and the bartender was standing by, I left the room to give the men privacy.
As I was walking through the lobby, I saw a man standing at the reception desk waving his arms.
I approached him and said, “May I help you with something?”
“I want to know if my wife is staying here,” said the man, who looked and smelled as if he’d been drinking way too much.
“I’m sorry, but we don’t give out any information on our guests.”
“I don’t have to see her. I just need to know if she’s here,” the man said.
I studied him. His dark hair was streaked with gray and looked as if it hadn’t seen a comb in some time. His blue eyes were glazed, and though his features were attractive, there was a disturbing sloppiness about him, as if he didn’t care about his appearance.
“Again, I’m sorry, but that information is confidential,” I said. “She’s certainly able to give you that information herself.”
“The bitch won’t take my calls,” the man grumbled, looking up when Bernie approached us.
“I’ve tried to explain that we don’t give out information on our guests, even if it’s to verify they are or are not staying here,” I said, sending Bernie a silent plea for help.
“It’s very straightforward,” said Bernie. “Let me help you out the door.”
The man whirled away from Bernie and headed to the front entrance by himself.
Watching him go, I sighed. I didn’t know who he was looking for, and I didn’t want to.
I went to the kitchen to see about the timing of the meal. Previously, orders had been taken as to how the individuals wanted their steak cooked. All but one wanted medium rare; the last was to be done medium.
In the small dining room, the two servers had placed Caesar salads before the guests. I signaled Daniel that we’d serve the steaks in five minutes and received a nod of approval from him. Apple pie and ice cream would be served for dessert, a pretty standard thing for one of his simple meals.
I made sure the kitchen knew our timing and then stepped out of the way to wait for the signal that the main course was ready. One did not interfere with Jean-Luc or his kitchen.
The servers came to pick up the meals, and I followed them into the dining room to make sure everyone had what he wanted. At a signal from Daniel, the two servers and I left the room to wait for the dessert course.
I left to go to our main dining room to look in on what Rhonda called “our lovebirds.” From a distance, I observed Henry and Caro deep in conversation and decided not to approach their table. I wasn’t wrong when I told Rhonda we had to let nature take its course.
When I sensed it was time, I went back to the private dining room to see if the men were ready for coffee and dessert.
I took their orders and asked the servers to clear the places and serve dessert.
I wouldn’t be needed until after-dinner drinks were served. Then, I’d stay only long enough to see that the men had everything they needed for their meeting. I often remained in the dining room from beginning to end, but Daniel had held so many private meetings here at the hotel that we’d worked out an easy routine.
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L ater, I headed home , pleased with how the dinner meeting had gone. I recognized the faces from news reports I’d seen on television and knew it had been important for the group to have this time together.
At home, after Liana left, I checked on Robbie and Cindy, who were asleep on Robbie’s bed. Seeing Robbie stretched out across the bed, I realized how fast he was growing. A pang hit me. My boy would be shaving and talking in a low voice before I knew it.
I blew kisses into the room for them both and headed to my room, where I eagerly tossed off my high heels and changed out of my clothes. I’d just climbed into bed when my phone rang. Vaughn.
Smiling, I picked up the call. “Hello, how are you? It sure is quiet with you gone.”
“Ah, I miss you already,” said Vaughn. “But a lot of the same crew is here, which makes it enjoyable. What’s new?”
“Not much. I just came from the VIP dinner. Governor Horne said to say hi.”
“I’ve got to get him to come sailing with me,” said Vaughn. “He’s not running for re-election, and he’s going to want to be able to sail the boat he wants to buy.”
“He and his family always visit the hotel during the holiday season. I’m sure you’ll be able to work something out with him then.”
“How are things going with your five ladies?” Vaughn asked.
“Nicely. Both Amy and Caro are dating the men next door, and it seems to be working for all of them.”
“You and Rhonda must be ecstatic,” said Vaughn.
I laughed. “We’ll see how things go, but as Rhonda would say, there’s a lot of opportunity for her matchmaking skills.”
