Page 14 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

As we relaxed, Lisa asked Vaughn about the movie business. I listened with the others as Vaughn answered her questions, becoming impressed with the details of his work filming movies and advertisements.

“How do you feel about fans mooning over Vaughn?” asked Caro.

I was used to the question. “I know the relationship Vaughn and I have and how important it is for us to share quieter times at home. As long as I remember that, any salacious rumors of him with someone else are just that.”

“I loved my first wife, who died from cancer, and I love Ann. I have no intention of doing anything to mess that up.” Though Vaughn said it to the group, he kept his focus on me.

My heart filled with gratitude for him. My first marriage was a disaster, but Vaughn had taught me how marriage should be between two people who loved one another.

“Wow,” said Caro. “That’s true love.”

“Have you missed out on that?” Henry asked her.

“I thought I was in love forever, but my ex had a different idea.” She glanced at Henry and then quickly turned away.

“Hey, guys! What kind of pizza did you order?” I asked in an attempt to change the atmosphere of this group. One gloomy conversation seemed to lead to another.

“Funny you should ask,” said Slade. “I’m somewhat of a pizza connoisseur, and after talking to the concierge desk, I learned the most authentic New York pizza is from a place called Johnny’s.”

“That’s my favorite pizza place, too,” said Vaughn.

“What’s New York style pizza?” asked Heather.

“The crust of a New York pizza is sturdy but not cracker-like and instead features a tender chew thanks to the addition of oil in the dough,” said Slade.

“The crust is thick and crisp only along its edge, yet soft, thin, and pliable enough beneath its toppings to be folded in half to eat,” Vaughn added.

“Okay,” said Heather. “It’s different from what I have at home, but I’m sure my husband, Craig, would love it. We often end up with pizza and salad if I get home from the art studio too late to cook.”

“Wait to be surprised. I chose a lot of different combinations, thinking there’d be enough for us all to choose from,” said Slade.

“I took care of the beer and wine,” said Henry, and laughing with him, I found myself liking him a whole lot. By the looks of it, Caro did, too.

Rhonda quietly nudged me, and I knew she’d notice Caro’s reaction, too.

Vaughn sensed something going on between Rhonda and me and turned to me with a questioning look.

“What?” I answered softly.

Vaughn shook his head. “I know what you two are doing,” he said quietly.

“We’ll see,” I said, grateful for the interruption of Henry refilling my glass of wine.

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When the pizza arrived, we were more than ready to taste the different choices. In addition to margherita, cheese, pepperoni, and sausage half-and-half pizzas, Slade ordered mushroom and cheese, pineapple and bacon, veggie, and olive and anchovy choices as well.

“There’s enough pizza here for the next two weeks,” said Jane, clasping her hands together and looking at the selection on the kitchen countertops with anticipation.

“You’ll be surprised at how much we all will eat. And any leftovers are great for me for breakfast,” said Slade.

“My buddy isn’t known as a gourmet,” said Henry. “But he’s fallen in love with Jean-Luc’s cooking.”

“Right. He’s the best without being overly fussy,” Slade agreed. He handed out plates and said, “Okay, everyone, dig in.”

I took a slice of margherita pizza and one of pineapple and bacon.

“Sorry,” said Rhonda, “but pineapple and bacon is not real pizza. I should know. My mother used to make the best.”

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