While Robbie headed to the kitchen, I grabbed beach towels, filled a pitcher with ice water, and headed to the pool with them and two plastic glasses. It had always been a spot to relax and enjoy one another. I was anxious to know about Vaughn’s progress with the movie and what other plans he might have for work. After the holiday rush, I hoped Vaughn and I could take a break. Maybe even go to Paris, as we talked about occasionally.
I sat on the steps of the pool as Vaughn did a few laps. His strong, long arms cut through the water easily, and after completing several laps, he sat next to me.
I offered him ice water, and he eagerly accepted it.
“Ah! That tastes wonderful.” Vaughn smiled at me. “And it feels even better to be home with you and Robbie. How is Liz doing? I plan on visiting her and the family tomorrow. I’ve sent texts back and forth with her, but I want to see that she’s okay.”
“I understand. Rhonda and I met with Liz and Angela about a plan they have for a hotel program, and both women looked so relaxed after spending the morning at the spa.”
“I spoke to Nell today. She, Clint, Bailey, and Ned want to come for Thanksgiving.”
“Fantastic!” I loved Vaughn’s daughter, Nell, from the moment I first met her. She and I talked at least once a week, often more. The unusual thing about her was that she and Liz looked alike, as if they could be sisters. They were that close, too.
With the weather in D.C. getting colder, we had a better chance to see them more often.
I floated on my back and looked up and observed puffy clouds of white floating in the darkening sky. Hopefully, tonight, we would enjoy a beautiful sunset.
###
That night, as we layin bed, Vaughn and I talked about everything and nothing, catching up with one another as we snuggled together after making love.
“If you want to try to go to Paris in April, I’ll mark my schedule. I’m not sure what’s coming up after this film. I like the crew and the producer. I’m hoping to get more work from him. But if I don’t, I’ve got other things I can do to support theater programs in Florida.”
“Even if a trip to Paris doesn’t work out for some reason, it’s an exciting thought. The most important thing is being here with you.”
“Have I told you lately how much I love you?” Vaughn asked, sweeping a lock of hair behind my ear.
“Not for the last five minutes,” I said, chuckling.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Friday morning, Rhondawalked into our office at the hotel. “How’s everything? No emergencies?”
I looked up at her and shook my head. “It’s safe for you to go, Rhonda. Hurry and leave before you or Will change your mind about having a few days off. We’ve got everything organized for the weekend. Guests are already arriving. “
Rhonda let out a sigh. “Okay. I can hardly believe it, but I won’t see you until Tuesday morning. You’ll have to tell me how the Halloween package worked for us.”