Page 27 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“I heard the hurricane has been downgraded and is heading for New Orleans,” said Rhonda.

“Yes, but you know anything can happen with that storm between now and when it hits,” I said. “I figure we’ll need to decide how to handle the situation tomorrow. We can’t take any chances on hurting the hotel, even if we end up with only wind and rain.”

“I know, but I don’t want to rush into anything until we have a better idea of what’s happening with it,” said Rhonda. “It takes a ton of work to get everything done before a storm hits.”

“Okay. Let’s give it until tomorrow morning before we act,” I said. “We don’t want to disrupt our guests any more than we have to.”

We headed to Bernie’s office to discuss our concerns on both issues.

Bernie looked up from his desk when we knocked and cracked open the door. “Come on in. I suppose you’ve heard from Mike Torson about the falling into the pool case.”

“Yes, that’s why we’re here,” said Rhonda. “We want to keep this as simple and inexpensive as possible.”

Bernie indicated the chairs in front of his desk, and Rhonda and I sat.

“We also wanted to discuss timing for any storm activity at the hotel,” I said.

“I’ve alerted the Housekeeping Department to stand by if needed. Right now, we need to stick to our regular storm, not hurricane, protocol. With the hurricane heading to New Orleans and our being on the back side of it, we’re talking about wind and rain for us. Even so, I’ve talked to Lorraine and Annette about the need for extra social activities should we have to deal with a lot of rain for a couple of days."

"Excellent,” I said. “We can offer high tea one day.”

“Exactly. Lorraine and Annette have a few other ideas. Hopefully, we won’t have to use them, but it’s better to be prepared.” Bernie smiled. “We’re trying to keep a step ahead of you two.”

Rhonda and I glanced at one another and laughed. Bernie didn’t crack too many jokes. It was refreshing to see him in such a jovial mood.

“I understand one of the men in the guesthouse Amelia Swanson has rented is leaving for a couple of days,” said Bernie.

“Oh? Which one?” I asked.

“Henry,” said Bernie. “He said he had some personal business to take care of, but he expects to return in a day or two.”

“He’d better come back,” Rhonda said, giving me a worried look.

Bernie frowned at both of us and shook his head. “Another so-called project of yours?”

“Now, Bernie,” Rhonda said. “You know we offer our guests a chance for romance. We try to help things along. Henry and Caro are perfect for one another.”

Bernie held up his hands. “I manage a hotel, not a dating service.”

“We know that,” I said in a soothing tone. Bernie took his job seriously, and we never wanted to upset him.

“Anything else?” Bernie asked.

“No, not until tomorrow morning when we need to decide on how we’re going to react to the hurricane.”

Rhonda and I rose and left the office.

“Maybe tonight we’ll find out more about Henry’s departure,” said Rhonda. “I hope it doesn’t mean he’s not interested in Caro anymore.”

“It’s only been a few days. Who could blame him if he’s decided to step back?” I asked. “Love can be so complicated.”

“I know,” said Rhonda. “I love Will. You know I do. But I’m tired of trying to get him to slow down and enjoy the day, the family, me. Does that sound selfish to you?

“No,” I said. “I’m worried about Will, too. I’ve loved him as a friend since he stepped in to help me when I was trying to buy into this project. But he’s working too hard, and all work and no play is bad for him.”

“We don’t have to worry about money, so it’s about his self-worth and how he measures up to Reggie’s father. I’ve tried to make him see that he’s a success on his own, that he doesn’t need to compare his business to anyone else’s.”

“Okay, we keep talking about it, but our business keeps getting in the way. Please, set a date for you and Will to go away, and we’ll make it work. I love you both too much to let any more time pass.”

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