Page 42 of The Beachgoers
Voices rise from the crowd as her guests nod and call out greetings to her.
“I’m so excited,” Taylor says then as she rushes to Elsa and gives her a side hug. “And can’twaitfor your inn to open. I’m hoping to get a job in your gift shop?”
“That’s so sweet, Tay.” Elsa brushes back some of her grandniece’s long, blonde hair. “But first? An announcement!”
Taylor, clapping her hands with much enthusiasm, backs up and joins Eva and Matt at the railing.
And Elsa hears it.
Hears Eva ask Matt,An announcement?
Hears little Timmy’s parents ask,What can it be?
Hears Jason turn to Maris, asking,Do you know anything about this?
Hears Nick tell Cliff,Be sure to get the deets for your newsletter, too.
Hears Mitch tell Carol,Sounds like something big.
There’s also a low murmur asothersponder her news.
Is the press here?
Do you think she’s booked through the fall?
Wouldn’t surprise me. This place is gorgeous.
Maybe this event is being filmed for the local news!
Could she be expanding into a restaurant, too? Elsa loves to cook!
Through it all, there’s no denying the electricity in the air. The anticipation. Which Elsa onlyhopesshe can cling to—somewhat, at least.
“Please, please,” she calls out then. “Shh.” She sees Jason watching as Maris leans and whispers in his ear. Elsa sees Shane there, too, off beyond Celia. There’s Cliff, looking concerned. All familiar faces. People she loves.No need to be nervous, she silently reassures herself. “Let me start by saying…”
A hush falls over the veranda now. Maybe something in Elsa’s tone did it. Got her guests’ undivided attention.
“Well.” Elsa touches the chain of her gold necklace. “Well, I’ll get right to it. You see, I’ve been keeping a secret from you all.”
“A secret?” someone calls out.
“Spill it, Elsa!” another voice says.
Elsa gives a sad smile. And oh, she should’ve known. The crowd picks right up on it. Concerned reactions ripple through her guests.Uh-oh, andOoh, listen, andThis doesn’t look good.
“Yes,” Elsa calls out, raising her hand. Her gold bangle slides up her arm as she holds her hand there until silence returns. “I’ve got a confession to make.Andsome news to share.” She turns to Celia—who gives her an envelope. The silence grows even thicker as Elsa pulls her certified letter from that envelope, unfolds it and clears her throat. “Okay, here goes,” she says into the microphone. “Unfortunately, the Ocean Star Inn willnotbe opening this weekend, after all. And most likely willnoteven open this year, I’m afraid.”
People gasp. They cry out. They demand answers.What?Why not?And,Are you serious?And,Oh no.There’s no telling who’s saying what, not that it matters.
All that matters is that it’s done. Elsa’s announced it.
* * *
It’s Jason who saves her now. Who steps forward with another sharp whistle before turning to everyone on the veranda and taking the mic. “Let’s hear Elsa out,” he says, then returns to Maris’ side as the voices quiet again.
Elsa nods to Jason before continuing. “You see, I received a letter last Monday. It was from the Stony Point Zoning Office. Everything on this one paper explains what happened, and I’m sad to say, it’s not good news. So if I may,” she says, then turns to Celia again. Celia hands her a pair of leopard-print reading glasses, which Elsa puts on. To silence. As she does, she explains that for the inn to open, it seems a special permit is required. “And here’s why,” she goes on, reading aloud the words she’s read a thousand times this week already.
We regret to inform you…no physical changes…detailed statement…comprehensive plan…additional threat…lasting impact.
