CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
That evening, Vaughn and I sat on the couch on the lanai and discussed the Wiley’s house.
I showed him a couple of photos that I’d taken and explained that Earl had been laid off on disability some years ago, and he and Hester had done very little upgrading on the first floor and almost none on the second floor.
“But the layout and bones of the house are excellent. The backyard can accommodate a pool, and I noticed plenty of storage space,” I said enthusiastically.
“You’ve done what Nell asked of you,” said Vaughn. “Now, we have to let them make their own decision about it.”
“Agreed. Because if they decide to go ahead with the purchase, it’ll take a lot of work on their part to get it the way they are sure to want it. And right now, Clint can do very little until he’s healed, leaving most of the work to Nell.”
“I still feel bad about those injuries,” admitted Vaughn.
I patted his arm. “It was just a freaky accident.”
Bailey and Ned ran into the room in their pajamas and climbed up on the couch with us. “Ready for bed?” I asked. They’d been allowed to watch a television show with Robbie.
I walked them to their bathroom and watched as they brushed their teeth.
It was such a treat having them with us.
Without their parents around, they were especially eager to cuddle and talk about their lives at home.
The move to Florida would be healthy for both Bailey and her brother, because they’d been well aware of the tension inside their home.
“Gammy, will you read to us?” asked Ned.
“Of course. One short book because you have school tomorrow,” I said.
“I have a new friend,” said Ned. “His name is Jacob.”
“I have two new friends,” Bailey said. “But I’ll make more. The girls here are cool. Not like some of the girls back home.”
Interesting, I thought. “It’s very sweet when you make new friends. Girls and boys are the same everywhere. They want to be liked and treated with kindness.”
“That’s what my teacher, Miss Ortiz, says,” Bailey announced.
“Let’s pick a book to read,” I said.
“How about this one?” said Ned, holding up Stellaluna.
“Perfect,” I said, climbing onto the bed with a child on each side of me. It was moments like this when I realized how lucky I was. My grandmother would read to me as a child, but we never cuddled in bed like this.
I’d just turned out the lights in their rooms when my cell rang with Nell’s specific chime.
“Hello,” I said. “Is everything all right?”
“It’s both good and bad,” Nell said. “We signed the sales agreement for the house with a closing date of January 15th. I’ve hired a moving company to help us after the first of the year.”
“But?” I asked.
“But Clint’s company is threatening to sue him for breach of contract.
Clint’s lawyer friend agrees it would never hold up in court, but they’re using it to stall returning his share of equity contribution.
Again, Clint’s lawyer doesn’t think they can legally do that.
But it means we can’t use that money for a new house. ”
“Mrs. Wiley told me she’s going to stand firm on her price. Can you meet that number?” I asked her.
“Yes, but we’ll have very little money for renovations right away,” said Nell.
“The house is in fine shape overall. It just needs a lot of decorating with painted walls, flooring, and the like.”
“That’s the problem. Clint can’t do any of the work right now. And he likes everything to be nice,” said Nell.
“Because something is in a state of transition doesn’t mean it can’t be,” I said.
“I know,” said Nell. “I’m working on the numbers now. We know from Liz that the house is a great buy even in its present condition. If a home inspection doesn’t turn up anything major, it’s a find. I love her neighborhood and the idea of the children being together.”
“Let me know what you and Clint decide,” I said. After I ended the call, I decided to say as little as possible about the situation to anyone else. I wanted to give Nell and Clint the opportunity to work it out for themselves.
###
The next morning, I felt as if I needed to take a walk on the beach before going into work. The morning temperatures in December were cool enough to wear a sweater or jacket, and after dressing, I slipped on my favorite jean jacket and headed out.
As I stepped onto the beach, I saw only a few people jogging along the sand, and I let out a sigh of satisfaction.
I’d spent a restless night thinking of Nell and hoping they’d decide to buy the Wiley’s house.
It would be a change for them to a simpler, less glamorous lifestyle, but I knew it would be a wise move for all of them.
Feeling the cool sea breezes against my cheeks as I jogged along the edge of the water deep in thought, I was startled to hear my name called from right behind me. No-o-o!
I whipped around and faced Brock Goodwin.
“’Morning, Ann, I was hoping to see you here. You missed out on buying my fireworks, but my import company is offering some Valentine's decorations. I know you have a big party each year, and I’d like to meet with you and Rhonda to show you some attractive items.”
I studied him, trying to control my temper. How dare he pretend he hadn’t recently tried to harm our hotel by collaborating with the chef of an Italian restaurant to undermine us? “Thanks, but no thanks. As you must know, we have our party supplier.”
Brock frowned and shook a finger at me. “Look, I know we haven’t always been the best of friends, but I’d like to start all over again with you and Rhonda. You can be good for my business, and my business can benefit you.”
“Like I said, Brock, thanks, but no thanks. See you later.”
He shook his head. “You’ll be sorry. Just saying.”
