by Judith Keim
As promised, a large, screened-in porch lay on the other side of the kitchen, along with another powder room and the deck Mo had mentioned.
“Well, what do you think?” Mo asked, beaming at her.
“It’s gorgeous,” said Regan. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“You haven’t even seen the bedrooms. We can either take the elevator or climb the stairs. There are two sets of stairs, one in front for guests and the back stairs here for staff. We can take the back stairs if you wish.”
“Okay. Let’s do it.”
The four guest bedrooms upstairs were finished nicely and had either a private bathroom or, for two of them, a shared Jack-and-Jill bathroom. The master bedroom was an entirely different matter. Lovely couldn’t begin to describe it. An open fireplace sat between the bedroom and the massive master bathroom. As Regan stepped into the bathroom, she noticed the huge spa tub butted up close to the fireplace. An enormous, two-person shower took up space in one corner. The entrance to a large walk-in closet and dressing room was on the wall opposite from the spa. It was a scene of decadent comfort, she mused, turning and going to the window in the bedroom to look out at the Gulf below. For a moment, she could believe she was on a cruise ship. She turned to Mo with a smile.
“Amazing! To think some people live this way!”
His delighted laughter matched her own. “Now, we have to make it even better.”
“But it’s gorgeous!” she protested.
“Yes, but it’s not warm and personal. Kenton doesn’t want to live in a palace; he wants to live in a comfortable, relaxing home.” His eyes shone. “This is going to be fun, Regan. And I want you to help me.”
“Do we have a budget?”
“Of course. But I want to do it as inexpensively as we can while keeping it top quality. That is going to be how we’ll build our business. Many other designers find it easy to spend other people’s money. I believe that’s why Arthur chose us to do his restaurants.”
Regan smiled. “Good. I like that idea. Let’s get started. I’m not due on the registration desk until late afternoon.”
They went back downstairs to the front entrance and walked outside and down the stairway, so they could appraise the house as any stranger would. As they stood gazing up at the house, an egret flew by, causing Regan to turn her head.
She noticed a small building to the left, partially hidden from view by foliage.
“What’s that?” she asked Mo, pointing to it.
“That’s the guest cottage—three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a nice kitchen. Eventually, Kenton wants to rent it out, so there’s someone on property year-round.”
Regan grabbed hold of Mo’s arm and gave him a searching look. “This all seems like a fantasy. But it is serious between you and Kenton. Right?”
Mo smiled and nodded. “Yeah. We have a real friendship going.”
Regan’s sigh was full of happiness for her best friend. “It’s so exciting! Sure you’re not going to disappear on me?”
“Kenton knows I’m serious about being independent. He’s all for my working in my own business and eventually with you.”
Regan’s lips curved at the idea of being in business with Mo. It could happen. All she needed to do was to help her sisters win the challenge.
“Okay, let’s begin,” said Mo.
They climbed the stairs and went through the house room by room, taking photos of them and writing detailed notes about what changes to décor they might suggest to Kenton. They took a quick break for lunch and continued critiquing the rooms until it was time for Regan to leave.
Her head spinning with possibilities, Regan left the house and headed for the hotel.
###
Driving through the entrance to the Salty Key Inn, Regan realized that, even though they were able to fix up the property, it would never be glamourous, and they were right to keep it attractive in a simple way.
She swung into the parking lot behind the Sandpiper Suites Building. Climbing out of Gertie, Gavin’s classic, ’50s Cadillac convertible, Regan smelled the delicious aromas emanating from Gavin’s, the restaurant they’d keep as elegant as it was designed to be.
When she appeared in the registration office, Darcy greeted her with a smile. “Arthur Weatherman left a message here for you to call him. He has something to discuss with you.”
“Wonder what he wants?” Worried, Regan accepted the note with Arthur’s telephone number.
Darcy gave her an encouraging smile. “He sounded very upbeat. Bet it’s something good.”
Fighting nerves, Regan went into the office and placed the call. In the back of her mind, she still couldn’t believe the Weathermans wanted her to be spokesperson for them.
When her call was finally transferred to Arthur, he answered with a cheery, “Hello.”
“This is Regan Sullivan. You called?”
“Yes, Margretta and I decided we want to introduce you as our spokesperson before the New Year. We wonder if you would do an ad campaign for us for Christmas and the New Year. We’re looking for a child to help with the ad for Christmas.”
An image of Emily, a little girl whom she’d met in the plastic surgeon’s office, appeared in Regan’s mind. “I have the perfect candidate for you. Emily Gregg is a little girl around four years old whom I met at the doctor’s office. Her face was being treated for several small burn areas. She and her mother call her scars, her ‘stars.’ She’s full of life and personality, and she has a killer smile. I think she’d make a darling Christmas angel.”
Arthur chuckled softly. “I knew we were right to hire you. How do I get in touch with her?’
“Through Dr. Milford’s office. And, Arthur, from my first impression of them, I think they could use the money.”
“Perfect. I’ll call you back with the dates and times for filming.” He hung up.
