Page 49 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“He’s made a lot of enemies along the way,” said Rhonda. “We can’t keep him off the beach, but we can make sure he doesn’t intrude upon our guests’ stays.”

“If only,” I muttered, not feeling confident at all.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Rhonda and I drove into town to meet Abbie for lunch. It was a pleasant diversion after a worrisome morning. And lunch at Andre’s was always a delicious treat. Margot and Andre Durand were friends of Jean-Luc’s and welcomed us with open arms and a kiss on each cheek.

I parked the car, and we hurried down the little alley to reach the restaurant. Abbie was already there, sitting at an outside table waiting for us.

“Hello,” Abbie said. “Or should I say “Bonjour’? The owners here are so friendly.”

Just then Margot stepped outside. “Ann, Rhonda,Bienvenue! We have a fresh asparagus quiche today plus a grilled vegetable salad.”

“That sounds delicious,” I said, accepting her kisses. “Abbie, outside or in?”

‘I’m ready to go inside,” said Abbie. “It’s a little chilly.”

We were seated at a table by the side window that gave a view of an herb garden planted next to the building.

“The smells,” murmured Rhonda, sniffing the fragrant air inside the restaurant. “No matter what you order, Abbie, you’ll love it. I promise.”

The three of us ended up having the special of the day—quiche and vegetable salad. And when the food and a carafe of white house wine were served, we dug in with enthusiasm.

Abbie received a text on her cellphone and then said, “A note from Tina. She’s wondering if I can stay a few extra days at your house. She’s traveling with someone who can’t be trusted to keep any information to herself, and she doesn’t want this person to know about me. I won’t be a bother to you, Ann. I promise.”

“Of course. I’d be delighted,” I said. “You’re such an easy guest.”

“Tina is going back to the cottage, but we’ll do our training elsewhere.” Abbie frowned. “Who is this person?”

“Lily Dorio,” I said.

“Nobody you want to be involved with. She’s a liar,” said Rhonda.

Abbie raised her hand. “Stop! You don’t need to say anything more. I’ve already heard a lot of negative things about her in Hollywood.”

“I’m going to advise Darryl not to go back to the hotel until after she leaves,” I said. “I don’t think we’ll have a problem with Brock wandering around the hotel property while he’s under suspicion. But it should be okay for him to be at the hotel after the weekend.”

“We have to be able to honor our guests’ requests,” said Rhonda.

“Yes,” I agreed. “That’s what we worry about.”

“It’s how we became known for hosting high-profile people,” Rhonda said.

“It certainly makes it a pleasant stay,” said Abbie. “It’s important for Darryl to have that. You know, I’m impressed that he’s trying to leave the network to do his own thing and become true to himself.”

Rhonda perked up. “He’s perfect for you,” she told Abbie, smiling.

Abbie’s cheeks flushed before changing the subject. “What’s for dessert? I feel like splurging.”

Margot cleared our plates and took orders for dessert. Abbie and I ordered a fruit tart and Rhonda ordered a slice of lemon cream pie.

After we finished, we each let out a sigh of satisfaction.

“The food here is absolutely fabulous,” said Abbie. “Thank you. Now, I’ll have to get back to business. I’m going to take a walk on the beach. Does anyone want to join me?”

Rhonda checked her watch. “I’m sorry. We have to return to the hotel, and then I have to take Willow to ballet lessons.”

“And I’m going home to check on Vaughn and tell him and Darryl about the latest developments with Lily Dorio.”

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