I headed back to the hotel in an easy jog, though I wanted to sprint as fast as possible. There was something so dishonest about the man that I felt goosebumps crawl over my skin even as I warmed up from my run.
###
Later, when I walked into the office, Rhonda was on the phone. I could tell from the flush on her cheeks that she was upset.
“No, Brock, we aren’t interested. I’ve got to go. Someone just walked into my office,” said Rhonda, ending the call with a grimace.
“Did he want to sell you Valentine supplies?” I asked, taking a seat behind my desk.
“Yes. He said he missed seeing you at the beach and wanted to speak to me,” said Rhonda.
“What a liar. I saw him on the beach earlier this morning and told him we weren’t interested.” I let out a long sigh. “Why doesn’t he understand that he can’t treat people badly and then expect them to support his business?”
“He never will,” said Rhonda. “Any news about Nell and the house?”
“I talked to her last night, and she promised to tell me when they’ve made a decision,” I said.
“Angie says it’s a terrific buy at that price. I hope they decide to go for it,” said Rhonda. “And I know you’ve wanted them to move to Sabal for a long time.”
“It would be a dream come true,” I said, and changed the subject. “Our cancer awareness lunch is today. Are you planning to attend?”
“Yes. It’s a group dear to my heart after I had that awful scare,” said Rhonda. “I understand Vaughn has agreed to attend as their guest speaker.”
“Yes,” I said. “He does a few fundraisers each year, and because of Ellie, cancer awareness is important to him.”
“I spoke to Lorraine this morning. She’s going to be working part-time for the next few weeks, even though we suggested she wait to come back to work after Arthur’s death.”
“That will actually be helpful because, as it looks right now, Nell will be busy with the move from their house in D.C. to here. They’ve signed the sales agreement.”
“That’s a big step in the right direction,” said Rhonda. She held up a sheaf of papers. “Let’s review the figures for high tea. We might need to reduce the number of staff for them.”
We were working on the financial projections for the tea events when Liz called. “Clint has agreed to buy the Wiley’s house!” Excitement rang in her voice. “Oh, Mom, I’m thrilled. I’ve wanted Nell to move to Sabal for forever.”
“That’s wonderful news,” I said. “Are they working with your lawyer?”
“Yes. It’s a tricky situation because they can’t buy the Wiley house until January when Hester and Earl are ready to move and their own house in D.C. is ready to sell.”
“That makes sense. Have you told Vaughn yet?” I asked Liz.
“No, but I’m going to call him next. See you later,” Liz said, ending the call.
I sat back in my chair and let out a sigh of relief. It was still only an idea, but one that could be rewarding for my family.
###
At lunchtime, Rhonda and I joined the other attendees, mostly female, for the Cancer Awareness luncheon.
I sat with Vaughn at one of the tables for eight.
Seeing how the other women at the table fussed over him, I was struck by the realization that to them, he was a movie star, while to me, he was just Vaughn, the man I lived with, slept with, and loved.
I’d long since given up being jealous when women flirted with him.
It came with the job. At home with his family, there was no doubt about his loyalty to them and to me.
After lunch, as I watched Vaughn speak about the importance of supporting cancer research and how his first wife, Ellie, had died from cancer, I loved how he glanced at me. I owed a lot to Ellie for teaching Vaughn humility at home while being adored in public. I would always think of her fondly.
I gazed around the room, noting who, in the community, was there. Rhonda and I encouraged luncheons like this, and I was pleased to see many people I knew. I’d come to Sabal not knowing anyone but Rhonda and Angie. Now, my life seemed full of friends.
After the meal, Dorothy Stern came over to me.
“It’s a generous group this year. Thanks to the support you and Rhonda give to it.
” She held up the small gold silk bag that we’d provided for each guest. The bag contained coupons and small gifts from businesses throughout the community, and a small bottle of expensive perfume from us.
Brock had wanted us to include a plastic toy from his import business, but Dorothy had turned him down.
While Vaughn was busy talking to people, I left the room to see how our dinner for the evening was shaping up.
A group of lawyers had booked the private dining room for a year-end holiday event.
Between the high-end meal they ordered and the alcohol they would consume, it was a very profitable deal for us.
Rhonda followed me into the small dining room, my favorite room in the hotel. Decorated for the holidays, greens, gold ribbons, and glass balls filled the room with holiday spirit, accentuating the pale gold color of the walls and the rich walnut wood of the dining room furniture.
“I’ve got to leave,” said Rhonda. “Sally Kate has a classroom play I promised to attend.”
“I’m elated she’s doing well at her new school,” I said. Sally Kate struggled with dyslexia, and Angie and Rhonda had found the perfect teacher for her at a private school in town.
Rhonda and I parted ways, and I decided to go see Liz to talk about the house Nell and Clint wanted to buy. It was hard being this close to having a dream of mine come true, knowing obstacles still lay ahead.