Regan smiled as she disconnected the call. Maybe this whole business of being spokesperson for Florida’s Finest Restaurants would be a good way to help kids in more ways than one.
CHAPTER SIX
SHEENA
Sheena was alone in the kitchen when Michael burst into the room. She looked at his flushed face and set down the spoon she’d been using to stir the sauce she’d just made.
“What is it, Michael?”
He plopped down into a kitchen chair and looked at her with tears in his eyes. “It’s Kaylee.”
Sheena’s blood froze in her veins. “What happened?”
“She lost the baby. Now she doesn’t want anything to do with me, and she’s telling everyone I’m a pig who took advantage of her.” Tears spilled down his cheeks, sliding past the growth of whiskers emerging on his face. “I didn’t, Mom. It’s almost like she’s telling everyone I raped her, and I didn’t. I didn’t!”
Sheena went to him and placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. “I believe you, son. And I think people who know both you and Kaylee will believe you too. Have you tried talking to her about it?”
He shook his head. “No, but I talked to the coach, and he’s working with the guidance counselor to put a stop to it. He believes me too.”
Emitting a sigh, Sheena sank down into a kitchen chair opposite him. “I’m so sorry this has happened, Michael. How do you feel about the baby?”
He lifted his shoulders and let them drop. “I dunno. Relieved, I guess. But, it’s sad too, you know?”
“Let’s find a professional you can talk to. This is a big deal, Michael. It’s best to handle this now, so the future isn’t a problem for you.” Sheena held her breath, expecting Michael to blow up at her, but he simply nodded.
Relieved, she got to her feet. “How about something to eat? Would that help?”
He shook his head. “Maybe later. I’m going to run on the beach.”
After he went into his bedroom to change, Sheena went to her computer and looked up the number of someone who could help Michael. She, herself, was feeling sick about the situation.
&n
bsp; ###
A few days later, Sheena sat in her kitchen, sipping coffee. She intended to use the morning to do a little Christmas shopping. Their budget was tight, but lots of sales were going on, and she wanted to take advantage of having Tony and the kids away from the suite. She made a list of ideas and was about to head out to the mall when she let out a long sigh. Maybe, she thought, I’ll just rest a minute. Every bone in her body felt as if it weighed a ton.
Stretched out on the bed, she realized how tense she’d been about getting the restaurant opened. Between Tony’s new commitments and her own with the hotel, there were times when she felt trapped by all that was happening to her. More than her sisters, she would feel responsible if they weren’t able to meet the challenge and ended up with the debt from the restaurant. She gritted her teeth. Failure was not an option. Failure would mean hurting her kids and the rest of her family.
###
Sheena awoke to someone shaking her.
“Hey! I thought you were going shopping.” Darcy looked down at her with concern. “Are you feeling all right?”
Sheena sat up and rubbed her eyes. “What time is it?”
“Two o’clock.”
“Damn! I guess I was more tired than I’d realized. I’ll have to go shopping tomorrow if you and Regan will give me some time off.” She rolled to her side and placed her feet on the floor, still feeling groggy.
“Sure, we’ll work something out,” said Darcy, giving her another look of concern.
Sheena waved her hand in dismissal. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Just a little stressed.”
“Aren’t we all,” said Darcy. “I was talking to Nicole about our ad campaign, and she reminded me it takes a while to build a business. So, I hope you don’t mind. I sent in an ad to run in a special, holiday bridal section of the Tampa Tribune. I know we’re watching our money, but I think it might be worth it.”
“Let’s hope so,” said Sheena rising to her feet. “Let’s go check on Gavin’s. There’s a big holiday party scheduled for tonight.”
They walked outside and headed for the restaurant.
“Hey! Wait up for me!” said Regan running over to them. She smiled at Sheena. “How’d the Christmas shopping go?”
“It didn’t.” Sheena shook her head. “I lay down for a few minutes and fell asleep. Guess I’ve been more stressed out than I’d realized. I’ll have to try again tomorrow.”
Regan gave her an understanding look. “Yeah, these last few weeks are going to be the toughest, not knowing whether we’re going to make it or not.”
The three of them entered Gavin’s.
Sheena gazed around at the holiday decorations and felt better. Against the backdrop of rich wood, the simple holiday decorations gave her a renewed sense of hope. They and their guests would celebrate this holiday and many others here.
She followed her sisters up the stairs to the function room. A client of Mo’s was hosting a cocktail reception for his one hundred or so employees. Standing at the entrance to the room, Sheena admired its versatility. She hoped they could get some publicity out of this party by having a staff member offer to take photographs. She’d already thought of giving discounts to brides who allowed the Salty Key Inn to use photographs and other mementos of their weddings as promotional material.
Casey joined them. “We’re all set for tonight. I was able to hire a couple of extra people for this event. I know that brings your margins down, but we have to make an excellent impression with service above and beyond the norm.”
“The pricing should accommodate that issue. How’s the kitchen going?”
Casey’s brow furrowed. “It’s going to take some time for Graham to get accustomed to his larger staff. He’s used to doing most everything himself. But it’s all good. His sous-chef understands and is helping. And Graham’s such a likable guy I’m sure it’ll work out.”
