Page 80 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

The next day, Rand, Darryl, and Vaughn decided to go sailing while Emma organized a shopping trip for her sisters and Abbie. Rhonda and I opted out of their plans to give attention to projects at work. I’d learned that if I didn’t keep up with my administrative duties, I paid for it in the end by having to work long extra hours. We did, however, decide to meet them for lunch at André’s.

With another wedding about to take place over the weekend, Rhonda and I met with Lorraine, Laura, and Annette to ensure that all were ready and able to take care of the many details and be able to pamper the wedding party. Rhonda and I would stop by for the ceremony and for a few minutes during the celebration to greet the wedding party.

Next, we set up a meeting with the reservations department to discuss the media advertising being done by Liz and Angela. If the people in the department were doing their job, they’d act as salespeople to requests for information.

Later, when it was time for lunch, I was more than ready to take a break. Besides, I wanted to see how the women had gotten along. I hoped Emma’s sisters would be supportive of her attraction to Rand and had grown to like Abbie.

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At André’s, the women were seated at a large round table.

“We’ve just started,” said Abbie, waving us over. “Margot has opened a bottle of Champagne for us. We’re here to celebrate.” The excitement in her voice rang out.

“What’s going on?” I slid into a chair next to her.

Abbie raised her fist triumphantly. “Darryl just called to tell us that the woman who accused him of sexual harassment has recanted her words. She’s saying that it was a huge, emotional mistake due to financial stress over the loss of her job.”

“Wow! That’s a big admission,” I said.

“It is,” agreed Abbie, “but it’s better than going to trial and exposing herself for additional bad behavior. I’m just glad it’s over.”

Margot quickly filled tulip glasses with champagne for Rhonda and me and stood aside.

Kim tapped against her glass with a fork for attention. “Let’s toast Darryl and wish him more success!”

“Hear! Hear!” We cried together and lifted our glasses in a group salute.

I was touched to be part of this. As often happened to Rhonda and me, we’d become friends with people who’d started as guests.

Alex, sitting next to Emma, raised her glass again. “And here’s to Abbie for being so supportive of Darryl.”

Smiling, we turned to her.

Abbie, who was fit and strong, seemed to crumble. She covered her eyes for a moment and then lifted her face. “Thank you,” she said quietly as we all saluted her with our bubbly wine.

Watching Abbie compose herself again, I was amazed to discover her vulnerability. We humans are a very complicated lot with needs that often surprise us.

Later, during lunch, I spoke to Abbie. “Having four older brothers, are you finding it fun to be part of Darryl’s sister group?”

Abbie nodded and grinned. “It’s interesting. They’re all very different, but very kind. It makes me think that what Darryl and I share is as special as they think.”

I gave Abbie a quick squeeze and studied the women at the table. Women supporting women made all the difference in how we lived.

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When I returned home that evening, Vaughn, Darryl, and Rand were lying in lounge chairs by the pool, their hair damp from swimming.

“Hello,” I said to Vaughn. “Did you have a good sail?”

All three men sat up in their chairs.

Vaughn said, “It was terrific. We had some brisk wind, and now I’ve got two First Mates, not one.”

Rand gave me a boyish smile full of pride. “I may have to buy a boat.”

“You heard my good news?” said Darryl.

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