by Judith Keim
I sat quietly with her in the dining room as she bit into her second cinnamon roll.
Rhonda spoke. “You know how well known we are in the community for our Sunday Brunches. We need to bring in more people. Do you have any suggestions?”
Terri finished swallowing and nodded. “Let’s talk about some of your famous guests. You just had the vice president of the United States here. That’s big news in this town.”
“Terri, you know we can’t do that,” I said. “Each guest is assured of privacy when they stay at our hotel.”
“Hold on. Brock Goodwin tells me that I should keep my eye on things, that there might be some other famous people staying here.”
I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise.
Before I could say anything, Rhonda said, “Brock Goodwin is a major asshole. You can’t believe anything he says.”
Terri puffed up with indignation. “Well, for your information, I know that Thomas Thaxton was here and left abruptly. Brock confirmed it.”
I could see frustration building inside Rhonda and quickly said, “Let’s try a different angle. Let’s talk about the food and the chef behind it.” The minute the words left my mouth, I wished I could take them back. Would anyone, including Jean-Luc himself, inadvertently mention Lindsay?
I saw the look of dismay on Rhonda’s face and knew she was worried about it too.
“We could give you some of our recipes to use. For anything but the cinnamon rolls,” Rhonda said.
“I’ll do both, the interview and the recipes,” said Terri with a look of satisfaction I dreaded.
Rhonda and I exchanged worried glances but didn’t want Terri to notice our distress. Thankfully, she was reaching for another roll.
As soon as the meeting with Terri was over, I hurried into the kitchen to talk to Jean-Luc.
He was sitting at his desk but stood when I approached. “What is it?”
I told him about the upcoming interview with Terri and warned him to be careful about any talk of Lindsay from either his staff or himself.
Jean-Luc frowned. “I don’t like it. I remember that woman. She is a ... serpent dans l’herbe!
“I know. I think of her as a snake in the grass, too,” I said. “That’s why I’m so sorry I thought of the idea to use you to promote our Sunday Brunches.”
He spread his arms and shrugged. “Ah, well, I’ll do the best I can with that woman, and I’ll warn my staff that my private life is my own.”
“Thank you. I know you enjoy Lindsay’s company, but we all have to be careful about keeping her safe.”
“She’s safe with me at my house,” said Jean-Luc. “Whit and Debra approve.”
“Yes, they told me so.” I touched Jean-Luc’s arm. “I’m happy that the two of you spend time together.”
“Me too.” Jean-Luc smiled. “I find her very easy to be with after losing Sabine.”
“She’s lovely,” I said, and his eyes lit with happiness.
I left him and went to talk to Bernie. Rhonda and I handled a lot of the publicity for the hotel, but we needed to keep him informed.
“I understand your worry about Terri Thomas,” Bernie said. “Especially because she’s been talking to Brock Goodwin. Funny, though, I haven’t seen him around lately.”
“You will,” I said. “He can’t resist coming here to see what’s happening.”
###
Just before it was time to leave to go home, Rhonda looked up from her computer, where she was investigating gift ideas for weddings. “I haven’t found anything exactly like Liz’s bracelet idea and think we should go ahead and place an order right away for more samples. Lorraine just sent me a message saying the Carpenter wedding party in June is interested in Liz’s work.
“Wonderful! Liz will be thrilled.” I was exhausted by the ups and downs of the day. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a margarita before I head home. Elena called to say that she and Troy are taking Robbie shopping with them.”
“Margaritas here at The Beach House Hotel? Sounds perfect. I’ll call Will and tell him I’ll be a little late, that we have a short business meeting to get through.”
I laughed. Will knew exactly what that meant and approved the need for us to spend some downtime together.
As we walked into the bar to place our orders, I noticed Brock seated at the bar and was tempted to turn back, but he’d already seen us. “Hello, Ann! Rhonda! What’s new?”
“Nothin’,” said Rhonda sullenly, bringing a frown to his face.
Wanting to make peace, I smiled pleasantly. “Busy as usual. You?”
“I think I may have a big deal in China. I’m working on it,” he said. “But you know how these things can take time. Can I buy you a drink?”
“Sure, Brock, go ahead and pay for something we can get on our own. How kind of you,” said Rhonda with enough sarcasm to end any conversation.
I shot her a warning look. “No, thank you. We’ve already placed our order.”
The bartender looked at me. “The usual?”
“Thanks. We’ll sit over there.” Before Rhonda could say anything else, I took hold of her arm and led her away to a table in the corner of the room.
“What are you doing?” Rhonda whispered. “I wanted to make him leave.”
“Operation Bastard ... Remember?” I whispered back, punching in a message to Debra.
The bartender served us our drinks, and I sat back waiting for the next step in Operation Bastard to begin.
Sure enough, Whit strolled into the room wearing shorts and a T-shirt that showed off his bulging biceps. He stopped and stared at Brock. “Hey! What are you doing here?” he said to Brock. “I thought I told you to stay away.”
Brock straightened. “This is a public space. You can’t make me leave here. You’re just a guest, like me. Besides, I know the owners of the property.”
