The Inn At Pelican Beach (Pelican Beach Book 1)

by Michele Gilcrest

  "Oh. Excuse me. How could I miss such a handsome man standing right here in front of me? My name is Rebecca Matthews, and you are?"

  "Cole Miller, nice to meet you." Cole started blushing.

  It was all I could do to keep from rolling my eyes. I couldn't stand it when Rebecca was so forward with men.

  Cole shook her hand.

  "Ladies, I'm going to let you catch up. I have an appointment that I need to get to. Payton, I'll see you bright and early on Thursday morning. Rebecca, it was a nice meeting, you.”

  “Have a great dayyyy.”

  "You too."

  Rebecca watched him as he walked out of the Inn.

  "Good Lord, that man is hot."

  I stood, staring at Rebecca as she watched Cole leave.

  "What? It's not my fault; he's so good looking."

  "Rebecca, this is our place of business. Will you stop it."

  "I know where I am, Payton. Stop being so uptight. You're starting to sound like Abby."

  "Whatever. Follow me."

  I waved hello to Nancy at the front desk before making my way outside to talk with Rebecca privately.

  "I'm not sure what you're doing here, but we agreed that I would talk to Dad, remember?"

  "I know, but this morning I was thinking about it and decided maybe I could be of some help."

  "Well, you can't right now. We already agreed that we wouldn’t bombard him.”

  “I didn’t want to bombard him … I just thought.”

  “How would you feel if the roles were reversed and both of your kids were approaching you about a conversation that one overheard?”

  “True.”

  "Either way, Dad seems to be confident because he gave Cole the go ahead for the renovation project. When the time is right I was going to gently bring it up.”

  "Okay, I was just trying to help."

  "Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on it."

  "On another note, tell me more about Cole."

  "Don't you have somewhere to be? Like at a place called work?"

  "I have a few minutes to spare. What's with you? Whatever happened to you being the fun middle sister that didn't behave like an old prude?"

  "I don't know what that's supposed to mean, Becca. Nothing happened to me except life, I suppose. I grew up. I matured. We're not in college anymore. Yet, you're still acting like a wild bronco that needs to be tamed."

  "I know we're not in college, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun. You and Abby found your guys. Even if it didn't work out, you had your shot at marriage. I was the one left behind while everyone else was off building their dream life."

  "Please. Some dream life. My so-called dream life left me right where I started. Back in Pelican Beach."

  "You're missing my point, Sis. I'm sorry your situation didn't work out for you. I really am. But at least you had an opportunity to go and make something of your life."

  "You have the same opportunity, Becca. So far, from where I sit, you are making something of your life. Hello, Miss lawyer, extraordinaire."

  "That's just it. Since I wasn't able to find "the one," the least I could do was build a successful career. But my real heart's desire is to settle down and have a family."

  "Have you ever considered your approach?"

  "No, what's wrong with my approach?"

  "It screams that you’re desperate to meet someone. Wouldn't you rather let your relationships develop naturally?"

  "I guess, but I don't see anything wrong with putting yourself out there."

  "Well, I don't see anything wrong with getting to know someone without an agenda."

  Rebecca seemed a little dismissive of the idea.

  "Perspective is everything. I don't see it through the same lenses. I'm just making it known that I'm available for conversation. If it doesn't work out, then it doesn't work out."

  "Okay, Miss Perspective. You have fun with that. I need to get back to work. Mom wants me to head over to the flower shop to take a look at some arrangements for the Inn."

  "Alright. I guess I should be heading back as well. Keep me posted about Dad."

  "Will do."

  William

  I confess sometimes I have a habit of burying my head in the sand when it comes to work. Often times, I forget to come up for air. Helen hates it when I get overly consumed. If only she could see that I'm just trying to set up the best possible future for the family.

  Everybody was out in the living room having a good time. I was in my usual location, the home office. Since today was a family day, I figured I would hurry along. If not, Helen would come looking for me.

  "Will, we agreed this was going to be a relaxing weekend with the family. What are you doing?" She came looking for me just as expected.

  "I won't be long. Just looking through some paperwork that I need to send over to the accountant. I also wanted to add on one or two more items for Cole to address in the renovations."

  "Is Cole available to start soon?"

  “Yep.”

  "Wonderful. The sooner he starts, the better. If he gets the lobby area finished in early July, then we'll have a beautiful new entrance for our busiest season of the year."

  "That's the idea."

  "Maybe we can have him start upgrading the rooms in the fall. You know, one section of the Inn at a time to go easy on the cost."

  "Mmm-hmm."

  "Will, speaking of the cost, how are the funds looking?"

  "The numbers look fine to me. I have to meet with our accountant. He has his britches in a bunch about something. It's probably an oversight on his part. I plan on paying him a visit to set him straight."

  "That doesn't sound good."

  "Don't worry about a thing. I've done the finances for the Inn for as long as I can remember, and we've never had a problem."

  "We certainly haven't. It still never hurts to have a second pair of eyes. We're so busy with day to day operations we could use the extra help."

  "We have extra help. Why do you think I added new staff members this year?"

  "I meant with the back end items that help keep things afloat."

