Page 5 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“True, but it’s especially rewarding when we get a group like these women who are so excited to be here to relax and enjoy it. Rhonda and I want to be sure they have an excellent stay.”

Vaughn stood up and stretched. “It’s getting late. Ready for bed?”

My pulse sped up at the grin he gave me. Even after almost ten years together, I couldn’t resist a chance to make love with him. I had known how it would be between us the first time I’d held hands with him standing in the water at the beach.

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The next morning, Iawoke and stretched, automatically reaching for Vaughn. Finding his spot empty, I realized he must be in the kitchen. Then, I heard him talking to Robbie there. At twelve, Robbie was a great kid into computer activities, the school’s swim team, and sailing with Vaughn on Vaughn’s boat,Zephyr.

It pleased me that Vaughn and he shared a beautiful father-and-son relationship. Robbie had come to us a confused little boy of two after my ex-husband and his wife were killed in an automobile accident.

I got out of bed and dressed quickly. With Vaughn at home to see Robbie off to school, I could fit in an early morning walk on the beach before going to work.

In the kitchen, Robbie was telling Vaughn about his recent computer project. He and Brett, the boy next door, who was his best friend, had developed a new computer game.

Cindy, our black and tan Dachshund, was listening as spellbound as Vaughn.

“Morning, all,” I said. I kissed them each, patted Cindy, and announced I’d be back to get ready for work in a while. “Good luck on your English test, Robbie.”

He groaned as I took off.

I left the house eager to hit the beach. Spending early morning on the sand, becoming part of the scene there, grounded me. It was there that Rhonda and I often made our best business decisions walking together. But my time alone there was equally as important.

After pulling behind the hotel, I parked and got out, feeling my body relax as I inhaled the salty tang of the air.

A gentle breeze ruffled the fronds of a nearby palm tree, and I sighed. Having grown up in New England, I loved the tropical feel of Sabal, Florida.

I removed my sandals and stepped out onto the sand and down to the water’s edge. I watched as sandpipers and sanderlings hurried by in small groups, leaving tiny footprints behind in the wet sand. I was about to step into the frothiness of the water when I heard my name being called and turned to see Jane Sweeney headed my way.

I walked over to greet her. “Beautiful day! You’re up and about early. I expected you to be in bed ’til noon.”

“Oh, some of us will do that, but not me. I’m used to getting up early. Especially when I need time to think things through.”

“I understand. I do my best thinking here. But is there something I can do to help you?” I asked.

“I’ve been holding something back from my friends, but I don’t want to ruin this vacation,” said Jane. “Four years ago, I had breast cancer. And just before we came here, I discovered a tiny lump in one breast. I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled after we get back.”

I hugged her. “That’s an awful lot to keep to yourself. Rhonda had a scare a while back. We have a fabulous doctor associated with the Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa. Would it help to see her? Talk to her? Dr. Perkins is a friend of ours, and I’m certain she’d be willing to squeeze you in for an appointment.”

Jane clutched my hand. “You’re so sweet to think of that. Let me think about it. If I can’t stand not knowing, I’ll let you know, and we’ll sneak in an appointment without letting the others know.”

“Okay, that’s a deal,” I said.

“I’ve had cysts before, so it could be just that. It’s simply the waiting game that is so difficult,” said Jane. She looked up as the woman with pink hair walked toward us. “Here’s Amy. I’ll leave you two and go on my way. I don’t want her to see me so emotional.”

“I’ll cover for you,” I said, heading toward Amy.

“ ’Morning! It’s a beautiful day, perfect for a walk on the beach,” I said to her. “What are you doing up so early?”

“Like you said, it’s a beautiful day, and I couldn’t wait to get outside,” Amy said. “I’ve made an important decision, but I don’t want the others to know about it. Not yet. This is our playtime together.”

“It’s fantastic that you’re all so close,” I said.

“Yes, we’ve been through a lot over the years. I feel very lucky to have them as friends.” She turned and waved as one of the other women in the group headed our way.

“Hi, Caro,” said Amy. She turned to me. “Caro is the only one who doesn’t realize how beautiful she is. Her husband left her for someone in his office, and she thinks it was somehow her fault. But in my opinion, he was never good enough for her. She’s a lovely lady. Far too nice for him.”

Caro approached us. “Gorgeous day! I still can’t believe I’m here. The two moms are sleeping in, but I couldn’t wait to get out here on the sand.”

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