Page 13 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER FIVE

That evening, Vaughnand I entered the guesthouse where Henry and Slade were staying, and I couldn’t help smiling at the sounds of chatter and laughter. The group was spread out in the living room, talking and sipping an assortment of drinks. Looking them over, I thought they were an attractive group, showing signs of becoming tan and relaxed. Sun, salt air, and sandy beaches tended to do that to people.

Henry got to his feet and came over to us. “Ann, it’s great to see you here.” He turned to Vaughn. “Hello, Vaughn Sanders. I’m Henry Watson, a fan of yours in your latest movie.”

I realized how smooth and knowledgeable Henry was and wondered if he had researched all his guests or just happened to like Vaughn’s character portrayal.

Rhonda arrived while we were all introducing ourselves to one another in the living room. Both Henry and Slade greeted her, and then Rhonda hurried into the living room and over to my side. “Did I miss anything?”

“Vaughn and I just arrived, so I have nothing to report. But the group is relaxed, so I think you’ll be able to see for yourself how they interact with one another. Will wasn’t able to come?”

Rhonda shook her head. “He wasn’t feeling well.”

‘I’m sorry. I hope he feels better soon,” I said. Will was easy to talk to and a pleasant participant in any group.

Vaughn and I gave our drink requests to Slade and sat in one of the comfortable chairs placed in a circle with the other furniture in the living room.

Across the room from me, I noticed that Caro had saved the space next to her on the couch where Henry had sat.

Slade handed Vaughn, Rhonda, and me our drinks while Henry entered the room with a veggie platter and a bowl of nuts. He passed them around and placed them on the coffee table before sitting next to Caro. Jane was sitting quietly in an overstuffed chair while Heather and Lisa, the two married women of the five, sat chatting. Amy and Slade were together at the opposite end of the couch from Henry and Caro.

Of everyone in the group, those four were possible matches. I noticed Rhonda paying careful attention to them.

I gave Jane an encouraging smile but could not do or say anything about her medical procedures that day.

“Here’s to all of us,” said Slade, lifting his beer bottle into the air.

“Hear, hear!” said Heather, and we all joined in, raising our glasses as we spoke.

Loving the congeniality, I turned to Vaughn. “Interesting group, huh?”

He nodded but kept his gaze on Amy, who was now clearing her throat. “I have something to announce. I was going to wait, but I believe it’s better to tell you now so you’ll understand.”

“What is it?” Jane asked, giving Amy a look of concern. “Is it more trouble from Dan?”

“My divorce came through last week. After years of wanting this, and with our son, Nick, out of high school and away at college, it’s a huge relief. Our marriage has been over for years. Dan knew that I would move quickly once our son was out of the house.”

“What was Dan’s reaction?” Heather asked.

“I haven’t heard from him. He should have gotten the papers right away,” said Amy. “He won’t like it, but I can’t continue to support him and his gambling addiction financially.”

“Situations like that can be devastating,” said Henry. “A friend had a similar circumstance.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry you have to go through it,” said Slade, taking up the slack in the conversation.

“Because I’m a counselor at one of the local high schools,” said Lisa, “I’ve talked to her son, Nick, about the situation. He was very honest with me.”

Amy turned to her. “Thank goodness you got him to talk to me about his father’s addictions. It makes the decision of mine stronger.” She held up her hands. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring the tone of this gathering down. I want it to be a reason to celebrate being here together. All of us.”

“I’ll drink to that,” said Slade, and the tension in the room evaporated. He stood. “More wine or beer for everyone?”

“Yes, for us, everyone,” said Heather, and we all laughed as the room filled with optimism once more.

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