Page 61 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“We’re happy to help. I’m sorry Abbie had to leave for California with Tina. It seemed as if you were getting along well, working out, and becoming friends.”

Darryl nodded. “It’s disappointing, but I have to clear my name before I can move forward with any plans I may have.”

Vaughn returned to the house, and the two of us sat on the lanai while Darryl made flight arrangements.

Darryl walked out to us. “It’s arranged. An uber will pick me up in twenty minutes and I’ll be on my way. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me. Vaughn, I’ll be your First Mate anytime.” He shook hands with Vaughn and gave me a quick hug.

“Hurry and come back to us,” I said, feeling sad at his departure. I’d grown to like him a lot and couldn’t believe any claims of harassment. Not after seeing him in action and knowing he had four older sisters he loved. It didn’t make sense to me.

At the sound of a car horn, Vaughn and I walked Darryl outside and watched him get into the vehicle and leave with a friendly wave.

“The poor guy,” said Vaughn. “He seemed very upset. I don’t blame him. Once a statement is made, it’s hard for the public to forget it.” Vaughn shook his head. “What a day this has been with Lily Dorio’s antics and now this.”

“It’s sometimes difficult when you’re dealing with a lot of different people at the hotel to remember that most are kind and easy to get along with,” I said. “Think of how many wonderful ones we’ve added to our ‘hotel family’.”

“True,” Vaughn agreed. “Let’s hope we enjoy many more occasions with them. Stephanie and Randolph Willis have been fantastic substitute grandparents for Robbie. They attend all his swimming meets to cheer for him. It makes a huge difference in his life.”

“Spending that one Christmas with us changed everything. I’m very grateful to them,” I said. “Speaking of Robbie, where is he?”

“Next door. He and Brett are working on a special computer program they’re putting together. He’s very excited by it.”

“I guess that leaves us alone for a while. Want to go for a swim? It’s turned out to be quite a warm day.”

“Sounds great.” He gave me a leering smile. “Need help getting out of your clothes?”

I chuckled, loving his playfulness. Later, I’d show him a more serious side to his suggestion.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

I raced into Bernie’s office for our Monday morning meeting a little out of breath. With our houseguests gone and a late night of making love with Vaughn, I was behind schedule. Rhonda was already waiting with the other department heads.

“Sorry, I’m late,” I said, sliding onto a chair next to Rhonda.

Bernie acknowledged me with a nod. “A lot has been going on. Would you fill us in on the two VIPs who rented the houses?”

I explained that with Lily’s exposure of Tina staying here, Tina had decided to go back to California for the rest of her training, taking Abbie with her. “Darryl wants to continue renting the house he’s in. He’s meeting with a lawyer in New York to address a sexual harassment claim from one of his staff members on the show.”

Next to me, Rhonda tensed. “What? That’s ridiculous!”

“I agree,” I said. “I can’t believe Darryl would do anything like that. It’s just not the way he’s made.”

“Not with four older sisters to keep him in line,” said Rhonda. “He told us how much he loves and respects them.”

“Does he expect to be gone long?” Bernie asked.

I shook my head. “When that news breaks, Darryl wants to continue to return here. He doesn’t want anyone to know where he is.”

“That brings me to another topic,” said Bernie. “Lily Dorio outed some important people with her newspaper interview. Most of our guests understand our request for total seclusion for others staying in the hotel. While we can’t be accountable for what she did, I feel we let down Robert Anderson and the bridal party who didn’t want any publicity about their wedding.”

“Lily’s behavior was blatantly rude, taking photographs during the ceremony,” said Lorraine. “I feel responsible, but honestly, I didn’t see it happen.”

“Annie and I were watching the ceremony, and neither of us saw her doing it. What a sneaky bitch,” said Rhonda, huffing with anger.

“I saw someone stop her, but I thought she hadn’t taken any photos,” I amended.

“Robert is a well-known figure in Hollywood as a producer,” said Bernie. “Following his divorce, he didn’t want to make a big deal over his quick remarriage. Now, his ex is requesting to re-open their settlement case for a variety of reasons. He’s not happy.”

“I never want Lily Dorio to stay here at the hotel again,” I said.

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