Page 79 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

I snuggled up against him, feeling the day's tension loosen its grip on my neck and shoulders. I looked up at him, wondering how I could get so lucky. Even my best moments with Robert were never like this.

A call from the gatehouse alerted us to Lorraine’s arrival.

I went outside to greet her.

Soon, I saw her car making its way toward me.

I stood at the driveway’s entrance, directed her to the guest parking spot, and waited for her to get out of the car.

When she faced me, I understood how disastrous the situation was for her. Usually, a calm, pleasant expression matched the elegant hairstyle and presence she made. Now, without makeup and looking fragile, almost sick, she easily responded to my hug.

“I’m so sorry this is happening, Lorraine,” I said.

“Arthur told me it should be over soon, that he had requested the paperwork be done to notify the SEC, and for some reason, his friend’s office had not taken care of it properly.”

“Come inside. We’ll get you settled in your suite. Then we can have a cup of coffee or something refreshing to drink.”

Lorraine stood beside me, wringing her hands. “With Thanksgiving tomorrow, I know how much every staff member is needed. I’ll be there, too. I promise.”

“Let’s take it one day at a time. Hopefully, you’ll feel like being there. If not, we’ll work around it. I don’t want to add to your worries.”

“Thanks,” said Lorraine. “I think the busier I am, the better. I have a lot on my mind right now, and I need time to think things through. Keeping busy will help me.” She sighed. “I need to be there for Arthur too. We’ve had a healthy marriage, and I know him to be an honest, decent man.”

“I totally understand,” I said, picking up her suitcase while she grabbed a few bags from the backseat of the car.

We walked inside, and Vaughn met us at the door. “How are you, Lorraine? I heard what happened.”

“I’m not doing great, but we’ll get through this,” said Lorraine.

He took the suitcase from me and led us inside.

I showed Lorraine where everything was in the bedroom and bathroom, and then Vaughn and I left her.

Vaughn gave me a worried look. “Lorraine is really suffering. I like her spirit, though.”

“Yes,” I said. “It’s too bad this has happened. I hope it doesn’t harm Arthur and Lorraine’s marriage. It’s been such a heartwarming one.”

A call announced Arthur’s arrival at the same time we saw him driving into our driveway.

He parked beside Lorraine’s car and got out, standing a moment, gazing around.

A little nervous about meeting him under such conditions, I followed Vaughn outside to greet him. Cindy pranced outside with us, and when she wagged her tail and went right over to Arthur, I felt better. Dogs were sensitive to people and the fact that Cindy liked him meant a lot.

Arthur was as refined in appearance as Lorraine, with classic features. His full head of hair formed a cloud of gray around his head. His eyes, a bright hazel, usually sparkled with interest but now were dimmed, showing his worry. Of average height, he looked smaller and much older than Vaughn, though Vaughn was only a few years younger.

“Hi, Arthur,” Vaughn shook his hand.

“How are you?” I asked, giving him a quick hug. “I’m sorry to hear about your trouble.”

“Yeah, me, too. It never should have happened. I think someone reported me, and I think I know who.”

“Wait a minute,” I said. “You’re not implying that the someone was Will, were you?”

Arthur shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“If you honestly feel that way, I’m sorry, but you can’t stay here,” I said.

Vaughn’s eyes widened. He looked as shocked as Arthur.

---