Page 24 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“I want to know if my wife is staying here,” said the man, who looked and smelled as if he’d been drinking way too much.

“I’m sorry, but we don’t give out any information on our guests.”

“I don’t have to see her. I just need to know if she’s here,” the man said.

I studied him. His dark hair was streaked with gray and looked as if it hadn’t seen a comb in some time. His blue eyes were glazed, and though his features were attractive, there was a disturbing sloppiness about him, as if he didn’t care about his appearance.

“Again, I’m sorry, but that information is confidential,” I said. “She’s certainly able to give you that information herself.”

“The bitch won’t take my calls,” the man grumbled, looking up when Bernie approached us.

“I’ve tried to explain that we don’t give out information on our guests, even if it’s to verify they are or are not staying here,” I said, sending Bernie a silent plea for help.

“It’s very straightforward,” said Bernie. “Let me help you out the door.”

The man whirled away from Bernie and headed to the front entrance by himself.

Watching him go, I sighed. I didn’t know who he was looking for, and I didn’t want to.

I went to the kitchen to see about the timing of the meal. Previously, orders had been taken as to how the individuals wanted their steak cooked. All but one wanted medium rare; the last was to be done medium.

In the small dining room, the two servers had placed Caesar salads before the guests. I signaled Daniel that we’d serve the steaks in five minutes and received a nod of approval from him. Apple pie and ice cream would be served for dessert, a pretty standard thing for one of his simple meals.

I made sure the kitchen knew our timing and then stepped out of the way to wait for the signal that the main course was ready. One did not interfere with Jean-Luc or his kitchen.

The servers came to pick up the meals, and I followed them into the dining room to make sure everyone had what he wanted. At a signal from Daniel, the two servers and I left the room to wait for the dessert course.

I left to go to our main dining room to look in on what Rhonda called “our lovebirds.” From a distance, I observed Henry and Caro deep in conversation and decided not to approach their table. I wasn’t wrong when I told Rhonda we had to let nature take its course.

When I sensed it was time, I went back to the private dining room to see if the men were ready for coffee and dessert.

I took their orders and asked the servers to clear the places and serve dessert.

I wouldn’t be needed until after-dinner drinks were served. Then, I’d stay only long enough to see that the men had everything they needed for their meeting. I often remained in the dining room from beginning to end, but Daniel had held so many private meetings here at the hotel that we’d worked out an easy routine.

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Later, I headed home, pleased with how the dinner meeting had gone. I recognized the faces from news reports I’d seen on television and knew it had been important for the group to have this time together.

At home, after Liana left, I checked on Robbie and Cindy, who were asleep on Robbie’s bed. Seeing Robbie stretched out across the bed, I realized how fast he was growing. A pang hit me. My boy would be shaving and talking in a low voice before I knew it.

I blew kisses into the room for them both and headed to my room, where I eagerly tossed off my high heels and changed out of my clothes. I’d just climbed into bed when my phone rang.Vaughn.

Smiling, I picked up the call. “Hello, how are you? It sure is quiet with you gone.”

“Ah, I miss you already,” said Vaughn. “But a lot of the same crew is here, which makes it enjoyable. What’s new?”

“Not much. I just came from the VIP dinner. Governor Horne said to say hi.”

“I’ve got to get him to come sailing with me,” said Vaughn. “He’s not running for re-election, and he’s going to want to be able to sail the boat he wants to buy.”

“He and his family always visit the hotel during the holiday season. I’m sure you’ll be able to work something out with him then.”

“How are things going with your five ladies?” Vaughn asked.

“Nicely. Both Amy and Caro are dating the men next door, and it seems to be working for all of them.”

“You and Rhonda must be ecstatic,” said Vaughn.

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