Page 64 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

When we got to the house and rang the bell, an attractive woman appeared. She had the same hazel eyes I’d silently admired in Darryl and similar facial features. She gave us a friendly smile. “I know who you are. Glad to meet you, Ann and Rhonda. I’m Emma Strong. The baby sister in the family.”

“The one closest in age to me,” said Darryl coming up behind her.

“I don’t know what you’ve done for Darryl,” Emma said. “He looks fabulous. I like his new shaved head and his stronger body.”

“Stop, you’re making me blush,” said Darryl, giving his sister a little nudge.

“It’s not us, it’s Abbie who’s given him this new look,” said Rhonda, and I smiled to myself. She wasn’t going to leave her matchmaking alone.

“So, who’s this new woman in Darryl’s life?” asked Emma, smiling sweetly. “I can’t wait to hear about her.”

“She’s the best trainer anyone could have,” said Rhonda.

“She’s talented. But is she nice?” asked Emma, giving both Rhonda and me steady looks.

I spoke up. “Abbie has stayed at my house, along with Darryl, and I can honestly say you’d approve. She’s a sweet, fun, hardworking woman.”

“You’d better believe hardworking,” said Darryl. “She’s the one getting me in shape and changing me. I was very disappointed when she had to go back to California.”

“We all were,” said Rhonda. “We’re hoping she comes back.”

Darryl held up his hand. “I don’t want her to go through any of this mess with me. She has jobs to do without my bothering her.”

“Really?” said Emma. “If I’m understanding this situation with Abbie, you’re falling for her and yet you’re pushing her away? Hey, little bro, you’ve got to do better than that. At least call her. You owe her that.”

“I like you,” Rhonda said to Emma. “You and I think alike.”

“How long do you think you’ll stay?” I asked Emma.

“I’m not sure. I’m the first one here, but my other sisters will come if needed. Besides helping Darryl, it’s a break for all of us.”

“I promised them each a relaxing vacation,” said Darryl wrapping his arm around Emma.

I warmed inside at the smiles they shared.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

“If you have time, please sit and enjoy a cold drink with us,” said Darryl. “I’m giving Emma an update on the situation.”

“Thanks,” said Rhonda. “I want to know what’s going on.”

“Great. I’ve got lemonade with or without liquor,” said Darryl.

“Make mine without,” I said, and Rhonda quickly agreed. We didn’t drink alcohol while on the job.

Emma helped Darryl serve the drinks, and we sat together on the lanai under the umbrella of the high-top table.

“My lawyer is taking an attack role,” explained Darryl. “He feels we have enough to prove that the woman’s claim was all part of an effort to extort money, that she has no proof that I ever touched her or said sexual things to her. One of my other co-workers will be glad to make a statement that will prove my accuser is doing this for the attention and money.”

“You will have dozens of character witnesses,” said Emma.

“I appreciate that.” Darryl grinned at his sister and then his expression became serious. “My lawyer is going to speak to the network to allow them to release my contract, which is what I’ve wanted all along.”

“Wow! That’s a lot for you to handle,” said Rhonda.

Darryl gave her a thoughtful nod. “I trust my lawyer to do an excellent job to prevent such bullshit happening to others working for the network. Out of this bad news will come something good for me.”

“Unfortunately, the news of the woman’s accusation is everywhere,” I said. “It’s such a shame this couldn’t be handled more privately.”

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