Page 43 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

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Later that morning, Rhonda and I were sitting in our office when Dorothy Stern arrived. “I’m glad you’re both here. I assume you’ve seen the paper this morning or heard the news online or on television. The neighborhood is abuzz to think that Brock is somehow involved with Everly Jansen’s death. One gentleman is calling for Brock Goodwin to resign as president of the Neighborhood Association.”

Dorothy stopped talking and collapsed in a chair. “I got here as soon as I could to give you the news. Will you represent the hotel with a vote against Brock?”

Though Rhonda was grinning, she turned to me.

“I’d love to, but I know we can’t get involved. There’s an investigation taking place and it involves the hotel. It’s best if we stay out of it.”

Rhonda sighed. “You’re right, Annie. God knows I’d love to help vote him out, but we must protect the hotel.”

I reached over and clasped Dorothy’s hand. “I hope you understand.”

“I do. From a business point of view, it’s the right decision. Brock is scared. As gratifying as it is to see him like that, I want his removal done in such a way that nothing can change it,” said Dorothy.

“He won’t go down without a fight. Be careful,” I said. I remembered the times I’d had to represent the hotel in neighborhood meetings and how nasty Brock could be.

“Yes, we’ll be careful,” said Dorothy. “I was hoping to make you feel better. I know it must be upsetting to have a death at the hotel.”

“An overdose is so senseless,” I said. “I knew she was a troubled woman, but I had no idea she’d resort to drugs to end her life if that’s what she did. Maybe it was accidental.”

“She was too egotistical to kill herself,” said Rhonda.

“You’re smart to stay out of it and say as little as possible,” said Dorothy. “I love you women and all you’ve done to show others you can succeed.”

I rose and hugged Dorothy. From the very beginning, she’d been a wonderful supporter of ours.

Rhonda was next to embrace the tiny but spunky woman. She and Dorothy had done charitable work together before she even had the idea of a hotel. Women helping women.

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My heart raced as I headed to the airport to pick up Vaughn. Even though he could’ve paid for an Uber, he loved it when I came to pick him up. And though he’d been gone for only a short time, it still felt like an exciting homecoming.

I pulled up to the curb and waited for just a moment before he emerged from the baggage claim area. When he saw me, he waved, and I was sent back to the time I first met him as a cast member ofThe Sins of the Children, the soap opera in which he starred as mayor of a small town. Even now, my pulse raced at the sight of him, and I could hardly believe that we’d ended up together. He was as different from my ex as he could be. Which made it all the sweeter.

A few people recognized him and headed his way. Vaughn swiftly tossed his bag into the back of the car and slid into the passenger seat.

“Welcome home,” I said, accepting his kiss. “A lot is going on at the hotel.”

“I read about it online. You’ll have to fill me in on the details. I think it’s wise for Darryl and Abbie to stay at our house. The press isn’t going to let go of this for a while. Brock Goodwin’s name is being mentioned as the last person who may have seen Everly alive.”

“Brock’s blaming Rhonda and me, of course, but we did nothing but answer the officer’s questions. We can’t and won’t jeopardize the reputation of the hotel.”

“I agree,” said Vaughn. “He’s made this happen to himself. Now tell me a bit about Darryl and Abbie.”

“You’ll like them both. Darryl is shy and quiet. He has a lot on his mind right now, so it seems natural. Abbie is a firecracker who keeps him doing all his exercises and watches what he eats. In a short amount of time, it’s made a huge difference. I think Darryl’s in love with Abbie, though she doesn’t seem to realize it.”

“Are you and Rhonda trying to make it seem more than friendly-like?” Vaughn asked, sending me a piercing look.

“Well, I think a growing relationship is inevitable, but I won’t claim responsibility for it. Rhonda is a different story.”

“Don’t I know it. But even so, fate and Rhonda have brought people together and they’re happy,” admitted Vaughn.

I chuckled. “I hope you’re up to taking all of us out in the boat for supper. The weather is cooperating, and it’s such a wonderful way to make friends.”

“You know how much I love doing it,” said Vaughn. He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. “It feels great to be home. It’s getting chilly for filming in Canada.”

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