Whit walked over, leaned against the bar with one elbow, and faced Brock. “You spied on my bride and me. I didn’t like you then, and I don’t like you now.”
The bartender glanced at me.
Brock got to his feet. “Look, I don’t want a fight. I’ll leave, but I’m reporting you to the police for harassing me. Got it?” He flipped a few bills onto the counter and stalked over to Rhonda and me.
“I hope you heard that. I’m going to report that man to the police for harassing me. I was minding my own business. Neither of you stood up for me. I’m going to remember that. And if you think I don’t know something fishy is going on here, you’re crazy.”
“I have no idea what the disagreement is between the two of you,” I lied. “The man might’ve been rude to you, but he didn’t touch you. I don’t think that’s reportable.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were in cahoots with him,” said Brock.
“Why would we do that?” Rhonda asked, sounding as if she really meant it.
“We want all our guests to be comfortable,” I said.
Brock stared at me, then turned on his heel and stomped away.
Whit left the bar a few minutes later, carrying two margaritas with him. No doubt for Debra and Lindsay.
“Whit would scare me too,” said Rhonda. “Did you get a load of those biceps, the way he flexed his muscles?”
“Yes. It made me feel good about Lindsay being protected by him,” I said. “Now, tell me about your latest visit with Angela and the baby.”
Rhonda grinned. “Sally is so smart. I swear she’s going to talk early. Like Willow.”
I laughed. “She’s less than a month old.”
“I know, I know, but I’m her grandmother,” said Rhonda.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
At home, the house seemed too empty. Trudy followed me around as I wandered from one room to the next, remembering how good it felt to have the others around. With Robbie spending time with two of his favorite people, I had the house to myself.
I poured myself a glass of pinot noir, fixed a plate of nibbles, and t
ook them out by the pool. One margarita was all I usually had, preferring an excellent red wine instead. I sat on the edge of the pool and dipped my legs into the water, enjoying the coolness against the warm air. There was something about the salty fresh air and warmth of the sun that made my body happy. While I was growing up in Boston, my grandmother had kept her house cool, and for so many reasons, I’d never felt warm there.
My thoughts wandered back to the present. Weddings and babies were such a big part of my life right now.
As if by magic, my cell rang, and I discovered Tina Marks at the other end.
“Tina! How are you? How’s that baby boy of yours?”
“Little Victor is wonderful. I’m so glad I named him after my brother. It brings me a lot of joy to see this happy baby after knowing how difficult Victor’s own life was.” She paused. “And, I think he somehow knows.”
Tina’s mentally-challenged brother, Victor, had died in a house fire that had occurred because of her mother’s careless smoking. It was something Tina would never forget, blaming herself for not being there to protect him.
“It’s sweet that you’re carrying on his name. I know how much he meant to you,” I said. “Any idea when you’re planning to come for a stay? Nell was just here with her baby, and she’s going to come back in a couple of months when staying in the New Mothers Program will be easier.”
“That makes sense. That’s why I’m calling. I wanted to come to you sometime soon, but I’ve been given an interesting script. It’s about a woman whose husband stalks her. If I get the role in the movie, I won’t be able to come to Florida until late summer or early fall. Will that work for you?”
“Yes, of course. I can’t wait to see you and the baby. How’s Nicholas?” Nicholas Swain, her husband, was a well-known Hollywood director.
“He’s wonderful. He’s directing the film and specifically wants me to be in the movie. It’s going to be very interesting working with him because he makes me believe I can do anything.”
I laughed. “Tina, I know what a strong, talented person you are.”
She giggled. “But he’s magical. I swear I never knew love could be so wonderful.” Her voice changed. “Heaven knows I didn’t have much of it growing up.”
“Well, everyone in the family loves you and can’t wait for you to come.” It was strange how some guests became so close. Tina was one of the special ones.
I chatted a few minutes more with her and clicked off the call.
Trudy did a happy dance on her short legs when Robbie joined me outside.
Elena followed him. “As usual, Robbie was great with us. How are you doing now that Vaughn is gone?”
“I was feeling a little sorry for myself until I got a call from a friend. And now you’re here.”
“If you’re offering a cup of coffee, I’d take one,” said Elena.
“That sounds good. Let’s go into the kitchen, and while Robbie plays, we can talk.”
As I made two cups of coffee, I asked, “Is everything all right?”
She shrugged and accepted a cup from me. “Troy wants to expand his business. In addition to handling the spa at the hotel, he wants to open another spa farther up the coast. I don’t think it’s a good idea and want to know what you think of it.”
“Troy hasn’t mentioned it to Rhonda or me. Does he know you’re talking to me?” I asked, unsettled by the idea.
Elena gave me a sheepish look. “No, but I’m talking to you woman-to-woman.”
“If you’re asking about the need for you to step into his business to help him, I would suggest speaking to Liz. She’s had to do that for Chad.”
“How’s it going?” Elena asked.
“The business has its ups and downs. At the moment, Liz is trying for a baby. That’s what’s consuming her. That and the new jewelry business she’s setting up.” I told Elena about the idea of custom jewelry for new mothers and bridal groups.
“I love that,” said Elena. “Maybe she could include a symbol for the spa. That would help Troy’s business.”
