by Judith Keim
Rita was the sister of Elena Ramos, who worked part-time for me. Both were attractive, ambitious women who attended courses at the local community college. Neither Rhonda nor I could imagine our lives without them. As soon as Rhonda unexpectedly became pregnant after Willow, she immediately gave Rita a huge raise that ensured Rita’s decision to stay.
Upstairs, Rhonda was in the sitting room off the master bedroom, a favorite spot of hers. It was a cozy space that overlooked a back garden and pool area. We’d shared many secrets, worries, and decisions here.
Rhonda was sitting in a comfortable, upholstered chair in front of the French doors leading to an outside balcony and waved me to the chair opposite hers. “Thanks for coming, Annie. I need to build up my confidence so I can pull off this meeting with Katherine.”
“She isn’t easy for anyone, Rhonda. But there’s no reason for you to feel less about yourself when you’re around her. You’re a good person, beloved by all. She, on the other hand, may have her summer cottage in Newport and penthouse in New York, but she doesn’t have the circle of friends and supporters that you have. That’s priceless.”
“I keep telling myself that, but she’s never going to ‘get’ me. Ya know?” said Rhonda.
“Probably so,” I said, being honest. “In-laws can be either wonderful or not so great. I like Chad’s mother, but we have such different lives it’s hard to keep close.”
“But she and Vaughn have worked together in Community Theater projects. So that helps.”
“Yes, it does,” I admitted. “The kids want us all to get along. And that’s what Angela wants. Especially with this second baby coming.”
“That’s why I’m going to try my best.”
“By the way,” I said. “I’m glad we have this time to talk about Lindsay staying at the hotel. I’ve offered to have her at my house, and I will gladly follow through. But I think she’s probably safest at the hotel. Don’t you agree?”
“Yes. As long as we have those extra security guards on duty, she should be fine. That’s something we have to discuss with Amelia. Will told me we shouldn’t have any problem being reimbursed under these special circumstances.”
“I wondered about that. It seems only fair. But thank Will for that piece of advice.” Rhonda’s husband was a successful financial consultant who had extensive experience dealing with government contracts and reimbursement procedures.
“How’s Reggie doing?” I asked Rhonda. Reggie had joined Will’s company and was learning a lot even though he’d at one time pooh-poohed the idea of working in a company that wasn’t his father’s international firm.
“Will says Reggie is bright, courteous, and creative. No wonder his parents are angry he decided to stay in Florida and work with Will.”
“It was a blow to them. That’s another reason to be kind to Katherine.”
Rhonda shrugged. “I guess. Finish your coffee, and we can take off. I’d rather be early than late.”
###
We traveled up I-75 to Ft. Myers to the Southwest Florida International Airport. There, in the baggage area, we’d meet Katherine.
As we parked the car and climbed out, I observed the tension in Rhonda’s body. Beneath her caftan, her body was stiff with worry. I noted the diamonds sparkling on her ears, fingers, and wrists and knew she’d put them on like a coat of armor. In truth, as Rhonda had mentioned earlier, she was wealthier than Reggie’s parents; she just didn’t have their connections and pedigree. Having come from a somewhat rough background in New Jersey, she couldn’t compete in that arena. But while Katherine claimed to know a lot of people, I thought it was more like a name-dropping game than real.
I stayed right at Rhonda’s side as we entered the baggage claim area. We checked incoming flights and saw that Katherine’s plane had already arrived. In the stream of passengers entering the area, I saw Katherine striding toward us with purpose.
When I’d first met her, I’d thought that with her long legs, sharp nose, and narrow neck, Katherine resembled a blue heron on the hunt. She still had that intimidating air about her.
Rhonda waved at her and stepped forward.
Katherine frowned and stopped.
As we approached, Rhonda said, “Welcome, Katherine. We’re here to take you to Angela’s.”
Katherine drew her lips together. “I expressly told Angela that I’d take a cab to their house.”
“I know,” said Rhonda cheerfully. “But my daughter asked me to pick you up. So here we are. Nice to see you again.”