“Whatever he’s making smells delicious,” said Darcy. “I think I’ll meander down there.”
Casey held up a hand to stop her. “I wouldn’t if I were you. Like I said, it’s pretty tense right now.”
“Well, then, let’s go to Gracie’s,” said Regan. “I could use a cup of coffee. I told Sally I’d be back to close up at six, and I could use an extra jolt of caffeine.” Gracie’s, the informal restaurant at the entrance to the property, served breakfast and lunch and had a large, loyal following for a very good reason—Gracie was a fabulous cook.
“Okay,” said Sheena. “A quick cup of coffee sounds good.” Sally, one of Gavin’s people, was happy to help out in the office anytime, but they didn’t want to take advantage of her good nature.
###
Sitting in Gracie’s, Sheena took a sip of her coffee and set the cup down. Her stomach was protesting the acid in the java.
“What’s the matter?” Regan asked her.
“I think I’ve caught the bug Meaghan had the other day. I swear she catches everything that comes along and then passes it on to me. The timing couldn’t be worse.”
Darcy placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’ve got to stop worrying so much. We’ve come this far. We’ll make it.”
Sheena couldn’t stop the frustration she felt building inside. “Even if we don’t make it, you’ve got plans moving forward—a lovely wedding, writing your book, a new life with Austin.” She turned to Regan and snapped, “You too! You’ve got your new life with Brian and working with Mo. What do I have? Nothing if I can’t continue working at the hotel.”
Regan’s eyes widened. “Wow! I didn’t know you felt that way.”
“Me too,” said Darcy. “I understand you’re the one who wants to continue overseeing the hotel, and I’ll help in any way I can. But I want to get on with my life.”
Sheena blinked rapidly to quell the sting of tears in her eyes. “Sorry. I don’t know why I’m so riled up about it, but the thought of going back to the way it was before, catering to teenage children who will soon leave home is pretty upsetting.”
Regan clasped her hand. “Listen, Sheena; we’ll do everything we can to succeed. And then you can take it from there with support from Darcy and me. Right, Darcy?”
“Damn straight,” Darcy said, giving her an encouraging smile.
A short time later, they left Gracie’s, and Sheena went back to her suite. Alone, she perused some online shopping sites and then started preparations for dinner. Tony was usually hungry when he came home, and the kids liked to eat early too. It cut into her day but gave her time in the evenings to go over figures for both the hotel and Gavin’s.
Later, folding laundry while her children did homework, Sheena wondered why she’d been so sad earlier about the idea of her children leaving home. With them gone, she and Tony would have the opportunity to travel, to eat anytime they wanted, to make love.
She was still smiling when Tony came into their bedroom.
“What’cha doing?” He came over to her and wrapped his arms around her. “Almost time for bed,” he whispered in her ear.
She turned to face him. “Love you, Tony, but tonight isn’t happening.”
He rubbed his palms up and down her back in soothing strokes. “Darcy told me she’s worried about you. I don’t want you to wear yourself down over the hotel. Things will work out. They always do.”
“I know,” she murmured. “Just a few more weeks until we know, and then I’ll relax.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
DARCY
Darcy sat in the office studying the screen of her computer with a frown. How did one go about submitting a proposal to a publisher? She’d done a little investigation online, but every source gave different advice. Some said to be friendly; others said it should be strictly business. She could talk about her newspaper experience, but then it would be discovered she was with the newspaper for only a few months. Not good.
Unsure what to do, but eager to get a letter out, Darcy was resigned to simply doing her best. She began typing a brief letter explaining she’d come to believe in
angels and wanted to write about them. She briefly described one of the stories—one about a single grandmother taking on the task of raising her grandchildren—and asked for a quick response so she could surprise her fiancé for the holiday. She included her phone number, so the editor could easily call her with an offer and sent off the letter.
Once she’d mailed the letter, Darcy went from feeling confident to desperately foolish. At any rate, she told herself, she’d hear soon—one way or another. Telling Austin and his parents and grandfather about her success would be a dream come true. She’d met his parents once, shortly after the engagement, but there’d been little time to make a real connection before they were off traveling again.
Though it was only the 20th of December, Austin’s parents were in town to celebrate Christmas with Austin, his grandfather, and her before leading a very special group to England for the actual Christmas holiday. It seemed strange to Darcy for them not to share Christmas with their son, but Austin was used to it. In fact, he often traveled with them for the holidays. But, with her commitment to the hotel and with the start of his new job, he was staying put in Florida.
She opened the box holding the present she’d purchased for his parents and studied the small, leather-bound, double picture frame. She hoped they’d like it. After listening to them talk about their home in New York and hearing about their travels, she’d found it difficult to think of anything they might want or not already have.
She unrolled the wrapping paper and set to work dressing up the package.
Regan walked into the office. “Wrapping gifts?”
“Yes, it’s already Christmas in Blakely Land,” said Darcy.
“Better get used to doing things differently,” Regan said, laughing.
Darcy smiled. “Actually, it’s pretty exciting. Two days to celebrate instead of just one.”
