Page 72 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

Will was in the den, standing at the bar. “Good evening, everyone. What can I offer you to drink? We’re serving a red Italian wine, a Barolo, with dinner. I can offer you something lighter, perhaps a pinot noir, beer, or any cocktail.”

Emma and I went with pinot noir. Vaughn, Darryl, and Rand went with vodka on the rocks, while Will chose his favorite scotch. Rhonda joined us holding a glass of red wine.

Rita followed behind carrying a tray of stuffed mushroom appetizers.

“Please sit everyone. It will be a short while before dinner,” said Rhonda. “Will, I want to introduce you to our hotel guests.”

Will, who was a true gentleman, shook hands all around and kept the conversation going while Rhonda disappeared into the kitchen.

The subject of sailing came up and Darryl proudly told the group that he was Vaughn’s First Mate.

“I’ve got a motorboat, but I always thought I’d like sailing,” said Rand. “Do you allow for more than one First Mate?” he asked Vaughn.

As the conversation continued about sailing, I found it interesting to see Emma and Rand interact with one another now and then. Their dinner date must have gone well.

When Will’s business came up, Rand reacted. “I’m interested in finding a new financial manager. We’ll have to chat sometime.”

Will beamed at him. “Certainly. My pleasure.”

It did my heart good to see Will so pleased. He’d been my financial advisor when I was trying to come up with my share of funds to invest in the hotel. That’s how he and Rhonda met. I’d never forget how kind he was to me or how he and Rhonda had quickly fallen in love.

Rhonda appeared. “Dinner is ready.”

She led us into the dining room.

A place card sat in front of each chair, and I was pleased to be seated between Rand and Darryl. Rhonda caught my eye and winked. She, no doubt, was hoping to collect a lot of information from me.

Rhonda was a marvelous cook, and even though she’d promised to make a simple meal, we started with a large antipasti platter fit for a meal. It was loaded with veggies, meats, cheese, olives, peppers, and every other item usually found in the dish. Accompanying it was fresh, warm Italian bread and a seasoned olive oil mixture for dipping the bread.

“This is delicious,” said Emma. “What a delightful dinner.”

“Uh, this is just the beginning,” I murmured. “Rhonda’s maiden name is DelMonte. Be prepared for a lot of excellent food.”

Emma covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a laugh. “Of course.” She gazed at Rand, and he grinned at her.

“She’s adorable,” I quietly said to him.

He continued staring at Emma and nodded.

While Rhonda talked to Rand, I turned to Darryl. “How did the day go?”

He let out a long sigh. “It’s hard to sit and hear all kinds of things being said about you while having to remain quiet. But my lawyer has been digging up information. He tells me it’ll be just a matter of time before my accuser is forced to recant her statement.”

“I’m sorry this has happened to you,” I said.

“I got a call from Abbie. She’s upset with me. She thinks I’m pushing her away.”

“Isn’t that what you’re doing?” I asked.

“Emma thinks so, but what if the newspeople find out we’ve been training together? They’ll make it something it’s not. Something cheap. And our relationship is not that way at all. I’ve fallen for her, and I don’t want to mess that up.”

“I understand what you’re trying to do,” I said, “but if you both are in love with one another, then you must unite to face your troubles if you’re going to have a true relationship.”

Rhonda entered the room carrying a platter and announced, “We’re serving family style tonight.”

“We can talk later,” I said to Darryl. “I know how delicious this is. You won’t want to spend a minute chatting instead of eating.”

Darryl grinned. “I already know I’ll have to do twice as much jogging tomorrow.”

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