Page 52 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“Thanks for inviting us,” said Rhonda. She turned and lifted her glass to the other two women. “My mother used to say, ‘It’s moments like these that make life precious.’ So, what’s cookin’?”

Tina launched into a story about her trip to Sabal with Lily Dorio. “I don’t care for Lily after what she did to Ann and Vaughn. I didn’t ever expect our paths would cross. But getting the role opposite her new husband, I’ve seen more of her than I’ve ever wanted.”

“How did she finally land a husband?” Rhonda asked.

Tina sighed and shook her head. “Lily is attractive and has a way of making people believe she’s sincere when she talks to them. Sinclair Smith is a nice guy who loves being married even though he has a reputation for wandering. Lily is his third wife. People in the business are placing bets as to how long this marriage will last. Lily is using her relationship with him to try to get new clients for her agency.”

“How’s that going?” I asked.

“Not too well, though she does get people to sign up. The problem is she’s not known for being honest with them. After a while, people drop her and move on to someone else.”

We made our way to the lanai while the men congregated down by the dock with Vaughn, giving us women a chance to talk.

Tina turned to Rhonda. “Will looks tired. What’s going on with him?”

Rhonda told the story of Will wanting to compete with Reggie’s father, Arthur. “Working with your son-in-law can be difficult anyway, but this is a lot of extra pressure for both Will and Reggie.”

Tina said, “Why don’t you two take a little break together? You’re welcome to come stay with me in California.”

Rhonda glanced at me before answering. “Thanks, but I’ve already made tentative reservations at the nearby Palm Island Club. It’s close by, so I hope I can get Will to relax there by knowing he could get back to his office for an emergency.”

“Reggie is a talented young man who has no interest in competing with his father. It’s one reason he went into business with Will to begin with,” I explained.

“Will is getting close enough to retirement that I think he wants to prove he’s still capable,” Rhonda said. “Believe me, he hasn’t slowed down in other areas.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

“TMI,” I said, laughing with the others.

“Nicholas is happiest at home,” Tina said. “It’s a relief for me because he works with beautiful young actors who sometimes see him as a rich older man who could provide them with access to better roles and an easy life.”

“Vaughn feels the same,” I said. Looking at Abbie, I continued. “That’s something I like about Darryl. He hasn’t been interested in being seen with young, flashy starlets. And won’t be, with you here.”

Abbie’s cheeks grew pink, and I thought she looked darling.

Vaughn returned. “We need more beers, and I’m about to start the grill for the steaks. Is everything else set?”

I stood. “It will be. I’m putting together a green salad and Tina brought some grilled vegetables from Andre’s restaurant.”

“I’ll help,” said Tina. She followed me into the kitchen. “What can I do?”

“Let’s eat in the dining room. You can set the table.” I picked out placemats and napkins and showed her where the silverware and water glasses were.

Tina picked them up and faced me with a worried look. “Don’t trust Lily. I have a feeling she’s going to try to use Vaughn to get more business. She told me she was best friends with the bride, but I don’t believe it. I think she pressured the groom into inviting her.”

“That sounds about right,” I murmured, determined not to let that woman get to me.

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Later, sitting at the dining room table, glancing at the people gathered there, my heart filled with love. Having friends was important to me. I watched Darryl tell a joke and even while I was laughing, I was hoping he and Abbie would become part of my hotel family.

At the end of the meal, Vaughn said, “Let’s go out to the lanai for nightcaps.”

Rhonda and I exchanged glances. We’d have to get up in the morning to greet wedding guests, but nightcaps sounded perfect.

###

It was late by the time Abbie and I finished putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher, but I was glad for the time with her. We’d learned that she came from a humble background where sports were emphasized as a way for the family to do better financially. One of her brothers played professional baseball for a few years. Two others played football but never made it to the NFL. The brother closest in age to her had become an orthopedic doctor. Abbie’s career choice seemed natural. She had the same hardworking, pleasant nature as my daughter, Liz.

“Guess I’m off to bed,” said Abbie. “Thanks for a nice evening.”

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