Page 12 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

Slade and Henry exchanged looks, and then Slade said, “We’re in government.”

“Ugh, that sounds pretty boring,” said Amy. “What is it that you do?”

“We don’t usually talk about our jobs,” Henry said reluctantly.

Caro gave him an impish look. “Are you talking about spy work?”

Henry laughed. “Not exactly.” He turned to me. “Would you and Rhonda and your husbands like to join us for a casual dinner?”

“Thanks,” I said. “Can I let you know later after I have had a chance to see what is going on at home?”

“Certainly,” said Henry.

“The more the merrier,” said Slade, glancing at Amy, who grinned at the idea.

“I’m here to tell you that Jane is spending some time with Rhonda. She didn’t want you to worry.”

“Thanks for letting us know,” said Caro. “We want this vacation to be about doing whatever suits each of us.”

“I understand,” I said, knowing the group had at least two secrets. “Thanks for the invitation,” I said to Henry and Slade. “I’ll let you know as soon as I can. And Rhonda will, too.”

I left them as Slade and Amy headed to the water, and Henry and Caro took off on a walk. It was a fascinating group.

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Rhonda called me latethat afternoon to update me on Jane’s appointment. “After taking a 3-D mammogram and an ultrasound of the spot, Dr. Perkins has removed the lump and sent it off for analysis. She said the lump, which was easily taken out, appears to be a cyst but that they need to have a definitive clinical report, which they should have in a couple of days.”

“That sounds very hopeful.” I had some experience with cysts and their removal, so I wasn’t overly concerned about Jane having one removed in the clinic’s surgery center. “Please be sure to thank Dr. Perkins for me.”

“She’s very pleased to do this for us, especially after I told her I’d increase my donation to the fundraiser,” said Rhonda.

I laughed. Rhonda was very generous and made it work to her advantage, leaving everyone pleased.

“I have an invitation for you and Will,” I said, and I told her about the pizza party.

“Even if Will doesn’t want to attend, I’ll be there. This is a dream come true for any matchmaker.”

Laughing, I said, “You might be on to something. Vaughn and I will be there. Robbie is going to a sleepover at Brett’s house.”

“After listening to Jane talk about some of the other women in the group, I think both Amy and Caro are due for some happiness,” said Rhonda.

“Well, let’s help that along,” I said. Though Vaughn and Will didn’t always understand our motive for playing matchmaker, it was quite simple. We were both happy in our marriages and wanted others to have that same experience. Everyone needs love in their lives.

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