by Judith Keim
“How can I go meet Malinda at six? That’s dinner time.”
“Rita can see that Will gets dinner. And with you gone, it will give him some quality time alone with Willow. It will be good for all of you.”
“Right,” said Rhonda, grinning. “And it’ll give me the break I need.”
As we walked toward the nursery, Rhonda touched her chest. “I’m sore. They make all kinds of organic creams now for nursing mothers, but it still can be a bit painful.”
I clapped a hand on Rhonda’s shoulder. “Do you think that maybe you’re trying too hard?”
“Maybe. Rita thinks so too.” She faced me. “I just want to be a good mother. You know?”
“You already are, Rhonda. Think of Angela. She’s a wonderful young woman, and you raised her by yourself for a number of years.”
Rhonda’s lips curved. “I’m so glad I have you for a friend, Annie. Know that?”
I knew all right. Without Rhonda, my life wouldn’t be the same.
We tiptoed into Willow’s room and stood a moment, gazing at the perfect little girl who was sleeping peacefully. She was, I thought, an exceptionally beautiful baby.
After a few moments, Rhonda urged me to follow her out of the room. “Let’s go talk hotel.”
She led me downstairs, into the kitchen. “Have a seat, Annie, and tell me all about what’s happening at the hotel. It’s killing me not to be in on everything.”
I sat at the kitchen table and accepted the glass of lemony iced tea that Rita offered me.
Rhonda took a seat opposite me and leaned forward in eagerness. “Is Annette Bauer still coming? And what else is going on?”
I gave Rhonda an update on the Bauer wedding and then told her about the cease and desist order.
Rhonda slapped her hand on the table. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Annie? Is that rat-bastard Brock Goodwin behind this?”
“I honestly don’t know. That’s why I wanted to talk to you before we did anything about it. We’ve had only a few sunset cocktail parties, and Bernie wants to continue them. He says the guests enjoy them, and the music isn’t loud at all. I wonder if being so close to the water makes the music seem louder than it is. You know how sound carries across water.”
“Maybe. Or is it just Brock up to his old tricks? We haven’t heard from him in some time.”
“I’ll have Dorothy do a little snooping before we react to it. In the meantime, should we go ahead with the parties for our guests?”
“Sure,” said Rhonda. “It’s just a request from the neighborhood, isn’t it? Are there any other problems in putting them on?”
“No. We have all the licensing taken care of with ASCAP. There are no huge speakers—just a couple of strategically placed wireless speakers using our in-house system.”
“Well, then, we’ll go ahead and see who’s behind all this. If it’s Brock Goodwin, I’m going to bust his balls one way or another. I promise.”
I smiled. Rhonda was back on track.
###
Things were hopping when I walked into the hotel lobby. What had started as a private, birthday luncheon in the small dining room had overflowed onto the pool deck, where the birthday group dominated the area with celebratory drinks that they’d offered to everyone else there. I watched in fascination as guests who didn’t know each other melded into congenial groups, chatting beside the pool like old friends. This scenario didn’t always happen, but when it did, it was wonderful public relations for the hotel.
I left the scene and asked Bernie and Dorothy to join me in my office.
They came in and took the seats I offered them at the small conference table.
As soon as Dorothy sat down, Trudy placed her paws on the edge of the chair and whined to be picked up.
“I just love this dog,” said Dorothy, lifting the dachshund onto her lap and giving her a hug, then chuckling when Trudy kissed her cheek.
Bernie and I exchanged amused looks. The dog had become a favorite of everyone who came into contact with her. Even cranky guests eventually succumbed to her charm.
I reached over and gave Trudy a pat on the head. As she licked my hand, I wondered if Vaughn and I should consider a puppy for Robbie. Boys and dogs just seemed to go together.
“What’s going on, Ann?” Dorothy said, bringing me back to the moment.
“Rhonda and I are wondering if Brock Goodwin is behind this notice. We want you, Dorothy, to see what you can find out for us. If it’s not Brock, we need to know who we should address about this issue.”
