Page 6 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“We’d better tell the staff that they need to be careful what they say around the guests with all the VIPs inhouse,” said Rhonda.

“Indeed. At the staff meeting, I intend to inform them they must be discreet,” said Bernie. “Though they’ve already signed NDAs, even talking among themselves about either Tina or Darryl could become an issue if overheard.”

We discussed several other items on the agenda, and then I rose. “Thank you, Bernie. Please let us know if there are any problems with Darryl’s ex, Everly Jansen, over the new room arrangement.”

“Will do,” said Bernie. “I’ll speak to the full staff this afternoon to review our policy and the upcoming wedding.”

“Thanks,” said Rhonda. She followed me out of his office. “I don’t know about you, but I need some coffee.”

“Me, too,” I said. “I’m concerned about our upcoming situation with Darryl and his wife being here together, but we need both the money and Amelia’s support.”

“We’ve dealt with difficult guests since the beginning. There’s no reason to think we can’t do it again,” said Rhonda. “There’s no way I’m letting our hotel’s reputation be ruined by a high-profile couple.”

“But from what I’ve heard, there are also issues for Darryl at the studio. That makes his situation even worse.”

“Let’s see if there are any leftover sweet rolls,” said Rhonda. “They always make me feel better.”

We got coffee and treats and carried them to our office. Though it was September, we were reviewing holiday and high-season bookings.

“Lorraine is booked for weddings covering a lot of weekends,” I said, “but we need to fill in weekdays. What about creating pampered packages?”

“We can use those for those slow days before and after the holidays,” said Rhonda. “I like it. A Pampered Package including discounts in our spa, breakfast in bed, and a greeting basket with wine and snacks.”

“Let’s talk to Liz and Angie about doing some online advertising for it. We’ll give them the details and available dates, and they can come up with a plan and graphics for social media,” I said.

“Great idea,” said Rhonda. “Anything to get them involved.”

Liz and Angie managed to help us on their computers but didn’t yet have the flexibility to work outside of their homes. Liz’s triplets were three years old and very active. And while Angie’s oldest, Evan, was eight, her youngest of the three was only two.

“I’ll stop and talk to Liz on my way home,” I said. “I haven’t seen the ‘T’s’ for a few days, and I need ‘GeeGee’ time with them.” The “T’s”—Olivia, Emily, and Noah—were adorable toddlers but exhausting. I loved them like crazy.

“I’m taking care of the two younger kids while Angie and Reggie go to a school program with Evan.” Rhonda smiled. “It’s important for him to have time with his parents without his sisters.”

“He’s a great older brother to them. Back to the hotel business. I like the idea of an additional security guard to protect the guesthouses, but do you think we need to hire even another one for the few days Darryl’s wife is here?”

Rhonda shrugged. “Let’s wait and see.”

“Okay,” I said. “Time to call Amelia. No matter what Everly says about switching her room, we’ve agreed to accept Darryl as our guest for a six-week stay.”

“You call her, Annie. Amelia knows I don’t like her getting involved in our business.”

“Okay,” I said, remembering how angry Rhonda was after the kidnapping attempt we were dragged into. “This will be better than last time.”

“You hope,” said Rhonda, shaking her head.

Though I didn’t like the situation, I was the numbers person and knew it was a wise decision financially. We’d have to make it work.

CHAPTER THREE

When I entered Liz’s house, the three little ones rushed toward me shouting, “GeeGee!” My heart overflowed with love. All three were combinations of Liz and Chad with their varying shades of blond hair and blue eyes. Noah was the most physically active, but Olivia and Emily had been talking way before he began. But then, I could imagine it was hard for him to break into the constant chatter of his sisters.

“Hi, Mom! Glad to see you. What’s up?” said Liz, coming into the playroom.

“Two things. I needed a grandma fix, and I want to talk to you about an idea Rhonda and I had for the hotel.”

“Great. Chad and I are working on the hotel’s website. Anything we need to add?”

“Yes. Something we want you and Angie to develop: A Pampered Package. We’ll use this as a fall and holiday promotion for weekday stays.”

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