CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Rhonda and I sat with Tina on the beach in front of the guesthouse, watching Victor and Tyler playing with Bailey and Ned on the sand.
“It’s fantastic being here,” said Tina. “It really is the home of my heart with the two of you, enjoying some bubbly together. It makes our holidays full.”
“You don’t mind missing all those glamorous Hollywood parties?” teased Rhonda.
Tina shook her head. “No. This is real.” She turned to me. “Your old friend, Lily Dorio, just got divorced from her husband. He’s a really nice guy. Their marriage lasted longer than I thought it would.”
I remained quiet. Lily Dorio had once tried to split up Vaughn and me.
“That woman is a disaster,” said Rhonda. “Not worth a worry.”
“Agreed,” I said. “What else is new in your area?”
Tina told us about new movies and series that were coming out.
We listened and asked a few questions, interested, as always, in learning about Tina’s life.
“Your boys are growing fast,” I commented. “Any more thoughts of buying a vacation place in Sabal?”
Tina smiled wistfully. “You know how much I’d love that. Nick isn’t ready for it. But as we know, time goes by fast, and living here is still a dream of mine.”
“Annie just likes to keep family close,” said Rhonda, giving me an understanding look.
“You still can’t convince Ty that he and June should move here?” Tina asked me.
I shook my head. “June has such a big family in San Francisco that I don’t think it will ever happen. Her grandmother is the matriarch of it, and she wants her grandchildren to appreciate and be part of the Asian community there.”
“Well, I know it’s a big deal to have Nell here at last,” said Tina.
“You should see the house Liz and Angie found for her in their neighborhood,” said Rhonda. “It’s perfect.”
“Or will be,” I said. “Painting walls and making a few changes has made such a difference. Doing the work on it has become a community affair for the hotel staff. I’m sure there’s something you can do there.”
“Aw, that’s very sweet. Of course, I want to help,” said Tina. “Tell me more.”
Rhonda and I took turns telling her about the house and everything that was being done to it.
“By the time Clint arrives, the basic work should be done. Until their legal matters are settled, they won’t know what other upgrades they can do to the house,” I explained.
“Manny is working on the landscaping tomorrow, then we’re pretty well done outside,” I said. “I’ll take you there tomorrow.”
“Great. I think I’ll talk to Manny to see if I can help plant flowers. That’s something I can do,” said Tina.
My lips curved, pleased she wanted to participate.
Rhonda lifted her tulip glass of champagne. “Here’s to us. May we always be family.”
“Yes, family. My family,” I said, thinking back to my lonely childhood as I watched some of our children play together.
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The next day, Tina arranged to meet Rhonda and me at Nell’s house to see the project for herself. When we arrived, she was working with Manny planting flowers in two beautiful turquoise pots positioned on either side of the front door.
Tina looked up as we walked toward them. “I thought this would be an attractive touch.”
“The pots are gorgeous,” I said. “And I love the Gerbera daisies.”
“Manny, you’ve done a great job with the landscaping,” said Rhonda. She stood back and gazed at the house. “It’s a whole different look.”
“I love it,” I said. “This has been such a beautiful example of people working together to get things done. The girls are going to take care of a few decorating touches inside, and then it will be ready for Clint to see.”
“None too soon,” said Tina. “When I spoke with her, Nell told me he’s coming home tomorrow, a little sooner than she’d thought.”
We walked inside the house. Painters were conducting an inspection, touching up missed spots, and making sure everything was completed.
We went through the house. The upstairs rooms had had new carpeting installed, which made the rooms look even better.
As we were about to leave, Nell showed up with Angie and Liz, carrying Gabe.
When he saw me, Gabe held out his arms. I pulled him into mine, well aware of how fast even this baby of the family was growing.
“The carpeting people are due to arrive to replace the one in the main bedroom downstairs,” said Nell, sounding breathless as she and Angie carried bags into the house. “Manny has agreed to install some new fixtures for us.”
Manny grinned as Nell set down her packages and gave Manny a pat on the back.
“We’ll leave you to it,” said Rhonda.
“I understand Clint will be returning to Sabal tomorrow. Any idea what time?” I asked Nell.
“He’s on the eleven o’clock flight,” said Nell.
“I’m going to pick him up and bring him to the house.
I thought we’d have lunch here. Why don’t the three of you join us?
It’ll be a small celebration. After the first of the year, when we’re settled in the house, I’m going to host a big party for everyone who’s helped transform it. ”
“That sounds like fun. And the three of us will be here at noon tomorrow for the big reveal,” I said, silently confirming that with Rhonda and Tina, who nodded their approval.
“Do you want me to take Gabe?” I asked Liz.
“No, thanks. Liana is watching him while the Ts are in school,” said Liz.
“That’s nice,” I said. “She’s been wonderful about helping out.”
“I’ve got to get back to my boys,” said Tina. “I hired one of the hotel’s babysitters to watch them, but she’s new to me, and I don’t want to leave them with her for too long.”
“All the babysitters that the hotel recommends are excellent,” said Rhonda. “But I understand.” She checked her watch. “Guess we need to go too. Annie and I have a meeting to attend.”
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At the hotel, Annette, Bernie, Lorraine, Jean-Luc, and the department heads met in a boardroom to discuss staffing for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. We made an effort to make it easy for employees to spend time with their families.
The schedule had already been set up. Now, we needed to reconfirm. Rhonda and I always accommodated our families during the holidays, even if it meant being on call at home.
Bernie and Annette usually took off after the holidays to take a short trip somewhere away from Sabal. The rest of the department heads waited until after the holidays to enjoy some personal time. However, in the hotel business, the work of operating it never truly ended.
When Bernie was satisfied that we were well-staffed for the next three weeks, he broke apart the meeting. Rhonda and I stayed behind to discuss bonuses for certain employees.
“How’s Nell doing? Is she expected to return to work as you mentioned? Or should we give her a little more time?” he asked me.
“She’s planning on coming back as soon as the kids return to school the first week in January. It’s important to her. You’ve been very flexible. I appreciate it,” I said.
“We both do,” added Rhonda.
“I didn’t want to put you on the spot in front of the others,” Bernie said. “High season will be in full gear when she returns, and we need to be able to count on her.”
I made a mental note to speak to Nell about the commitment.
Liana had agreed to continue to help with the kids in exchange for college tuition and expenses—a plan she and Vaughn had devised.
Nell was the first of our daughters to decide to work at the hotel.
Something her husband and children would have to get used to.