“Suggest it to her,” I said. “As for the other topic, tell Troy to feel free to come to Rhonda and me anytime.”
“Okay, thanks. I respect your decision not to discuss it with me.”
###
That night as I talked to Vaughn in bed, I told him about my conversation with Elena.
“Are you worried Troy will devote too much of his attention to any outside project?” he asked.
“It crossed my mind,” I admitted, “but he’s young and should have the opportunity to grow his business. I’ll talk it over with Rhonda to see how she feels about it before approaching Troy.”
“Business is never static, you know,” Vaughn said.
“That’s the truth,” I said. “In the hotel business, the fluctuations are constant. We’re hoping to increase our Sunday brunch business with Terri Thomas’s article in the newspaper. She’s revisiting the property tomorrow morning with a photographer and will interview Jean-Luc.”
“He agreed to an interview?” Vaughn said.
“Good man that he is, he’s doing it for us. And, no, he doesn’t like the idea, and it’s all my fault for suggesting it. Especially when Lindsay is here at the hotel. He’s afraid a connection will be made between the two of them by someone speaking out about it.”
“I understand his worry. As I said in the beginning, it’s a huge responsibility you and Rhonda have taken on. I’m glad that Debra and Whit are there with Lindsay.”
“Yes, me too.”
Vaughn’s voice lowered to a sexy whisper. “I’ve been thinking about you.”
“You have?” I said, playing along. These harmless little games could be a lot of fun.
By the time I’d described the fictional nightgown I was wearing, we were both laughing.
“Ah, Ann,” he said. “I miss you. Have a good sleep. I’ll talk to you tomorrow night. And, if I can, I’ll call Robbie at dinner time. I miss him too.”
“And Trudy?” I asked, stroking her ears. When Vaughn was away, she sometimes divided her time between Robbie and me.
“And Trudy,” he admitted. “Love you all.”
“We love you too,” I said, clicking off the call. I realized I’d forgotten to ask him about seeing Simon, the producer.
###
The next morning Terri Thomas arrived promptly at ten with a photographer. The breakfast rush had died down, and because Jean-Luc didn’t normally come in until eleven, he was available for the interview, which we’d scheduled to take place in his office.
Rhonda and I stood by nervously, hoping that his distaste of the woman remained well hidden. Terri’s job as a reporter on the social scene meant many people paid attention to her, and she’d grown to believe she wielded a lot of sway in the community. As much as I didn’t care for her, I, like Rhonda, treated her very well. This interview, usually not allowed by Jean-Luc, was a prime example.
To Jean-Luc’s credit, he handled the interview with aplomb, injecting French charm into it, delighting Terri. As the interview was ending, I felt my earlier tension leave.
“One last question,” Terri said. “A single, handsome man like you is a catch for any woman in the area. However, I understand you have a mystery girlfriend. Care to give me the inside scoop on who the lovely lady is?”
Jean-Luc stiffened. “Absolument non!”
Terri raised her hands in defense. “Okay, okay. I get it. Your private life is your own.” She paused. “At least for now! These things eventually come out. So, whoever she is, she’s one lucky woman snagging a man like you who cooks!”
Jean-Luc was visibly upset as he said good-bye to Terri and left the kitchen.
“Sorry,” said Terri watching him leave. “I hit a real sore spot. But he should be warned people are talking.”
My body turned ice-cold. “What people?”
She gave Rhonda and me a coy look. “A little birdie?”
“A big fuckin’ turkey called Brock Goodwi
n, I’m guessin’,” Rhonda said.
Terri put a finger to her lips. “Shhh. I didn’t tell you a thing.”
Rhonda handed Terri the two recipes we’d typed up for her. “You’d better tell that snoop to lay low around here. Got it?”
Terri’s cheeks flushed. “What are two trying to hide, anyway?”
“Nothing,” I said. “As many in the neighborhood know, Brock is always trying to cause trouble with the hotel and us. It goes back to the beginning when neighbors took our side in a couple of disputes.”
“Yeah, he thinks he’s lord of his kingdom or something like that,” said Terri. “But I have to admit that he’s a good source of information.”
“If we have something we think you need to know, we’ll be in touch,” I said, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. Terri was nosy, but she wasn’t cruel.
Consuela came over to us holding a paper bag. “Here are the sweet rolls for Ms. Thomas to take home with her.”
Terri’s face lit. “Thank you! I can’t have too many of them.”
Rhonda said, “I’ll walk you out to your car.”
I said goodbye to Terri and sank onto a chair in the kitchen feeling sick.
###
A few days later, Rhonda and I sat in the living room of the guesthouse with Lindsay, Debra, and Whit to discuss final plans for the wedding, which was to be held next week. Lorraine had booked a large one for the same day and was relieved Debra and Whit’s would be small enough not to require her presence.
While we were talking, Lorraine called. “Hi, Ann. The minister who’s handling the ceremony for Debra and Whit is here to see me about another wedding party, but I thought they might like to meet him. As part of his service, he usually spends at least a short amount of time with the bride and groom beforehand.”
“Sounds good,” I said. “Why don’t I have them meet him in your office right now. They can walk over and be there in a few minutes.”
