Page 10 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER FOUR

Rhonda and I met withLorraine about an upcoming wedding. She also was handling the promo gift bags we’d distribute to each seat at the charity luncheon for cancer research. PR opportunities like this allowed us to do something nice for attendees—women supporting women. In addition to offering free or discounted spa packages, we gave away spa products, free weekend stays at the hotel, free transportation to health services for any woman who needed it, and simple but lovely silver necklaces to those who donated to the cause. Rhonda was also a major donor to the breast cancer clinic.

We studied the sample bag Lorraine had assembled and gave her a thumbs-up sign. In addition to what we offered, small bottles of perfume had been added, donated by a store downtown, along with candy from the specialty shop that supplied us with dinner mints and bedtime chocolates and purse-size leather-bound notebooks from a local gift store.

“I’d like one of these gift bags myself,” said Rhonda.

“It’s a lovely gesture to the women who’ve paid for this fundraising luncheon,” said Lorraine. “I understand the raffle is for a five-day stay at a hotel anywhere in London, along with two business class tickets.”

“Yes, there are other things too, but that’s the most exciting offering,” I said, wondering when Rhonda and Will would take their short vacation as she wanted.

After making sure the wedding was under control, we left the office, and I asked Rhonda the question that had lingered in my mind. “When are you and Will going to take the vacation that you talked about?”

Rhonda was worried about Will working so hard and had planned a vacation before things at the hotel got out of control, and she’d had to cancel it.

“I was going to discuss it with you. I figure once this luncheon is over and the five book club women have left the hotel, it might be a perfect time to try to work in a few days away.”

“That’s a good idea. It’s something you’ve mentioned before.”

Rhonda made a face. “It’s silly for Will to try to compete with Arthur. They own two different businesses with very different clients. Lorraine and I have spoken about it. Since she married Reggie’s father, she sees how competitive both men are. And I’m sure Arthur still resents that Reggie chose to work with his father-in-law rather than his own father.”

“But that choice has been excellent for Angie, the kids, and you,” I said. “Otherwise, Reggie might’ve been forced to work in New York.”

“Will and Reggie have always gotten along and work well together,” said Rhonda. “I suspect, though, when Reggie can have complete control over their financial advisory business, he’ll be more than ready to take over.”

“Chad and Liz trust Will and Reggie completely. They’ve each told me about the wise advice that both have given them,” I said. “It’s important for young families to have solid financial advice. The expense of raising children can be overwhelming. Especially when the kids are the same age with the same needs, like the triplets.”

“And now Liz and Chad are adding another child,” said Rhonda. “I understand why Liz is wondering how she will be able to cope. I’ll stop by in the next day or two to see if I can do anything.”

“That’s so sweet of you,” I said. “Liz loves you as much as I love Angie.”

“We were so lucky to have met through our daughters,” said Rhonda. “What do you say that we take a breather on the beach and discuss various vacation times for me? I need some fresh air and a break.”

“Sounds fine to me. Let’s go!” Rhonda and I had always found the beach a quiet place to discuss details of the hotel and how best to handle things.

Rhonda looked at her watch. “Brock shouldn’t be around.”

We stepped onto the sand and gazed at one another. The hotel had become a reality with freewheeling discussions in this very location.

“How long would you be gone on vacation?” I asked Rhonda. “You know the rest of us can handle the hotel for however long you need.”

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