Page 51 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“It sounds fascinating. I was an only child, an orphan at six, who was raised by a strict grandmother. I wished for siblings but knew early on I would never have them.”

“I hope you had some reliable friends,” said Abbie with a note of sympathy.

“I did have one special friend when I was younger but then she moved away. I was invited to birthday parties and such, but my grandmother didn’t approve of sleepovers and girl parties, so my friendships didn’t develop. I adore Rhonda. She’s the best friend I’ve ever had.”

“The two of you have certainly made a success of The Beach House Hotel,” said Abbie. “You’re an inspiration to others. Tina thinks of you as the mother she wished she’d had. She told me how you saved and protected her.”

“Rhonda and I knew we had to do something to help Tina. She’s become part of what I call ‘My Hotel Family’.”

Abbie hesitated and then said, “Darryl, too? I’ve never met a man like him. He’s strong and soft, determined and giving. He could be a self-important bastard like many of my male clients. But he’s not. He’s a truly nice man.”

“I don’t know him as well as you do, but I like him. And Vaughn’s approval means a lot. In his business, he has to work with many egotistical jerks. He doesn’t spend time with guests on his boat if he doesn’t like them.”

Abbie clapped a hand to her chest. “That makes me feel so good. Practically living with a client for a couple of weeks gives me an insight into what they’re like as people, and I’ve never felt this close to any other clients of mine.”

“Rhonda will be thrilled to hear this. But if you tell her, be careful about saying too much or she’ll have your wedding planned before you can think about it.”

“Oh, yes, I got that feeling,” said Abbie chuckling. “Let me show you my purchases. I was delighted to find some unusual tropical wear that I can use in California.”

Together, we looked over her new clothing.

I was delighted to share these moments with her. “I think you’re going to enjoy everything you bought today, and I think a certain someone will too,” I said, giving Abbie a quick hug.

“Thanks. I’ll meet you at the pool,” said Abbie.

I left her room and went to change, satisfied with what was happening between two people I liked.

I was in my bedroom when I got a call from Tina. “Hi. I’m here. Are Abbie and Darryl with you?”

“Yes, they are. We’re about to relax by the pool. Why don’t you join us?”

“Thanks,” said Tina. “I will. Traveling with Lily Dorio is a trip of its own. I need a little relaxing.”

“I trust Bernie greeted you upon arrival,” I said.

“Oh, yes. As usual, we got a warm welcome. Lily couldn’t stop talking about staying in The Presidential Suite.”

“Good,” I said, meaning it. Rhonda and I didn’t want anything to ruin the panache of staying there.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

I worked with Abbie and Tina fixing a simple meal in the kitchen. My earlier conversation with Abbie prickled in my mind. My childhood had been lonely, but I’d made friends in college and during my marriage. But nothing could match the friendships I’d formed here in Sabal. Having Rhonda and other friends in the neighborhood and on the same charity committees that I served on, was even more precious because of my upbringing.

I remembered the first time I met Rhonda and how rocked I’d been by her language and her bluntness. Now, it was a part of her I loved.

Not wanting Rhonda to miss out on our unexpected party, I’d called her. She and Will and their two children were on their way to join us. Willow at almost nine and Drew at seven were thrilled to play board or computer games with Robbie. He seemed to thrive on being their leader. While we adults were going to have steak and salad, he’d already convinced me to order pizza for the kids.

Rhonda walked through the door carrying a cake. “Thought you’d like to have dessert. Rita’s lemon cakes are the best.” Rita had worked for Rhonda since Willow was born and was a warm woman who served as a grandmother as well as a housekeeper.

Will followed with the children. I studied him and noticed how tired he looked. I reminded myself to speak to Rhonda about taking the vacation they’d missed because of Everly staying at the hotel.

“Hi, Auntie Ann,” cried Willow, running into my open arms. She looked a lot like Will with light brown hair and hazel eyes. But instead of his easy-going manner, she had Rhonda’s energy and a bit of her bossiness, too. I loved her. She was special to me because she’d been born on my kitchen floor, a story we talked about often.

Andrew, or Drew as we called him, stood aside, used to Willow taking over. He had dark hair, big brown eyes, and an adorable dimpled smile. Happy to follow Willow’s instructions to a point, he could demonstrate a fiery temper when pushed too far. I swept him into my arms and kissed him on the cheek while he nestled against me.

The children left to go to Robbie’s room. Cindy followed, her short Dachshund legs moving fast to keep up with their running.

I poured Rhonda a glass of red wine while Vaughn took care of getting a beer for Will.

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