“Okay, thanks. I guess I’m stuck.” Katherine retorted and then turned to me with a sly smile. “How are you, Ann? And that handsome husband of yours? I’ve told everyone whom I know that Vaughn and I are friends. They all envy me.” Her voice held a note of triumph, and I realized all over again why I’d never liked her.
Still, I tried to be pleasant. “We’re all fine, thank you.”
“Did you have a nice trip?” Rhonda asked, smiling. I knew her well enough to understand what effort she was making to be pleasant.
“Not really.” Katherine shook her head. “Travel isn’t what it used to be. Now, anyone and everyone are aboard the plane with all their backpacks and pillows and things of that kind.”
“But surely you traveled first class,” said Rhonda innocently.
“Of course,” Katherine said. “I’d never travel any other way.”
“In that case, it couldn’t have been too awful,” Rhonda said.
Noticing Rhonda’s flared nostrils, I quickly added, “And for such a wonderful purpose.”
Katherine looked directly at Rhonda. “Angela asked me to come help with Evan and then told me she wanted me with her at the hospital when the new baby comes.”
Rhonda’s eyes widened. Her cheeks flushed. “It was very nice of her to extend that invitation to you. As her mother, I’ll, of course, be there too.”
“Well,” I said, trying to ease the tension between them, “let’s get your luggage, Katherine, and then we can be on our way. I’m sure you’re anxious to see your grandson.”
“All right. It’s two Louis Vuitton suitcases. I doubt we’ll see any others.”
Rhonda rolled her eyes and followed us to the conveyor belt.
After we retrieved her luggage, we headed to Rhonda’s Mercedes station wagon, where we quickly loaded up. She usually drove a Cadillac convertible, but for this occasion, she’d chosen something more practical.
“Where’s Manny? I thought he was your driver,” said Katherine.
“I’m perfectly capable of driving,” said Rhonda. “He’s busy with something at the hotel. We’re very busy with some special guests.”
I glared at her.
Smiling, I turned to Katherine. “But then, if you remember, all of our guests are special. Your friends, the Larkins from Palm Beach, have been back to visit a couple of times.”
“Yes, Bettina has mentioned it,” Katherine said quietly.
Rhonda held open the door to the back seat. “I think you’ll find it roomy and comfortable back here. There’s a bottle of cold water there waiting for you.”
“Thank you,” said Katherine. “But it’s such a waste to have plastic water bottles.”
Rhonda's lips thinned.
I sent her a warning look. “That’s why we try not to abuse the use of them. But it’s good to be sanitary. And we do recycle them.”
“Oh, yes, Ann. I agree with you.”
After Katherine had settled in her seat, Rhonda walked around the back of the car to get into the driver’s seat, and I climbed in front beside her.
Trying to keep things smooth, I asked Katherine about her weather and what was happening in the City.
Katherine, pleased to be the center of attention, spoke of the weather both at her home in Newport and in the City. Making sure, I suppose, that we realized once more her social status.
I noticed Rhonda’s grip on the steering wheel tighten and asked Katherine if she’d seen any interesting plays recently. Broadway play
s were something I loved to see whenever I got to New York.
She chatted about the latest one she’d seen and then asked nicely, “And how is Robbie, that adorable boy of yours? He looks so much like Vaughn.”
“He’s doing very well in school and has become quite a sailor, thank you.” I glanced at Rhonda. “He loves getting together with Willow and Drew. Rhonda and Will have created a beautiful outdoor playground behind their home for the kids.”
“Oh, nice,” said Katherine. “With the weather in Florida enjoyable much of the year, children can be outside a lot. You’ll have to bring Robbie to Newport one day, Ann. Sailing is the big sport there. He’d love it. And then I could introduce my friends to Vaughn.”
“We’ll have to see. Vaughn’s schedule can be erratic.”
“I understand he has a new love interest in the show. She’s beautiful but so young.”
“So, I’ve heard. I haven’t seen her on screen yet. But Rhonda and I try to see the show as much as possible.” I knew I was impolite, but I couldn’t help myself. “Vaughn adores Rhonda and always asks for her opinion on the show.”
