Page 15 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“Good thing you’re on it. Annette is all set to handle service for both dinners.” Bernie’s wife, Annette, had turned out to be a wonderful addition to our staff acting as hostess to special dinners and quietly overseeing the service staff.

Feeling better about things, I headed home. I planned to be back in plenty of time before the cocktail service to make sure the wedding guests were well looked after.

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I arrived home to find a note from Vaughn sitting on the kitchen counter. “I’ve gone on errands. Be back in time for a late lunch.”

After checking my watch, I made a quick phone call to Hair Styles. Malinda was always gracious about finding room for me to have my hair trimmed and nails painted. I crossed my fingers. Like it or not, I’d be on display this weekend and needed help.

Malinda told me to come right away, that she could fit me in for the next twenty minutes, and she’d ask the manicurist to quickly do my fingernails.

Grateful for the friendship I’d developed with her over the past several years, I headed into town.

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A little over an hour later, I emerged from the salon looking and feeling better. I kept my dark hair in a simple cut just above my shoulders, where it curled under in a smooth style. I wanted to look nice to greet Elise Gorman, mother of the bride, and her friend, Janelle Cummings. Both were well-known in New York City social circles for their charity work. Through them, we hoped to get more business.

Before I could make it home, Vaughn called me on my cell.

“How about meeting me at The Wharf for lunch?” he said. “I have a feeling that might be the only time we get to share a meal today.”

“Perfect. I’m afraid you’re right. The Gorman wedding is important to us, and Lorraine is out sick. I’m helping Laura handle things but will have to be around this evening for sure. Rhonda texted me that she was too sick to come in.”

“Guess that’s the hotel business,” said Vaughn. “Meet me at the restaurant, and we’ll have a nice lunch.”

The Wharf was a rustic restaurant on the waterfront north of downtown. It was known for its water views and excellent seafood. The large bar was for casual dining, but the restaurant had a more formal dining room where Vaughn and I liked to sit to enjoy quiet discussions.

I pulled up in the parking lot as Vaughn was heading inside.

Seeing me, he waved and waited.

“Hi,” he said, bending down to kiss me.

A couple walking by recognized Vaughn and stopped, but we ignored them and then went inside to the dining room. The receptionist led us to a table in the corner where we could talk quietly.

“Thanks for making the reservation. I don’t feel like sharing you with your fans,” I said, giving him a teasing smile.

He chuckled. “You’re probably more famous in town than I am.”

I shook my head. “No way. What are you going to have to eat? I want to eat heartily because I think you’re right, I may not be able to have another real meal today.”

“I know what I’m going to order. I’ve been thinking about it all morning. Key Lime Grouper with a blue crab cake,” said Vaughn.

“I’m going to start with some fresh oysters and then have the Florida Louis Salad with extra shrimp.” With Vaughn gone, it wasn’t often that I went out to restaurants.

“Sounds great.” He signaled a waitress over and placed our orders.

Sipping our iced water, we chatted about the filming. I watched Vaughn’s face as he talked about his character. It was clear that he loved his work. After years of being in a soap opera,The Sins of the Children, he loved being able to choose what scripts and roles he wanted.

I was happy for him.

Our food came to the table, and we were quiet as we dug in. I appreciated that neither of us felt as if we had to talk all the time. It made the conversation between us more interesting.

After we finished eating, Vaughn focused his dark-eyed gaze on me. “Let’s go back to the house and have some time to ourselves before Robbie comes home and you have to go to work.”

I knew exactly what he wanted and rose.

We walked out of the restaurant together, holding hands.

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