“I’ll be glad to,” said Dorothy. Behind the thick lenses of her glasses, her eyes shone with determination. “I’m not about to let that nincompoop Brock get away with anything.”
Bernie’s eyebrows rose like question marks.
I chuckled. “Dorothy, why don’t you fill Bernie in on our so-called friend.”
“He’s never been a friend of ours. In fact, he’s done everything to try and make this hotel fail.” She pulled herself up straight in her chair and began talking so fast, with such anger, that Trudy jumped off her lap and went to sit by Bernie’s chair.
When Dorothy was through, Bernie nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve had to deal with a few people like this before. Big frogs in a little pond is all they are.”
“This guy is more like a gigantic jackass on a tiny farm,” said Dorothy, and we all laughed.
###
I checked my watch, ready for some down time. The complainer about the music was a newcomer to the area. After Dorothy talked to him, he settled down and quickly accepted her offer to have dinner at The Beach House Hotel on us. In cases like this, we were happy to exchange a free meal for goodwill.
When I finally walked through the door of my house, I found Elena in the kitchen, wiping Robbie’s mouth from dinner. She smiled at me and set him down on the floor. “There’s Mommy!”
“Hi!” Robbie shrieked, running into my outstretched arms.
I hugged him close and reminded myself to enjoy these moments. I knew from raising Liz that the time would come all too soon when he wouldn’t feel this way.
“How’s Robbie?” I asked, picking him up and bouncing him on my hip. “Did you have a fun day?”
Elena smiled. “Troy and I gave him another swim lesson. For a few moments, he swam underwater all by himself.”
“You did?” I said to Robbie. “You’re a little fish!”
“Fish,” he said proudly. He squirmed to get down when Liz came into the room. “Izzie, fish.” He tapped a finger on his chest and smiled up at her.
She ruffled his hair. “That’s good, Robbie! Izzie is proud of you.” She knelt to his level and gave him a hug.
Watching them, I thought of Robert. He would, I hoped, be pleased by all we were doing to make Robbie happy and his future secure.
Elena took Robbie to play out on the back lawn. Liz followed me into my bedroom and sat while I changed my clothes.
“Chad was here again today. He asked me to go with him to Harvey’s tonight. I told him I’d let him know. He’s very nice, and I really like him, but what point is there in dating him? I’m leaving to go back to school in a few days.”
I shrugged in a noncommittal way. I knew there was more to the story. “You’ve got a lot on your plate right now.”
“On the other hand, I’ll be back here in two months. That doesn’t seem like a long time,” said Liz. “And he seems like such a great guy. We clicked right away.”
I pulled a T-shirt over my shoulders and turned to her. “And?”
“And I want to have a date for your wedding.”
“Ahhh, so that’s it. Well, like you said, Chad seems like a nice guy. He came highly recommended for his IT work. Maybe you should take him up on the date. Just don’t lead him on if you’re really not interested in him.”
Liz got up and gave me a hug. “Thanks, Mom. That’s what I needed to hear. I’ll go call him now.” Her eyes twinkled. “Because I’m really interested in him.”
<
br /> I smiled as she all but bounced out of the room in her haste.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
When Rhonda walked into the office Friday afternoon, she glowed with health and happiness.
“You look wonderful,” I gushed, pleased to see her like this. Her hair had been recolored, styled, and cut, and her nails shaped and painted.
“After our talk and getting some pampering like you suggested, I’ve been feeling more like myself.” Color rose in her face. “And things with Will are...well, wonderful. Like old times. He says I’m the most beautiful mother he’s ever seen. Nice, huh?”
“Nice,” I said, giving her a quick hug. “You ready to get back to work?”
“The doctor is suggesting I wait another week or so. She thinks I should enjoy my time at home. She doesn’t understand how left out I feel while you and Bernie are working together handling things here.” She grinned. “Besides, I wanted to see Annette for myself. She and Bernie...”
I raised my hand. “Hold it! No matchmaking. Understand?”