“Really?” said Katherine. “I’m surprised.”
“Yeah,” said Rhonda. “Vaughn and I are close.”
“Looks like we’re here,” I said as Rhonda pulled into a cute neighborhood.
Katherine sighed loudly. “I don’t understand why Reggie would buy anything here when he could have a much bigger, nicer home elsewhere.”
“It’s all about Evan and the baby. This is a neighborhood where Evan already has playgroups. And Angela and Reggie have made a lot of friends here,” said Rhonda. “It’s why I helped him pick out the house.”
Katherine let out another noisy sigh. “Things could be so different.”
Rhonda pulled up in front of a white, one-story stucco house. From the curb, it was impossible to see how large it was because it extended into the oversized, fenced-in back yard where a screened-in lanai and pool still left room for a swing set and other toys for a toddler.
As we climbed out of the car, Angela emerged from the house, looking every bit like a woman about to deliver a baby. Holding onto Evan’s hand, she called out, “Hello!” and released him.
He immediately raced to Rhonda. “Hi, Gammy! Up! Up!”
Rhonda swung him up in her arms and hugged him tightly.
Katherine approached. “Hi, Evan. I’m Grandmother. I’m here to see you.”
Evan hid his face in Rhonda’s caftan.
“Here, I’ll take him,” said Angela. She held Evan for a moment and then placed him into Katherine’s arms.
A smile crossed Katherine’s face, and I realized that she was quite attractive without the constant pinched look she wore.
“My! He’s grown so much! He’s heavy,” she declared.
“He’s going to keep you busy, Katherine.” Angela glanced at her mother.
“Yes, he’s a busy boy,” Rhonda said crisply.
I gave Angela a hug. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I’m ready to pop,” she said, laughing. “They say the jump from one child to two is a big one.”
“You’ve got that right,” said Rhonda. “But, if you’re lucky, the baby and Evan will be friends like my two.”
“Depends whether the baby is a boy or a girl. We don’t want Evan playing girl games,” said Katherine.
Too astonished to speak for a moment, I glanced at Angela, who was frowning.
“My two do very well together,” said Rhonda. “As you might not remember, Katherine, I have both a boy and a girl. Willow and Drew.”
I exchanged worried looks with Angela.
Angela, bless her heart, caught on. “My half-sister and half-brother are adorable. Willow and Evan play together all the time.”
“Oh, well,” sniffed Katherine. “I didn’t mean to upset everyone. It’s just that I always wanted Reggie to have friends who had similar, appropriate interests.”
“Reggie’s learned to be a big help around the house vacuuming, cleaning, taking care of Evan. Isn’t that right, Angela?” said Rhonda.
Aware of the game being played, Angela hesitated, then nodded. “He’s a good father and husband. You’ll see for yourself, Katherine.” She faced Rhonda. “Thank you for picking up Katherine, as I asked. I appreciate it.”
“I’ll help with the luggage,” I offered. “Then, Rhonda and I need to get back to the hotel.”
“You can’t stay for coffee or something?” Angela asked, looking as if she desperately wanted us to agree.
“Sorry,” said Rhonda, not acting sorry at all. “We have some important things to take care of.” She kissed her and headed to the car, waving her ringing phone in the air. “I have to take this call.”
I helped Katherine inside with her luggage and wheeled a suitcase into the guest room. Angela had placed a vase of fresh flowers in the room. A nice touch. I glanced at the plastic bottle of water sitting on the bedside table and wondered whether Katherine would comment on it negatively as she’d done with Rhonda. No doubt about it, Katherine was a difficult person.
I gave Angela a hug and left.
As soon as I settled in the car, Rhonda sputtered. “That woman is impossible!”
“Yes, she is. But you’re stuck with her. Good luck!”
Rhonda frowned. “That’s it? That’s all you’re going to say?”
“Yes.”
“But, Annie, I need you to say more,” said Rhonda.
“Alright, she’s a frickin’ bitch,” I said.
