Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
O nce Lisa cleaned up after the morning’s breakfast service, she headed out for a walk along the beach. It was early, just half past ten, and perfect weather for walking. The beach was filling up already, with families settling by the water’s edge and plenty of people out for their morning walks. Lisa smiled as a cute golden retriever raced by and dashed into the water. There were always dogs running on the beach and they were fun to watch.
She walked her usual fifteen minutes down and back, and noticed that the big share house was quiet and no one was out front on the beach yet. When she reached Walter’s house, Kay waved her up. She and Walter were sitting on the deck that overlooked the beach. Lisa climbed the stairs and sat across from Kay and Walter at a round wooden table. Walter looked up and nodded hello, then returned his attention to the crossword puzzle he was working on.
“I was just getting ready to head out,” Kay said. “I need to do some grocery shopping.”
“I might take a drive out to The Whitley and sign up for that food festival.” Lisa had looked online and today was the last day to register, so she wanted to make sure she got in.
“Want some company?” Kay offered.
“Sure, let’s go.” They said goodbye to Walter and walked next door to Lisa’s driveway. They climbed into Lisa’s baby-blue Mini-Cooper convertible and she put the top down and tied her hair back before heading off to The Whitley.
“I haven’t ridden in a convertible in ages. This is marvelous!” Kay tipped her head back and let the sun fall on her face as the wind tossed her short curls. It didn’t take them long to reach The Whitley. Nantucket was a small island, and it didn’t take more than twenty minutes or so to go from one end to the other, unless of course there was heavy traffic, which was always a possibility in the summer months.
Kay gasped as they reached the end of the long driveway and pulled up to The Whitley’s entrance.
“You haven’t been here before?” Lisa asked.
“No. I’ve heard of it, of course, but haven’t had the chance.”
A young valet in a crisp white uniform came over to park Lisa’s car and she handed him the keys. “I don’t think we’ll be very long.”
Lisa led the way into the lobby of The Whitley. It was an impressive property. The main building sprawled along the ocean and had oversized luxurious rooms, all with stunning ocean views. There was also a group of private villas.
Kay looked around the lobby, with its high ceilings, marble everywhere, and vivid pink and blue floral arrangements throughout the room.
Lisa asked at the front desk about the food festival.
“Oh, you need to see Paula about that. Just head to her office.” The receptionist, a bubbly young woman, showed them on a map exactly where to go. Lisa had met Paula, the general manager before, but had never been to her office. She’d only been to the property a few times over the years, for special dinners in the restaurant, which was one of the best on the island.
They reached Paula’s office and knocked lightly on the door, which was ajar. A moment later, Paula opened it and smiled when she recognized Lisa.
“Hi Lisa, what brings you to The Whitley?”
“I hear you are including bed and breakfasts in the food festival this year. I’d like to sign up, if it’s not too late?”
Paula laughed. “It’s not too late, and we’d love to have you. I’m so glad you changed your mind. I was hoping you would join us.”
“I only just heard of it yesterday when someone mentioned it to me. Did you send an email out? I must have missed it.” It wouldn’t be the first time. Lisa got so much junk in her email, it was easy to miss things.
“Yes, but no worries. You’re here now. Let me get the form.” Paula pulled a sheet of paper out of a folder and handed it to Lisa. “If you want to fill that out now, you’ll be all set. It’s just a month away now.”
Lisa quickly filled out the form and also wrote a check to reserve her table and handed both to Paula.
“Perfect. Keep an eye out for an email a week or so before with info on what time to set up. We’ve had quite a few bed and breakfasts decide to join us this year. It should be a lot of fun. You’ve been before?”
Lisa nodded. “Yes, we had a wonderful time.” She had thoroughly enjoyed walking around and trying all the different samples from area restaurants.
“How does it work?” Kay asked. “Maybe Walter and I would like to go.”
“Oh you should,” Paula said. “You taste different dishes and then vote on your favorites. There are winners for each category and the restaurants really outdo themselves.”
“It’s good advertising, I imagine, if they win,” Lisa said.
“It really is. The winner of the chowder category had a huge banner made and put it across their restaurant. It’s a good attention-getter,” Paula said.
“Well, I’m looking forward to it,” Lisa said. They said their goodbyes to Paula and headed back to town. As they drove, Lisa told her about Violet. Kay was suitably outraged on Lisa’s behalf.
“Who does she think she is? I mean seriously, everyone knows you make the best lobster quiches. You even ship them across the country. I’m sure she doesn’t do that!”
Lisa laughed. “No. I think she’s just trying to get attention. If she were to win and could claim to have the best lobster quiche, she would definitely have a big banner made, I bet. And I’d never hear the end of it.”
“Well, we can’t let that happen. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”