“Aw, Annie, you’re no fun!” Rhonda complained. “It’s time for another romance around here.”
I shook my head. No one told Rhonda “no”.
“Is Annette here?” Rhonda asked.
“She arrived about an hour ago. I haven’t met her yet.” I checked my watch. “We’re having a meeting with her in about fifteen minutes. Join us?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” said Rhonda with a smug smile that sent a warning through me.
I showed Rhonda the latest printouts I’d produced on reservations, and then we went over bookings for private parties and weddings. Locals were using us more and more for special occasions as well as for regular meals at lunch and dinner. It was important business for us, adding a steady influx of cash that helped stabilize us during slower times.
“How about your wedding, Annie? Have you settled on any plans?”
“I haven’t had time to do more than decide I want a very small, private wedding on the beach. I was thinking of a sunset wedding.”
Rhonda frowned. “You don’t want something bigger, something fancier?”
I shook my head firmly. “You know how I feel about all the publicity that comes with Vaughn. This is one time I want for ourselves, without the whole world watching us.”
“Okay, then. How about a fabulous, long honeymoon?” Rhonda smiled. “The honeymoon Will and I had in Tahiti was simply marvelous.”
“You have forgotten I have Robbie now. I could never leave him for any length of time. Not until I’m sure he’s really secure with us. It appears as if he is, but it’s been almost too easy. I want to meet with Barbara Holmes to see what I need to do to help him. Then maybe, Vaughn and I could take a short honeymoon.”
“You’ve got Elena...” Rhonda began.
“I need her help, but I don’t want to be the kind of mother who never spends time with her child. I gather that’s pretty much how Kandie operated. As long as Vaughn and I agreed to make him ours, I want him to think of me as his mother, not someone making an appearance every now and then.”
“Good for you, Annie. I understand.” Rhonda rose. “Now, let’s go meet Annette.”
As we walked toward Bernie’s office, we saw him talking to a tall blonde and a distinguished-looking gentleman.
“Is that her?” Rhonda said in a stage whisper. “And who is that man with her?”
I pulled Rhonda to a stop. “Remember, we’re not playing matchmaker here.”
“Okay, okay. It’s just that maybe Bernie needs a little help...” She stopped talking as we approached them.
“Here are the owners now,” I heard Bernie say as Trudy ran over to greet us.
Smiling, I stopped to pat the dog on her head and then walked over to our guests, studying them. Conservatively dressed in a navy linen suit, Annette was statuesque. Simple, gold earrings sparkled at her ears. A pleasant smile added to her lovely features. In tan slacks and a navy blazer, the gray-haired man standing beside her matched Annette’s height and looked as regal as she.
I offered my hand. “Hello. Welcome. I’m Ann Rutherford.”
“And I’m Rhonda DelMonte Grayson,” said Rhonda, extending her hand.
As we were exchanging handshakes, Bernie said, “This is Annette Bauer and her...friend...Maxwell Hoffman.”
“I’m so pleased to meet you both,” I said. “We’re planning a very special wedding for Babette.”
Annette’s blue eyes sparkled. “I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to be able to do this. Max is here to help me with things.”
“Joseph Hassel is an old school buddy of mine. I promised him I’d oversee his piece of the arrangements.”
Annette beamed at him. “He’s been wonderful. Simply wonderful.”
Beside me, I could feel Rhonda’s body stiffen. “So, have you been together long?” she asked.
Annette’s cheeks turned a pretty pink. “Oh, no...I mean...”
“I met Annette through my wife,” Max said. “They’ve become good friends.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Rhonda said with so much enthusiasm we all looked at her. She smiled. “I’m sure Bernie will take very good care of you. He’s excellent at his job. Right, Annie?”
“Oh, yes,” I said, as Rhonda cast matchmaker smiles from Annette to Bernie.
Bernie’s eyes widened. He cleared his throat. “I’ve just explained that Sabine will be handling the details of the wedding and, if desired, Lorraine Grace at Wedding Perfection will be called in to assist.”