  "That's covered too, Helen." I knew my wife well enough to know that she was worrying. I got up and walked over to Helen and brushed her bangs to the side, before taking her into my arms.

  "I don't want you to worry about this, Helen. We've worked so hard our entire lives. It's time to be able to relax and enjoy some of the fruit of our labor before we're not here to enjoy it anymore."

  "I know, but…"

  "I'm going to tell you like I told Payton. No buts!"

  "Can I be frank with you, William?" She pulled back.

  "Sure, you can. Nothing has ever stopped you before."

  "I love our life at the Inn. I mean, yes, there's plenty of room for improvement to be made. We both could stand to slow down and smell the roses. But lately, you seem so stressed and frazzled. When I see you like that, I think it's no problem for me to step it up and help out more. We're in this together. We started this business together. We've had success, and hopefully, one day, we'll retire and live out our other dreams together."

  "I like the way that sounds. In the meantime, I still want you to make me a promise not to worry so much. I'm fine, and the business is fine. I just want to see you and the girls happy."

  "Me too. Speaking of being happy. What do you think about introducing Cole to Payton?"

  Oh, here we go with my wife's other passion. I turned and started walking back toward my desk.

  "Helen, I think that's a bad idea."

  "Why? He's such a respectable gentleman, he has his own business, he's very talented, and he has a sweet little girl. I honestly don't see the problem."

  "Cole is not the problem."

  "Well, neither is Payton."

  "I didn't say she was. You interfering in their business is the problem."

  "I beg your pardon." She couldn't really do anything but smile because she knew I was right.

  "You h
eard me. Payton is coming fresh out of a divorce and is in no position to be concerned with a new relationship. Cole is a father who has a little girl to look after. I'm sure his priority is making sure no one will come along and disrupt their happy home."

  "There's more than one way to flip this coin, William Matthews, but I'll leave it alone for now."

  "Yeah, right."

  I've known her long enough to know better. I smirked and shook my head at her before returning to work.

  "I'll be out in just a little bit to get the grill going."

  Helen grunted as she returned to be with the kids.

  Payton

  After the festivities subsided at Mom and Dad's, the family sat around and shared old memories. Mom brought out a few photo albums for everyone to pass around.

  Abby and Wyatt grabbed a glass of wine and laughed over pictures of when she was in Middle School. Rebecca and I admired photos of our parents leaning out of a car with a sign that read "just married."

  "Those were the good old days, weren't they, Will?"

  Dad sat in his recliner, looking a bit distracted. He was agreeing with mom but didn't seem too invested in the conversation.

  "That's right, Honey."

  After a few rounds of playing board games, most of us were ready to call it a night. However, dad lingered.

  "How's it going, baby girl?" We were all "baby girl" in his eyes, no matter how old we are.

  "It's going well, Dad. This was fun tonight. We should do it more often."

  "We should. I honestly don't know where the time is going. It seemed like we always had plans to have more family gatherings and trips, but we got busy and let time slip away from us."

  "You're talking like we've run out of time. We can still plan gatherings and trips."

  "Yes, but your dad is getting older. It's not quite the same."

  I tried to search his eyes for the hidden meaning behind what he was saying.

  "You want to join me for a walk?"

  "Sure. After you."

  It was a beautiful evening. The moonlight paved a bright pathway for an evening stroll along the beach. It seemed like dad had something weighing heavily on his heart.

  "Payton, I've been wanting to talk with you about your role at the Inn. Ever since you told us you were returning to Pelican Beach, I thought it might be nice to get you involved in the family business again. Of course, those were my thoughts. I wanted to check with you about your plans."

  "It's funny, I was just talking about this with Mom when we were at work on Friday. I promised that I would help out at the Inn. I figured it was the least I could do. You and Mom are being so gracious to let me come live with you for a while. In my spare time, I'd also like to work on building up my photography business. I was thinking that Pelican Beach is the perfect place to build a list of clients. We have the most gorgeous locations to take photos. Wedding photos, engagement photos, family photos, you name it."

  "I see."

  "You sound disappointed."

  "It's not that, Honey." Dad looked down toward the sand as we continued to walk. I suspected there was something that was bothering him.

  "What's wrong, Dad?"

  "I need you to keep what I'm about to tell you between you and me until I'm ready to say something to the others."

  "Of course."

  "My mind doesn't seem to be as sharp as it once used to be."

  "What are you talking about? Your mind is sharp as a tack."

  "Hear me out, Payton. I get distracted and disoriented a lot. Your mother was the first one to bring it to my attention. To be honest, I used to get downright mad at her for doing it. But now I'm catching myself, and it's starting to worry me a little. I haven't said anything to your mother and I won't because I don't want her to worry. I don't even know that there's anything to worry about. But this is all the more reason that I need your help. At least for a little while until I get to the bottom of what's going on."

  "Of course. Dad, you know I would do anything for you. Have you been to the doctor?"

  "I have an appointment scheduled in two weeks. I couldn't get anything earlier. This doctor is one of the best."

  "Okay, well, I'm happy to go with you for moral support."

  "We'll see. I may tell your mother by then. I'm not sure yet. Either way, it would mean so much to have another family member around to help with day to day operations. With all three of us, there should be plenty of flexibility for you to still work on your photography."

