Page 11 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
Rhonda and I exchanged glances.The hotel business was full of surprises.
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Telling myself not to be nervous, I headed to the kitchen to talk to Jean-Luc.Preparations were well underway for the dinner crowd.I stood quietly by watching the interaction among the kitchen staff, delighted to see how well Chet seemed to be fitting in.
Jean-Luc noticed me and walked over.“Hi, Ann, Checking on our new employee?He’s completed the paperwork and is now helping in the kitchen.He reminds me of myself at that age.Willing to work at anything to learn.”
“I’m glad to hear it, though that’s not why I’m here.Amelia Swanson has a special request for all of us,” I said.
Jean-Luc frowned.“That can only mean trouble.I know my sister-in-law.”
“This request seems quite simple and a test to see if Chet will become a real part of the team.”I told him what we had in mind, watching his face change expressions until he finally nodded.
“Okay.Rhonda and Chet can do two of the courses for dinner.The other menu items will be taken care of by my staff.I will handle their special lunch the following day, but it won’t be with Italian food.It will showcase some of my favorite things.”
“Yes, that’s exactly what they want,” I said, breathing a sigh of relief.Somehow, Amelia Swanson always got her way.
I started to walk away and turned back.“Let’s give the Ambassador and his wife some outstanding canapés, as well.”
Jean-Luc turned away, but not before I saw a look of disappointment on his face.He was a proud man and a decent one, too.I’d leave it to Lindsay to help soothe his feelings.
Rhonda was making a list of items to buy for the menu she was planning.“I’ll go to my specialty store for some of these things this evening.Chet can pick them up later so we can talk about preparing the meal.If this doesn’t make him decide he’s made a mistake by coming on board with us, nothing will.”
“But that’s how running a hotel is—dealing with one crisis after another.And if he’s going to be part of our staff, he must learn it,” I said.“We did everything ourselves to get the hotel up and running.And we still have to be flexible and willing to do any job to keep it going.”
“Especially when we deal with so many high-profile guests,” agreed Rhonda.
My cell phone rang.I nudged Rhonda.“Amelia Swanson.”
“Hello, Madame Vice-President,” I said politely.“How are you?”
“Did you get the message about the Ambassador’s visit to Florida?Is he staying in the Presidential Suite?”she asked without exchanging pleasantries.
I realized she was busy and quickly answered.“Yes, they’ll be in the Presidential Suite with a special, authentic Italian dinner and a Jean-Luc luncheon the next day.I suggest you talk to Jean-Luc, though.”
“I will.I promise.Thanks for your help.I don’t know what I’d do without the two of you stepping in to help me from time to time,” she said.“Thanks a million.”
The call ended, and I turned to Rhonda.“Amelia says thanks, she doesn’t know what she’d do without our help.”
“Let’s keep that in mind,” said Rhonda, “when it comes our turn to ask her for help.”
A shudder ran through me.“I hope that doesn’t happen anytime soon.”
“Aw, I was just saying it, Annie.I don’t think it will come to that.We can get rid of Brock Goodwin by ourselves.”
“And Jonny?”
“That’s another story,” Rhonda said.“But I have friends of my own.Friends from the neighborhood.”
I grimaced, sensing trouble was coming.
CHAPTER FIVE
After seeing Robbie off to school and saying goodbye to Cindy, I headed for the hotel.Though it was early, I wanted to make sure Chet was on board with the day’s special activity.It would also give me time to walk on the beach.
When I arrived at the hotel, I said hello to Consuela and peeked into the kitchen.Chet was busy chopping tomatoes for the gravy he was preparing.Later, he and Rhonda would create the main course.
“How are you doing?”I asked him.
