CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
That afternoon, while Vaughn, Nick, and Clint were out on the boat, I took a few hours off to meet with Nell and Tina for a little Christmas shopping. I liked to give local businesses my attention and shopped for Christmas throughout the year at the stores in Sabal and elsewhere along the coast.
Tina’s boys were at Rhonda’s house with her kids. Bailey and Ned were at Liz’s house. So, with a sense of freedom and fun, the three of us enjoyed walking around downtown. We ended up at André’s, our favorite place for lunch.
Even though Margo Durant, one of the owners, sat us at a private corner table, a few fellow diners recognized Tina but, thankfully, didn’t ask for autographs. The people in Sabal were growing more comfortable with celebrities, which made it much easier for Vaughn and me to relax in town.
“With everything else that’s been going on, I haven’t done much holiday shopping,” said Nell. “I’ve been able to order some presents online, but that isn’t the same as walking into a local store to get what I want.”
“I’ve had a few items sent to your house,” said Tina. “But we in my family don’t do too much for ourselves for Christmas, other than taking advantage of travel opportunities.”
I finished my quiche and checked my watch. “It’s no problem to have packages sent or stored at our house. Robbie knows to stay away from my dressing room during the holidays, and I’ve told the same thing to Bailey and Ned.”
“Thanks for lunch,” said Tina as I rose.
“It was delicious,” Nell said.
I left and hurried back to the hotel to handle a private late luncheon for the mayor. She was entertaining her staff members and special guests with a holiday celebration as a gesture of thanks for their continued support.
At the hotel, I met Lauren in the private dining room as the mayor arrived. “As usual, everything looks lovely. Thank you.”
Helena Naylor was a friend of Rhonda’s and mine, and I was delighted to arrange this luncheon reservation for her.
As her guests began to arrive, I left Lauren in charge and went to the hospitality office to check on the progress there.
Several years ago, we’d initiated some unique arrangements for guests staying at the hotel for Christmas Eve.
This year, we’d continue the practice of providing gifts for our guests, along with cocoa, cookies, and notes for Santa.
Some guests even sent personal, private gifts ahead to be delivered to their rooms late on Christmas Eve.
It was a lot of extra work for our employees, but it was worth the effort because we sold out early.
I walked into the office to find Dorothy Stern and her friends wrapping gifts for the guests.
This year, we stuck to the gold and silver theme the decorator had chosen for us.
As we did for some fundraisers, we allowed certain shops in town to include stocking gifts along with ours.
It was a smart way for them to introduce their products, and it helped fill our gift boxes.
I went over to Dorothy and hugged her. “I’m glad to see you. Thanks for your help.” I recognized her two friends and spoke to them. “Have you ordered lunch from the dining room?”
“Oh, yes,” said one of the women. “Dorothy made those arrangements for us.”
Through thick glasses, Dorothy’s eyes twinkled. “We even tasted a special holiday dessert that will be served this evening.”
Chuckling, I said, “I’ll check on you later.”
As I walked back to the office, I saw Bernie and waved. I was tickled to see the red tie he was wearing. No doubt, Annette had chosen it for him.
Rhonda was just leaving as I walked into our office.
“Did you have fun this morning?” she asked.
“Yes. It’s exciting to see all the Christmas decorations downtown. I was even able to get a few stocking stuffers.”
“I said I’d meet Nell and Tina for afternoon tea. Angela is hoping to join me,” said Rhonda.
“Go. Have fun. I’ll see you tomorrow. Annette is handling the dinner tonight.”
###
That evening, Tina, Nell, and I watched the kids in the pool at my house while Vaughn, Clint, and Nick stood talking around the barbecue as Vaughn grilled steaks. The children had already eaten, giving the adults some moments to ourselves.
From a distance, I watched the interaction between Vaughn and Nick, who’d been friends for years and kidded each other.
Clint was at ease with them and added to the teasing naturally.
It was rewarding to see him like this, easygoing and pleasant as he’d always been.
I had the feeling that a sail with the men had helped a lot and intended to ask Vaughn about it later.
“It’s lovely to be here,” said Tina. “I’ve looked forward to it for months.
I haven’t said much about it, but early in the year, Nick and I faced rumors of our divorce.
It wasn’t true, of course, but once the rumor mill starts something like that, you can’t help but go through a period of doubting. ”
Nell turned to her. “Do you just pretend it never happened?”
“Of course not,” said Tina. “Just believe in one another and communicate. I understand you’ve gone through something like it.”
Nell frowned and nodded. “I didn’t know what to think when Claudine came into the picture. She really went after Clint. I was at home, frustrated with my life. It was a combination that could have turned out to be awful.”
“I understand,” said Tina. “But I hear you’re going to be working at the hotel doing something you love while the kids are in school.”
“I’ve wanted to do something useful for a long time. I mean, in addition to being there for Clint and my kids.”
“It’s a fine line, but I’m happy for you that you’ve managed to work it out,” said Tina. “When I’m away for a movie, I go through the same feelings of wanting to be with my kids and still wanting to do something for myself.”
Nell hugged Tina and turned to me with eyes swimming with tears. “I’m grateful I can talk to you. Women helping each other, supporting one another, is important.”
I faced them. “We’re family, and we’ll always do that. Right?”
We smiled at one another.
###
At dinner, I asked Clint how the sailing had gone.
He grinned and glanced at Vaughn and Nick. “Great. I’m not going to lie; it was a challenge the first time the boat heeled. I had to remember I wasn’t going to end up in the water like last time. But Vaughn knows I love sailing, and I love his boat. Once I knew I could totally relax, I was fine.”
Vaughn gave him a steady look. “You’re a true sailor. If you were scared, you never showed it. We’ve had many hours together on that boat. Now, we’ll have many more.”
“I understand the Coast Guard rescued you,” said Tina.
“Guess why they were out there,” said Vaughn. “Chasing smugglers.”
“Thank God, they stopped to help,” said Nell.
Clint returned her smile with such a sexy look I knew everything was right between them.
###
After everyone was down for the night, Vaughn and I cuddled together in our bed. I loved these times of lying close and talking.
“How did it go on the boat with Clint? I know he feels better about sailing. Did it take away some of your guilt to see him comfortable there?”
“Yeah, I guess. He had a chance to ask me some questions about what is going on for me, and I got the sense that feelings were back to normal between us.”
“Oh, that makes me happy. What a relief. Tomorrow is going to be busy with our Christmas Eve dinner here at the house. Stephanie and Randolph Willis are thrilled to join us, along with Annette and Bernie. Tina, Nick, and the kids will be with us for the meal. After dinner, we’ll all go to Rhonda’s for dessert and a nightcap, giving the kids a chance to be together.
Barring any problems at the hotel, I’ll be busy here at home most of the day with a few quick runs to and from the hotel. ”
“I’ll take the kids to do some shopping of their own and out to lunch or go wherever they want,” said Vaughn. “How about that?”
I hugged him hard. “That’ll be perfect.”
His lips met mine, and I thought our relationship was the best gift I’d ever been given.