Page 71 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

After Jessica and Ryan’svisit, Rhonda and I spent some time with our daughters, who were developing an online PR program and an update to our website. Even though our hotel did very well, we were always looking for ways to keep our guest rooms full. If the weather worked against us, there was nothing we could do about gray, rainy, cold days. However, we could find ways to provide guests with alternatives to sunning on the beach.

Thanksgiving was looming. The day itself was the busiest of the year in our restaurant, providing several shifts of guests with the delicious food for which the hotel was known. I loved the excitement of the day, which also signaled the approach of the Christmas holidays. This year, I was especially excited to have Vaughn’s daughter, Nell, and her family stay with us for Thanksgiving.

Nell and I had a close relationship. We’d connected when we first met. Maybe because she looked so much like Liz and was just as charming. She’d encouraged Vaughn to date me. Married now and with two children, she and her husband, Clint, lived in Washington, D.C.

I was working with Dorothy on last-minute seating arrangements for Thanksgiving when I received a call from Nell telling me she and her family wouldn’t be able to come for the holiday because all four of them were sick.

“I’m so disappointed,” I said, feeling let down. “You know how I love to spend time with you.”

“I do, but I can’t expose you or the rest of the family to whatever we have. We’re watching the kids carefully for pneumonia. They’re that sick.”

“Oh, no! Poor things. I hope they and you all feel better. It sounds terrible. You sound awful.”

“I don’t remember when I last felt this sick,” said Nell. “I know you’ll be busy. Think of us when you’re at the hotel with all that wonderful food.”

“I wish there were a way to send some to you,” I said. “Let’s plan a visit at a later time. I hope you all feel better. Please keep in touch. Love you.”

“Love you too, Ann,” said Nell, coughing.

Disheartened, I ended the call.

“Nell isn’t coming?” asked Dorothy. “Such a shame.”

“It is because it’s one time of year we can share a holiday,” I said. “I’ll text Vaughn. He’s on his way home.”

Dorothy pointed to the chart she’d updated. “I think this will do it.”

I looked at the new arrangement. “It’s great that we have this online. We can make changes if we have to.”

“It’s too late for more requests, isn’t it?” Dorothy said.

“Yes, we can’t accept any reservations for that day. We’re slightly overbooked as it is.”

“I remember when it wasn’t so complicated. But then, the hotel was new. Now, people called weeks in advance for a reservation for dinner.”

“Thanks for your help in confirming the reservations.”

“You know I love helping you girls,” said Dorothy. Her eyes behind thick glasses gleamed at me. “Poor Rhonda. She’ll be glad to get back to a full routine. How is her husband doing?”

“His health problems are under control. But he’s still wrestling with issues at work. That’s why Rhonda is keeping a careful eye on him. He’s allowed to go back to the office for half-days only.”

“I hope things calm down for her,” said Dorothy. “She’s such a special person; she's so generous and caring.”

“Yes,” I said, trying to hide my worry. She and I knew something was going on with Will, but he still wouldn’t talk about it. He said time would take care of it.

Later, I was working on financial projections for the holiday season when I received a call from Caro Corbin.

“Why, hello! How are you? Have you recovered from your bubbly vacation here with your friends?”

Caro laughed. “Yes and no. We all had a fabulous time. And we’re all planning to come back sooner than we thought.” There was a ring of excitement in her voice. “I know this will sound absurd to you, but Henry and I have been together as much as we could these past several weeks, and we’ve decided to get married. Crazy, huh?”

I clapped a hand to my chest. They were such special people, and I knew about her ex and how he used to put her down constantly. We’d all seen the connection between Caro and Henry from the beginning.

“Well?”

“You two together are perfect.” I warmed up at the images of them here at the hotel.

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