Page 63 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“I hope you have a delicious dinner,” I said, pleased to see the change in them. “I’m sure I’ll see you tomorrow.”

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Iwas relaxing at homewith Vaughn after he’d returned from a sail when my cell phone rang.Laura.

“Hi, there. What can I do for you?” I asked.

“I didn’t want to disturb Liz or Angela. I know how busy they are with their kids. But we have a problem with our special couple.”

“What’s happened?” I asked, alarmed.

“They’re both drunk. They were too drunk to have their photos taken in the dining room. I’ve helped them order room service to get some food into them. But it’s too late for them to go to the dining room.”

I frowned. “Did they tell you what’s going on? Why did they do this? They seemed fine this afternoon.”

Laura hesitated and then said, “Jessica accused Ryan of getting her drunk so they would have sex.”

“Oh, I see. Well, let’s make sure they get plenty of food tonight so they’re ready for the spa tomorrow morning. You’d better tell Liz and Angela what has happened. They need to be prepared.”

“Will do,” said Laura.

“I’ll let Rhonda know. Maybe we can come up with a plan for how we all can get Jessica and Ryan through the next couple of days.”

After hanging up with Laura, I called Rhonda and told her what had happened.

“I thought the girls had vetted couples carefully,” said Rhonda.

“They had four couples fill out their questionnaire and felt Jessica and Ryan presented the best chances for a cute story,” I said.

“We’ve spent money arranging photographers and lining up staff to help. We’d better make this work. It’s hard to coordinate everyone,” said Rhonda. “I’ll meet you at the spa tomorrow morning.”

“How are things going with Will?” I asked.

“He’s an unhappy camper,” said Rhonda. “But he was very glad to see Vaughn earlier today.”

“Oh, great. I haven’t had a chance to talk to Vaughn about it. I love that they’re friends.

“Yeah, me too,” said Rhonda. “See you tomorrow.”

As I ended the call, Vaughn looked up from the book he was reading. “What’s going on?”

I filled him in on the situation and then said, “Will is very glad you went to see him today. How is he?”

“Both grateful to be alive and miserable at being held back from working.” Vaughn made a face. “It was odd, but he asked if I was doing business with Arthur. I knew that Will was competing against him, and I didn’t know how to respond. But when I told him that I wasn’t, Will seemed very pleased. I’m not sure what that’s all about, but I’m staying out of it.”

“That situation is getting out of hand. I hope that if Will stays out of the office long enough, his need to compete with Arthur will end. I know it worries Rhonda.”

“The thing is that Arthur wants to speak to me about an investment he has. But I’m going to call him and tell him I’m not interested.”

“I think that’s best,” I said. “Will and Rhonda are our closest friends.”

“I’ll try to visit Will again,” said Vaughn. “The poor guy is bored silly, and it’s only been a short time.”

“Yes, anything to keep him busy away from the office.” I leaned over and kissed Vaughn. “You’re such a wonderful man. I love having you around.”

“About that,” said Vaughn. “I’m waiting to hear from the producers when we start shooting the movie again. So far, it’s been a smooth operation, but something always comes up. I’m thinking I won’t have much more time here.”

“Before you must go, will you take a walk on the beach with me?”

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