Page 79 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“He called to tell me that he and the woman’s lawyer are working out a deal whereby we can announce that there’s been a misunderstanding and the woman no longer wants to proceed. We all feel that gives her an out without our suing her and ruining her life more than she’s done for herself.”

“That sounds promising,” I said. “It’s terrible to have someone’s life ripped apart by statements that aren’t true.”

Rand arrived, and Darryl went to greet him while I walked into the living room to chat with Abbie and Darryl’s sisters.

Abbie came over to me and gave me a hug. “I’m grateful you helped Darryl realize that we needed to be together. It made such a difference to him to hear it from you.”

“I’m glad I could help,” I said. “It’s true. You must be able to go through the ups and downs together.”

“It sounds as if things are going to be settled fairly quickly,” Abbie said. “But knowing Darryl, it will have a long-term effect on him. Such a shame.”

Darryl came over to us and wrapped an arm around Abbie. “My tormentor is back,” he said, grinning at Abbie. “But I’ve worked hard, even after she left. Tell her, Ann.”

“He did. I swear it,” I said.

Rhonda joined us, and while she talked to Darryl and Abbie, I left them to chat with Darryl’s sister, Kim.

Kim was clearly upset that Darryl had to go through the public humiliation of being accused of inappropriate behavior. “Anyone who knows my brother would realize that wasn’t true. But how many others were quick to judge him? It doesn’t seem fair.”

Jessie, the sister I picked to be the most easy-going, patted Kim on the back. “We know Darryl is an honorable man. It’ll all turn out in the end.”

Alex closest in age to Emma nudged me. “What do you think of Emma and Rand?”

“They are quickly falling for one another, and I’m happy for them. It happened that way for me and my husband.”

“Vaughn Sanders is your husband?” she said. “I loved watching him inThe Sins of the Children.”

“He’s making movies now and does some ads,” I said. “It’s best when he’s home and being a dad and granddad.”

“Because my sisters live within easy driving distance of one another, it makes it nice for us and our kids,” said Alex. “I think the idea of Emma moving away is something that scares us all. It won’t be the same without her.”

“Just look around you,” I teased. “Where else could you be having cocktails in the afternoon in such a beautiful setting?”

Alex chuckled. “You’re right about that.”

“About what?” asked Emma, bringing Rand over to us.

“Nothing, just girl talk,” said Alex, gazing up at Rand.

I went to the kitchen to make sure there were plenty of appetizers left on the tray to pass. Keeping busy made me happy when others talked of such strong family connections.

Rhonda was telling them about running a hotel, and I smiled as others laughed at her stories.

“Okay, everyone!” said Darryl, carrying a tray of drinks. “Take a glass of wine, and let’s make a toast to becoming new friends!”

We each took one and lifted it to salute one another. It was a sweet moment that I hoped would bring happy results.

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Later, walking back to the hotel, Rhonda and I exchanged tidbits of information. One thing was clear. No way did Darryl act in a way that would anger and disappoint his sisters. The case against him seemed as clear as the lawyer declared.

“I’m glad Abbie returned,” said Rhonda. “The way she and Darryl are with one another is adorable. Even Kim, the oldest sister, was amused.”

“Rhonda, you have an older brother who protected you in the neighborhood. What must it be like to have someone like that growing up?”

Rhonda threw an arm around my shoulder. “You may have had a lonely childhood, but remember, I’m here now. No one is going to get away with hurting you without me fighting back.”

Tears stung my eyes. What had I done to ever deserve her friendship? It was priceless.

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