Page 29 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

I studied their sunburned faces and wondered what stories lay behind each one. It was interesting to see that though each woman was different in appearance and behavior, they were bound to one another through friendship with books and each other. Rhonda and I were as different as two people could be until you reached the cores of us where beliefs in such things as kindness, work ethics, and others drew us together.

I listened to Jane tell how the airboat ride had made her feel like flying, even with headphones on to block the sound of the engine behind her. “I’ve read about them, but being on the boat skimming the water and being part of a whole new water world was totally thrilling,” said Jane, her eyes alight.

It pleased me to see her like this. She’d told me she still hadn’t heard from Dr. Perkins.

Lisa and Heather talked about the books they’d bought for their husbands.

“Tell me about your husband,” I said to Lisa. “I heard he was your high school sweetheart.”

“He was,” said Lisa, smiling. “He still is, I guess you could say. He works for a small, local IT company. We have three beautiful children, one in junior high and two in senior high school. As I may have mentioned, I’m a high school counselor. Our lives are busy because all three kids play sports. But even though we have little time for each other, my husband and I are happy.” She shrugged. “It may seem boring to some people, but we do all right.”

Heather poked her. “You told me you’re planning to come back here with your husband, that this place is made for romance.” She turned to the group. “Right, Caro? And Amy, you can’t deny it. You’re having a fantastic time with a certain someone named Slade.”

Amy laughed. “It’s been a lot of fun.” She looked down at her cell phone, read a message, and frowned. “Excuse me. It’s my son, Nick.” She got up and left the lanai.

“Wonder what he wants,” said Lisa. “That kid has been put through a lot with his father. I’m relieved that Amy decided to divorce her husband. It’ll be better for both Nick and her.”

“Amy has been so cheerful lately. It was an excellent decision for all of us to follow through and come here,” said Heather. “It’s been worth every penny we had to save for it.”

“Craig, Heather’s new husband, would do anything for her,” said Caro. “He’s so sweet. He’d made sure she could be here.”

“He’s a doll,” agreed Heather. “I’m so lucky to have found him the second time around. We met at my art show. He’s made my life fabulous.”

“They’re empty nester lovebirds,” said Caro, clasping her hands and smiling.

Amy returned to the group and said, “I’m sorry to disrupt this party.”

“Anything wrong?” Jane asked.

“Nick’s worried about his dad. His father was supposed to meet him several days ago. At first, he let it go, but it’s been long enough that he’s worried about him.”

“I’m sorry,” said Jane.

“It would be just like the bastard to be on another gambling bender,” said Amy, her voice filled with anger.

“Just forget him, and let’s have some fun,” said Heather. She got up and filled the tulip glasses again. “This is our time not to worry about things. I’ll be right back with more bubbly.”

Heather left the lanai to go to the kitchen.

A moment later, we heard her shriek.

When the rest of us got to the living room, she was pointing at the television.

“Oh, my God!” Amy and I said in unison, staring at the photograph of a man on the television screen.

“What’s wrong?” Rhonda asked.

Heather held up her hand for silence and turned the volume up on the television.

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