  "Sure, Dad. Just make me a promise."

  "I'll try."

  "Say something to Mom sooner rather than later, okay?"

  "I will."

  "And one more thing. While we're on the subject of the Inn. I accidentally picked up your telephone line and overheard part of a heated conversation with your accountant. I promise it wasn't my intention to pick up your line, but…"

  "What did you hear?"

  "Probably the worst part. He made it sound like you're in financial trouble and could be at risk for losing the Inn."

  Dad faced the water and stared off into the darkness of the night. I knew I had struck a chord. I could feel the sand in between my toes as I waited nervously for him to respond. Perhaps the timing of my divorce and coming back home was all for a reason. Either way, I could only help as much as he was willing to let me.

  William

  My accountant Paul was rather new. Not to accounting, I made sure I researched his track record. But undoubtedly new to the way I do things. I went to his office and sat down with my briefcase filled with spreadsheets. At a moment’s notice, I was ready to appeal any notion that the Inn was having financial trouble.

  "Mr. Matthews, come on in. Let's have a seat at the table and talk. Can I offer you something to drink?"

  "No, I'm fine, thank you. I don't have a lot of time this afternoon. I was hoping to get right down to the heart of things if that's okay with you."

  "Sure, let's see what you have. I'll pull my numbers up here so we can go over everything together."

  As he pointed his remote control toward a large screen, I was taking into consideration that sometimes I had a lot of trouble with my memory. It was frustrating to be quite honest, but I had gotten pretty good about going back and double-checking my work.

  "After we spoke the other day, I went through the numbers again, as I do every month. There were a couple of things I must've overlooked. But for the most part, we have a very healthy budget that includes more than enough wiggle room for renovations. Here, take a look for yourself."

  Paul proceeded to look through the data, flipping the screen, month by month. He put on his glasses and combed through my numbers, continuously comparing it to what he had on the big screen. Not quite sure why he needed all the fancy technology to get the job done.

  Truth be told, I was a little antsy, but I felt confident that his feedback wouldn't be anything less than stellar. Paul took his glasses off and sat back in his chair.

  "At first glance, everything looks great. However, there's a major discrepancy between what you're presenting to me, and what I have in my records."

  "What's the discrepancy?"

  "Do you see here?"

  Paul pointed on his screen toward a withdrawal for fifty thousand dollars.

  "Then again here, another withdrawal in the amount of twenty-five thousand."

  He continued to scroll through the information.

  "How about over here."

  He pointed to a few transfers. Some small amounts and other transfers that were much larger.

  Paul turned to me and said, "How do you justify all of the transfers and withdrawals? Some of these transactions are being deposited into your account, but not hardly enough to make up for the deficit."

  I tried to gather my thoughts. But before I could come up with anything, Paul continued.

  "I know we haven't been working together too long. So I thought, surely you had some other accounts or files that you saved and wanted me to review
with you today. If all we have to go by is the spreadsheet you brought in today, we're still in the red. Big time."

  "Look. Occasionally I have to transfer funds in and out of some personal accounts, but I keep track of everything and have receipts to back it up."

  "Sir, I'm sure you know it's bad practice to mix the business transactions with your personal. God forbid we were ever facing an audit. That would be a nightmare waiting to happen."

  "I know, I know. Sometimes I get a little forgetful these days. But I swear I have all the receipts for each bank transaction. I brought them here with me today. Hold on."

  The pressure was on. I started fumbling around in my bag, still convinced that the accountant was wrong, and this was a simple fix. I could feel the sweat penetrating my shirt underneath my arms.

  "Here's what I can do for you, Mr. Matthews. I don't want you to have to sit here and scramble to get your receipts together under pressure. Leave the ones you have with me here today. You probably should look around for anything else you can dig up from the past year and send it my way as well."

  I continued to frantically dig into the side pocket of my briefcase.

  "Mr. Matthews?"

  "Yes, yes. I heard you. You want me to go back and look for more receipts."

  "More receipts and any other documents that can help me to better figure out what's really going on with your numbers here."

  "Very well. I'll get everything over to you asap."

  "Sounds good. In the meantime, I'd be cautious and hold off on any large expenses."

  "Wait a minute. We signed a contract to start the renovations at the Inn. It begins this week, and I don't have any plans to abort the project just because of a little hiccup."

  "A little hiccup? Sir, I don't know any other way to put this. According to what you're showing me, you're going to struggle to pay all of your bills soon if we don't solve this problem immediately. I hate to have to put it like this, but unless you have an endless supply of personal funds hidden somewhere, you need to put the renovations on hold."

  It felt like the wind was sucked right out of my lungs. I sat back in the chair and let the glare from the sun rest on my face. The renovations were my big plan to attract more people to the Inn. We always had a steady flow of visitors, but if we were going to keep up with some of the neighboring Inns, we had to be able to offer the best. My original plans to do the renovations last year were set aside when Helen asked me to spruce up the Cottage. It was an anniversary gift, and I didn't want to disappoint. All the years of hard work, sweat, and tears. It was the least I could do to make her happy.