Page 48 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“Thanks. We’ve talked about it for so long I’m not sure I’ll believe it when we’re finally underway.”

“The Palm Island Club is fabulous—great food and a real escape,” I said. “Vaughn and I love it.”

“We’ll see how long Will lasts before he’s dying to get back to the office.” Rhonda grinned. “I’ve already bought a sexy outfit to wear.”

I laughed and clapped her on the back.

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The next few days wereuneventful. Even the socializing with the five book club women was subdued because no one had heard a word from either Henry or Slade. The Secret Service had directed the hotel to remove their belongings from the guesthouse. Jean-Luc and Amelia’s sister, Lindsay, were going to see that their things were returned to them.

When it was time for the women to leave, Rhonda and I gathered around them as they prepared to get into the limo they’d hired to return them to the airport. Tanned and healthy-looking, it was a far different group from the one who’d arrived.

Rhonda and I hugged each woman warmly and smiled at their promises to return one day. Whether or not it ever happened, I’d never forget this special group.

After they left, it was back to business.

As we looked ahead, I was excited about the meeting with Liz and Angela. Liz had told me she was feeling much better, and each time I’d called her, she seemed fine. But I’d be unsettled until she passed her first trimester.

On the morning of our meeting, Rhonda and I decided to do something enjoyable for our daughters and arrange to meet them after they’d enjoyed massages. The spa had a small dining area called the Grotto, where they offered healthy meals , and one could eat in the fluffy robes we provided our customers.

When I called Liz to tell her what we’d planned, she gushed, “Thank you! Thank you! It’s just what I need.”

I realized one reason I worked so hard was to be able to do things like this for my family and others. “Okay, Rhonda and I will see the two of you when you’re through with your massages.”

I ended the call and faced Rhonda, who was smiling. “Guess Liz was as excited as Angela, huh?”

“Yes,” I said. “I love being able to do this for them. They’ve been a real help to us in creating PR ideas. They deserve this.”

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Later, Rhonda and Iheaded to the spa. Though it was smaller than many, it had grown from a simple operation into something bigger, more luxurious. We’d decided to go for quality instead of quantity. Troy Taylor, the young man who’d helped us with the first one, now owned three spas. With the help of his wife, my first beloved babysitter, Elena, they were doing very well.

The friendly, trim, middle-aged receptionist greeted us warmly. “It’s so nice to see you both here. Liz and Angela are waiting for you in the Grotto.”

“Thank you,” we said, and I followed Rhonda into a lovely nook of the building where a few tables were placed on a section of rock floor surrounded by large green potted plants. The sound of a waterfall added to the cozy, tropical feel.

Angie and Liz were sitting at a table drinking glasses of iced water with slices of cucumber added to them.

“Hi, Mom! Hi, Rhonda!” said Liz, jumping to her feet. “I’ve had such a great morning. Thank you.” She hugged us both.

“Yes,” said Angela, “it’s been delightful.”

“It’s heartwarming to see you two so relaxed,” I said, observing the glow of health on their faces.

“How did Sally Kate do with her kindergarten music program?” Rhonda asked Angela.

Angela laughed. “I’m so sorry you couldn’t make it to the show. She was trying very hard to be the star. And she loved the flowers you sent.”

“I’m sorry, too, but I couldn’t change my doctor’s appointment. You know how busy they all are.”

“Is everything all right?” asked Liz. She and Rhonda were very close.

“Yes, it was just a routine physical,” said Rhonda. “Will and I are going on vacation next weekend. Both of us need a break. My doctor has insisted upon it.”

“What about you, Ann?” Angela asked. “Do you and Vaughn get a break too?”

“Yes, we’ll take one later,” I said. “Right now, it’s more important for your father to get away from the office.”

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