Page 44 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“How are our ladies doing?” asked Rhonda, looking at the guesthouse locations.

“Today is a spa day. But this afternoon, we will meet with them for some bubbles. I already told them we would.”

“Great. I want to make sure that the death of Amy’s ex-husband doesn’t overshadow their time here,” said Rhonda.

We walked back to the hotel and made sure the library had been restored to its usual décor now that the two days of high tea were over.

“Starting Thanksgiving weekend, we’ll have Sunday high teas,” said Rhonda. “And then, during our busiest months, we’ll offer them both Saturday and Sunday, right?”

“Right, unless the demand is so high that we need to add a day. It’s extra work for the kitchen and staff, but people like it, and they make us money.”

“Okay, then. What’s on the agenda? Do we have a wedding this next weekend?”

“Yes,” I said. “I’m a little worried about it because the bride is a famous young actress getting married to her producer boyfriend. Lorraine, who can get along with anyone, has found her to be a bridezilla with a capital B.”

“Oh, yes. I remember hearing about her. Someone named Starr Bentley,” said Rhonda. “Well, no matter how bad she is, we’ll get through it.”

“As always,” I said. My cell rang, and I picked up the call.Liz.

“Hi, Liz. How are you?” I asked, praying for good news.

“I’m fine. Like Dr. Benson told me, nature would take care of things, and apparently, she decided that I would have this baby. I can’t tell you how delighted I am.”

“Oh, darling, that’s wonderful!” I said, meaning it with my heart. After my talk with Robbie about dying, I couldn’t bear it if Liz were to lose the baby.

“I’m still careful about lifting the kids, but things are more normal with me out of bed and active again. I wanted to tell you about the baby and then inform you and Rhonda that Angela and I have a fun idea for the Mother’s Pamper Package Program promotion. Next week, we’d like to meet with you.”

“That sounds exciting. Just let us know when,” I said. “I’ll explain it to Rhonda.”

I ended the call and embraced Rhonda. “Liz is fine. Dr. Benson doesn’t think there’s a threat of Liz losing the baby.”

“Congratulations. I’m relieved,” said Rhonda. “Now, what are our darling daughters up to?”

“They plan to promote the Mother’s Pamper Package Program here at the hotel. They want to meet with us next week.”

Rhonda grinned. “Sounds like the scare is over. Angela told me how ready they both are to work part-time on publicity for the hotel.”

We were always talking about having the girls work for us, but we knew that, realistically, it wouldn’t happen until our grandchildren were older and Liz and Angela really would have the time. But we wouldn’t complain. It made us happy to see our daughters with their children. Both of us wanted more children, and having so many grandchildren between us was thrilling.

My cell rang.Vice-President Amelia Swanson.

“Hello. How are you, Madame Vice-President?”

“I’m right here in Sabal, staying with my sister and Jean-Luc. It was time I came to visit my niece and nephew. I was hoping to see you sometime in the next day or two. Thank you for allowing Slade Hopkins and Henry Watson to stay in one of your guesthouses. It’s important that they relax and get some work done for me.”

“They both are very pleasant,” I said, unwilling to say anything about the women they seemed to be dating.

“I’m glad you think so. They’re decent men,” said Amelia. “If I can, I’ll come to the hotel incognito to thank you in person. I appreciate your help more than you can know. When I think how unhappy my sister was and to see her now with Jean-Luc and her children, I’m grateful for all you’ve done.”

“It’s a sweet family. Jean-Luc has never been happier,” I said. “I’ll thank Rhonda for you and hope to see you.”

I ended the call, gave Rhonda the news, and thought about her Henry and Slade. They were likable men, as Amelia had mentioned. But what would happen to those budding relationships when they left the hotel?

“Why do I get the feeling something bad will happen to us if Amelia Swanson is around?” said Rhonda.

“She’s not asking us for help, so I don’t think you have to worry. She wants to thank us,” I said.

“We’ll see,” said Rhonda. “Now, let’s schedule the meeting with our daughters. Our Mother’s Pamper Package Program has been suffering, and I think it’s time we do something about it.”

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