CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The next morning, after dropping Robbie off at school, I headed to the beach. I needed that private time to sort out my thoughts.
As I usually did, I parked my car, took off my shoes, and headed to the beach. Feeling the crystals of sand between my toes, my body loosened. Vaughn would be home this afternoon and I could truly relax, knowing he’d be my support and help me see things more clearly.
I walked down to the water and lifted my face to the sun. Shards of yellow from the sun coated the tips of the waves as they rolled in to shore. It was magical. And when the birds above me cried out it added a musical touch to the moment
Letting out a long sigh I felt my lips curve. Being here was such a treasure.
I turned away from the water and began my walk.
The sound of my feet hitting the hard-packed sand at the water’s edge made a rhythmic beat below me.
In the distance I could see Brock Goodwin and debated turning around. But I couldn’t let him see how uncomfortable he made me.
As we got closer, he noticed me and walked away. I stopped in surprise. This was a first. Maybe being forced to be neighborly was a bigger punishment for him than Rhonda and I had believed possible.
Deep in thought, I headed back to the hotel.
Catarina emerged from the guesthouse where she and her family were staying.
I waved, and she approached me.
“I suppose you’ve heard that we’ll be staying on for a few days longer. Enrico is doing some business in town. Philippa and I are using this time to arrange for an interior designer to work on our new house.”
“Bernie didn’t tell me about your extended stay, but we’re happy to have you here.”
“Thank you. The older men are enjoying this area. They’re even threatening to return from time to time to stay with Enrico and me.”
“And how do you feel about that?” I teased.
She chuckled. “It’s fine. They’re fairly easy to have around, and I know both men have been lonely since their wives died.”
“Is that why they’ve wanted to pressure the kids into marrying and living in Italy?” I asked.
Catarina shrugged. “That, and old age fears and promises. But they’re sweet men who love their families.”
We strolled together toward the hotel, and then I had to leave her to get to the office.
Rhonda was already there when I walked inside.
She looked up at me. “Have I got news for you! Harper and Luciano are in Ohio so he can meet her family. What do ya think of that?”
Relieved I wouldn’t have to keep that news from her, I said, “I think it’s sweet. A real old-fashioned gesture.”
“You know preparing for dinner at my house, I mentioned something to Luciano about doing that,” said Rhonda.
“You’re going to take the credit for it?” I asked, chuckling.
“Why not? You know what an excellent matchmaker I am,” said Rhonda. She broke down and laughed with me.
“I just spoke to Catarina,” I said. “They’re staying for a few more days in the guesthouse while Enrico does some business in town. She and Philippa will use this time to meet with an interior decorator for the new house.”
“Nice. Any news on Chet and Philippa’s romance?” Rhonda asked.
“I don’t know because I didn’t ask. But I have to tell you about seeing Brock on the beach. When he noticed me, he turned around and went in the opposite direction.”
“About time that bastard learns we don’t want anything to do with him,” said Rhonda.
“We’ll see. I think his ego won’t allow him to keep away from us for long.”
“I’m glad you’re here because I have to leave for an hour or so to go see Evan in a school presentation this morning,” said Rhonda. “He’s being given some sort of prize in spelling.”
“How nice,” I said. “Take your time. I’m leaving later this afternoon to pick up Vaughn from the airport.”
“It’s fantastic that we can do things like this with our families,” said Rhonda.
“It’s why I want to speak to you about a bonus for Bernie.
Instead of giving him one at the end of the year, why don’t we give him one now.
Annette told me she and Bernie have been talking about taking a river cruise in Germany.
This is an excellent time for them to go. ”
“Great idea. Once Thanksgiving is here, we’ll be extra busy until Easter with no time off for any of us.”
Rhonda stood. “Let’s go tell him so he can plan the trip.”
###
Later, after leaving Bernie’s office, Rhonda turned to me. “Hiring Bernie as our General Manager was one of the best things we did.”
“And Jean-Luc,” I said. “Let’s go see how he’s doing with his new walking cast.”
When we arrived in the kitchen, we found Jean-Luc directing his staff on meal preparations. Observing how he handled them with firm clarity, I was filled with satisfaction. Having seen Jonny Arno’s behavior, I appreciated Jean-Luc’s value and professional behavior.
“Where’s Chet?” Rhonda asked him.
“He’ll come in later today,” said Jean-Luc.
“It’s great to see you moving so well with your cast,” I said.
He bobbed his head. “Better to be here than to be at home. I hadn’t realized how active my boys are.”
Rhonda and I exchanged glances but said nothing. Lindsay was a devoted mother.
###
On the way to pick up Vaughn from the airport, I thought about our office staff and how important they were, allowing Rhonda and me time off during the slower seasons.
When Vaughn headed out of the terminal with his overnight bag in hand, I couldn’t help my excitement. He ignored the stares of people around him and kept his eyes focused on me as he made his way to my car.
“Hi, darling,” he said in his deep musical voice as he opened the back door and tossed his luggage inside.
He climbed into the passenger seat, leaned over, and kissed me.
“Move along,” said the policeman patrolling the area.
“More to come,” said Vaughn buckling up. “I can’t wait to get home and on the boat. It was a short trip, but a busy one. And I have a new contract with a company advertising yogurt.”
I laughed. “Are we about to be inundated with yogurt?”
“I hope not. Not like last time with hot dogs.” Once a certain company had learned that Vaughn liked their hot dogs, we’d been sent too many shipments of them.
“How are things at the hotel?” Vaughn asked. “You told me about Brock’s apology. No more problems? I don’t like him constantly harassing you and Rhonda.”
“We don’t either. We’ll see what he tries next. He keeps us on our toes.”
Vaughn winked at me. “I like to keep you off your toes.”
It was so good to have him home.