Talk turned to Robbie, Liz and Chad, and the triplets. I loved how caring Vaughn was about all our children. I loved him for many reasons, but this one was near the top.
“I love you, Ann,” said Vaughn. “I’ll call when I can. Let me know how things go with the approaching storm.”
“I will. Love you too.” We ended the call, and I curled up on the bed, feeling very alone. When he was home, Vaughn filled my life.
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T he next morning, I greeted Liana, kissed Robbie, and left the house for a walk on the beach. This was an important time for me, and even though I had opportunities to visit the beach later in the day, the privacy at this time was precious.
I hoped to see Jane on the beach so I could ask about her health. I understood she didn’t want her friends to worry, but they were bound to find out.
I walked onto the beach and searched for anyone I knew. I saw Jane right away talking to Brock Goodwin. My heart dropped. I wondered what he’d say to Jane and hoped she’d heed our warning not to mention anything about her stay with us.
I trotted in their direction and smiled when Jane beckoned to me. She seemed eager to end her conversation with Brock. At the sight of me, Brock dropped his shoulders and looked ready to slink away. I knew then he must have been pumping Jane for information.
“Morning, Jane,” I said. “Hi, Brock.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” said Jane. “Ready to take that walk we promised one another”
“Yes, I’m sorry I’m a little late. Let’s go.” I took Jane’s arm, and we walked away from Brock.
“Thanks. I don’t like that man,” said Jane, unable to suppress a shudder. “He’s not anyone I want to spend time with, and I certainly don’t want him to know anything about me and my friends.”
“Keep it that way. How are you feeling? Are you still sore?”
“I’m fine. The initial pain is abating. That small incision is nothing compared to the other treatment I’ve had. Heather noticed I was being careful with my left arm and asked me what was going on. I had to tell everyone that I found a lump and had a biopsy. I told them what Dr. Perkins had said about it being something like a cyst and not cancer. But still, the thought of another bout of it was upsetting to all of us.”
“You’re so lucky to have such steadfast friends. Is everyone enjoying their stay?”
“Yes, indeed. Amy says she’s enjoying the attention Slade is giving her, and Caro has fallen for Henry in a big way. And he seems crazy about her. They remind me of how my husband and I acted after we met. It was like we just knew we were to be together.”
“That’s so sweet,” I said.
“Yes,” said Jane. “It was a match made in heaven, though I didn’t realize it would be for such a short time. Still, I remain true to the memory.”
“Do you think the relationship between Caro and Henry will last beyond this vacation?” I asked. “It’s been only a few days since they’ve met.”
“I think it’ll last,” said Jane, giving me a steady, warm look. “Lord knows Caro deserves it. Her ex-husband was cruel to her. This is the happiest I’ve seen her in years. I understand that Henry has been engaged before but never married. This would be a phenomenal beginning for each of them.”
“The Beach House Hotel is a romantic location for a wedding,” I said, loving the idea of Caro and Henry being married here.
“There you are,” said Amy, joining us. “Jane, we’re thinking of visiting the Everglades today. Are you game for going on an airboat?”
“Sure,” said Jane. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“You’ll like it,” I said. “Have an enjoyable day.”
“You and Rhonda, please join us late this afternoon,” said Amy. “I have a feeling there will be bubbles tonight.” She winked at me, and I realized that today must be when she ordered champagne for the group.
“Okay, that sounds like fun,” I said. “I’ll tell Rhonda.”
“Great,” Amy said, putting an arm around Jane as they walked away.
As I headed back to the hotel, I stopped and stared at it. It sat like a gorgeous pink flamingo next to the beach. Its tiled roofs and stucco exterior hid the luxury inside. It still amazed me that I was part owner of this beautiful property.
I moved aside as a duo of joggers headed my way, and then I walked to the back lawn surrounding the hotel’s pool area. There, I breathed in the salty air and listened to the sounds of guests on their patios or balconies or to those swimming in the pool. Rhonda and I wanted the hotel to seem like a home to our repeat guests, and there was an aura of a warm welcome about the hotel that couldn’t be faked.