Rhonda grinned at me. “Ah, that’s better. Now I don’t feel so bad.”
We laughed together.
CHAPTER EIGHT
I followed Rhonda into our office and took a seat at my desk. During the night, something had niggled at my brain. I checked the reservations, and, sure enough, we’d promised Tina Marks the use of the guesthouse for an extended stay after her and Nicholas Swain’s baby was born sometime in May, just a few weeks away. I made a note to myself to mark that time on the calendar for Lindsay to come and stay with me. As much as I loved Tina, I thought the guesthouse would be a better place for her to stay.
I made a few phone calls regarding our upcoming annual spring event. Each year, after most of the snowbirds had left and we’d reclaimed our town, Rhonda and I hosted a Sunday brunch for the locals. This year, we’d hoped to take the time to thank everyone for their approval of the gate to the property. But because Brock Goodwin was gathering support against it, that wasn’t going to happen. Instead, we’d thank them for their understanding of any inconvenience when we had someone famous in the hotel.
Rhonda handed me a note. “The Neighborhood Association is meeting tonight. Will and I will attend with you, but you’ll have to speak, as usual.”
I hated confrontation. No matter how polite and willing to compromise we were, Brock would keep any disagreement nasty. I always found these meetings difficult. But as we both agreed, it was best if I represented the hotel. Rhonda would not be able to hold back when Brock played his nasty word games.
I called Elena to make sure she could pick up Robbie and stay through the evening with him. She’d married Troy Taylor, the head of the spa at the hotel, and lived nearby, making it convenient for both of us. Though she was no longer working as a full-time nanny, Elena was more than happy to continue part-time. When the time came that she could no longer do it, a younger sister was ready to take her place.
With plans laid for the rest of the day, I went into the kitchen to check on Jean-Luc. He was in his small office off the kitchen doing paperwork.
“Good morning,” I said, waiting for him to respond.
He looked up at me. “Bonjour, Ann. How are you?”
“I’m fine, but I’m curious. I understand you’ve been spending some time at the guesthouse. You’ve seen Lindsay, and Amelia mentioned dinner together last night. How do you think things are going? Lindsay looked a little better to me. And now she’s decided to extend her stay.”
The features of his face softened, and a smile played at his lips, chasing away his typical stoic look. “On my time off, Lindsay and I have done a lot of talking. We talk of France. It’s been beneficial for us both, I think. I remember good times with Sabine, and it helps to speak about her. Lindsay understands how much I miss her, how guilty I feel about that automobile accident that took her away.”
“It’s wonderful you can open up to one another.”
“I know,” he said. “It makes me furious to see Lindsay so wounded in spirit and body.”
“It’s very upsetting.”
“She’s a lovely woman,” said Jean-Luc. “So genuine. I’d heard of this terrible husband of hers, but until I saw what he did to her, I didn’t understand.”
“It’s shocking,” I agreed. “The fact that his family was willing to sweep his behavior away as if it was nothing is frightening. It was only after the judge forced him to go into rehab that the news finally got out. By then, she’d filed for divorce.”
Jean-Luc gave her a worried look. “He still doesn’t want to give her up.”
“Too late, I’d say.”
“Well, I’ve agreed to continue to see her as a friend. For some reason, she can talk to me. Her therapist told her it was a good thing.”
My lips curved as I studied him. He was a proud man, comfortable with authority, but I saw through what others said was a crusty presence to the man beneath. I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Have I told you how much I admire you, Jean-Luc? You’re a sweet man.”
“Bah!” he said, waving away any sentimentality.
But I saw how pleased he was.
###
Late that afternoon, as soon as I could get away, I left the hotel to see Robbie and change my clothes for the upcoming neighborhood meeting.
When I arrived home, Trudy greeted me at the door with barks and wiggles and then raced out back to where Robbie was swimming in the pool with Elena. One of the conditions we made with Robbie when Vaughn bought his sailboat was he had to continue with his swimming lessons. Not only for safety reasons but because he needed a healthy physical activity. Liz had been a good swimmer growing up, and Robbie had the same effortless grace in the water as she.
