Page 65 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“Yes,” Darryl said. “I agree. We knew it was coming and tried to deal with her. But she wanted to drag me through the court of public opinion, hoping I’ll cave in to her demands.”

“Are you going to be okay?” asked Emma.

Darryl nodded. “You know I would never do what that woman is charging me with.”

“Absolutely,” she responded, and I was reminded how strong his family bonds were.

“Tell us a little about yourself, Emma,” I said.

“I’ve been working in an accounting office in our hometown in Ohio since I graduated from Ohio University. I have two high school-aged children, twins, Amy and Jeff. My husband died a few years ago. We had a nice life together.” She had a way of smiling when she was speaking that made everything seem upbeat.

“She’s a smart woman and a great mom,” said Darryl proudly. “She’s helped me with a financial plan.”

“Now, I’m curious to know about you and Rhonda,” said Emma. “It’s great that women my age have accomplished so much. The hotel is beautiful and has an outstanding reputation.”

“I met Annie when our daughters were roommates at college. I wasn’t too sure of her when we first met, but I knew she was smart,” said Rhonda.

“I was devastated following a divorce and didn’t know where I’d live or what I’d do for a job,” I explained. “Once I got to know Rhonda better, I liked her idea of taking a chance on converting her mansion into a hotel.”

“We both had a lot to prove,” said Rhonda. “And I couldn’t have chosen a better partner.”

“Amen,” I said. “We’re perfect partners and best of friends.”

Emma shook her head in wonder. “What a great story. I’m sorry bad news has brought me here, but I want to enjoy every minute I have with Darryl. Look what it’s done for him.”

I checked my watch. “It’s been wonderful meeting you, Emma. And, Darryl, you know we’re here to help you in any way we can. I’m sorry, but I must leave.”

‘Yes,” said Rhonda. “We’re having a meeting to discuss the upcoming holidays with one of our best volunteers.”

“She’s part of what we call ‘the hotel family’,” I explained. “She’s been with us from the first day we opened.”

“We could hire someone professional to do the work but she’s very proud of her job,” said Rhonda.

I hugged Emma and Darryl goodbye. “Something good will come of this. I just know it.”

“Be sure to ask Darryl about Abbie,” said Rhonda, giving him a wink.

Emma laughed. “Don’t worry. I will.”

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Back in our office, we received a phone call from Bernie. “Thought you’d want to know that the house next to Darryl’s will be rented to a friend of the governor, a man named Randall Haven. I don’t think it’ll be a problem to have him living close to Darryl. He wants isolation and I imagine he understands how the press works. He’s been called the ‘Playboy of Southern Florida,’ according to what I’ve read.”

Rhonda’s smile grew wider as Bernie stopped speaking.

I held up my hand to stop her. “I see your mind spinning. No matchmaking on this. Emma has her life away from Florida.”

“Wait a minute! You were thinking the same thing,” said Rhonda.

“Yes, but then I allowed reason to win,” I responded. “That’s what I want you to do.”

“What’s going on?” asked Bernie.

“Nothing,” I answered. “Thanks for the news. We appreciate it.”

Bernie ended the call and I looked at Rhonda and laughed. He wouldn’t understand by having happy marriages, we wanted everyone to have one too.

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