Rhonda bobbed her head. “Of course, of course. But you’re the general manager here, and that’s really important.”
“Yes, we’re all here to help with the wedding,” I said, wishing I could glue Rhonda’s mouth shut. “And I’ll be working with you, Annette, on the promo shots you’ve agreed to make for us.”
“I understand that her cooperation means a reduction in your normal fees,” said Max, stiffly.
“That was the agreement,” Bernie said, quickly appeasing him.
“Good, because the Hassels will be paying for the wedding, both as a gift to the bride and her family and as an apology to you for their late cancellation. They are well aware many hotels would have insisted on complete payment and are grateful for your understanding.”
“My daughter...” Rhonda began.
“Your daughter is waiting for you at home,” I said, anxious to get Rhonda away from them.
“Oh, yes,” said Rhonda. “I can’t stay long, but I wanted to meet you. And Annette, you’re going to be the perfect mother of the bride for our publicity. Maybe Bernie could be the father of the bride in the pictures. You’d make a great couple.”
“The ad agency will work out the details of how the photos should be done,” I said. “But Rhonda’s right, Annette. You’ll be lovely.”
We said our good-byes and then I took Rhonda’s elbow and led her away before she said another thing.
“Annie, I think it’s gonna work,” said Rhonda when we were out of earshot. “Did you see the way Annette and Bernie were looking at each other?”
“Yes, but I thought Bernie was going to have a heart attack when you mentioned being a great couple,” I said.
We looked at each other, and suddenly laughter bubbled out of us, echoing around us with happy sounds.
When we caught our breaths, Rhonda said, “Annie, I know I’m right. Just wait and see.”
I shook my head. Poor Bernie. Poor Annette. Rhonda wasn’t through with them yet.
###
Mid-afternoon, I left to go home for a small break before returning for the dinner hour. A group of state senators had met all day at the hotel for special hush-hush meetings that were ending with a private dinner. My role with these groups was to act as hostess—overseeing service, handling any business request that arose. Service, privacy, and discretion had made The Beach House Hotel a favorite place for small important groups like this.
At home, I found Liz and
Chad sitting around the pool with Troy and Elena. At Troy’s feet and under his supervision, Robbie splashed in the water.
“Ahhh, this is what goes on while I’m working at the hotel,” I teased.
“Mommy! Look!” Robbie held onto the side of the pool and bobbed his face in the water. He lifted his face and, smiling, gazed up at me for approval.
“Robbie! That’s wonderful! I’m so proud of you!” I knelt beside him and gave him a watery hug.
Troy smiled. “He’s doing really well, Ann. I think being able to work with him every day is making a big difference. But don’t worry. I’m about to return to the hotel. I’ve got three more appointments at the spa today.”
“Sounds busy. Good. We need the business.”
I chatted for a while longer and then went into my bedroom to rest for a few minutes before changing my clothes for the evening affair. After I slipped on a robe, I lowered myself into a chair, intent on calling Vaughn.
“Look!” cried Robbie, bursting into the room with a book.
“Oh, good! Let’s read!” I drew him up onto my lap and opened the book.
Each page showing a farm animal had something for Robbie to touch and feel.
As I sat talking to Robbie about each animal and the sounds they make, I thought of the many times I’d done the same thing with Liz. Robbie seemed as bright as she. I tightened my arm around him. It felt good to be doing this. A lot of my friends might wonder at my willingness to start a family over again, but I realized now how much I’d missed by having only one child.
Liz came into the room and smiled at Robbie. “What are you and...Mom... Mommy doing?”
“Meow,” said Robbie.
“We’re learning all about farm animals, aren’t we, Robbie?”
He smiled. “Moo.”
Liz and I exchanged pleased glances. “He’s changed so much since he’s been here. It has a lot to do with you, Mom.”
“You think so? I can’t spend as much time with him as I’d like and keep on top of the hotel operation too.”
“Elena is good with him. That’s got to make you feel better.”
“Yes, but it’s not the same. I can’t believe all of this is happening with me at the same time Rhonda’s given birth.”
