Page 67 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“Yes, we talked about it. He says he’s never felt nor looked better. I agree with him. He wasn’t fat, just a little bit pudgy. Now, he’s ruggedly handsome, more like I’ve always known him.”

“What do you think of Rand Haven?” I asked, thinking how pleased Rhonda would be to know I’d asked.

“So far, I’m not about to succumb to his charms. He’s strikingly handsome and is used to being the center of attention. He’s a wonderful diversion for Darryl.”

“I don’t know Rand. But he’s known as a real playboy.” I looked up. “Oh, oh, here comes someone I do know. Though he’s attractive, Brock Goodwin is someone to avoid for many reasons. And for sure, don’t tell him where you’re staying or with whom. He’d take pleasure in exposing Darryl.” I took her arm and led her away.

“Ann! Wait!” Brock called. “I need to talk to you.”

Groaning, I slowed. “There’s no stopping him. He’ll run faster if we try to get away.”

Brock jogged up to us and paused a moment to catch his breath. “I want you to know I’ve been cleared of all charges in the Everly Jansen case, and I want to be welcomed back at the hotel.” He turned to Emma and gave her a leering look. “Who do we have here?”

“Emma is a friend of mine, visiting for a short time. As far as being welcomed back to the hotel, you know the rules about privacy and your need to stay away from any guests. That’s what got you in trouble with Everly.”

“I was just being pleasant and helpful. Like I always am.” He turned to Emma. “I’m president of the Neighborhood Association, and I have a responsibility to make sure everything is going well under my control.”

I rolled my eyes.

Emma grinned at me. “You’re right. You have some very interesting neighbors.”

“At your service,” said Brock, giving her a little bow.

“See you later, Brock,” I said, taking hold of Emma’s arm as we walked away. “Brock is a pain in the butt and has done everything he can to undermine what Rhonda and I try to do. He thinks because he’s a single man in a group of single women that he’s a real Casanova. Rhonda and I detest him.”

“What about Rand? Is he like that too?” Emma asked. She frowned as she saw Darryl jogging toward them with Rand.

“Tell you what, why don’t you come with me to the hotel? I can show you where Rhonda and I work, and we can have some of Consuela’s sweet rolls.”

Relief washed across Emma’s face. “Let’s go.” She turned and waved at Darryl and then hurried away with me.

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At the hotel, we walked into the busy kitchen. I introduced Emma to Consuela and explained that Consuela and her husband, Manny, were more like family than staff members.

We grabbed some cinnamon rolls and cups of coffee and went into the office.

Rhonda was there looking through some brochures. “Hi, there. Nice to see you here, Emma.”

“We’re escaping Brock and Rand,” I said.

“Brock, I can understand, but Rand is mighty fine to look at online,” said Rhonda.

“But Ann told me he has a reputation for playing around,” Emma said. “Believe me, I’m not interested.”

“Well, those are stories about him. We don’t know the real facts,” said Rhonda, ever the matchmaker unwilling to give up on a cause. “Has Darryl heard from Abbie?”

“She called last night and wanted to come to Florida to keep him company. He turned her down.”

“What?” said Rhonda drawing herself up in her chair. “Why would he do that?”

Emma shook her head. “He told her that he didn’t want her pulled into this mess, that when he was cleared of all charges, he’d love to see her.”

“That’s awful. That’s pushing her away,” said Rhonda.

“It’s wonderful that she wants to support him,” I said.

“It’s that Douglas family stubbornness. He won’t budge,” said Emma. “I tried to talk to him, but he cares for Abbie and doesn’t want to see her hurt by bad publicity.”

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