Page 17 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Yes, it’s going to be delicious.She and our new sous-chef are doing it together using old family recipes.”
Annette chuckled.“My mouth is watering.”
We looked up as the mayor of Sabal, Helena Naylor, arrived.Of medium height, with blond hair pulled back into a bun, she was an attractive woman with sparkling blue eyes that shone with intelligence and a sense of humor.
A friend to both Annette and me, she gave us each a hug.“I’m pleased to be here.It will be a chance for me to encourage Italian visitors to our area.”
“Other business contacts have been invited,” I said.“People I don’t really know.”
We turned as two men arrived dressed in matching dark summer suits.Their crisp white shirts and red ties seemed appropriate for the evening.
“Ah, you must be the Luna brothers, Gil and Leon,” said Annette smiling at them.
Silently blessing her for giving me their names, I stepped forward.“Welcome to The Beach House Hotel.I haven’t had need for a real estate agent, but I understand you’re active in the community.”
Gil, the older-looking man, said, “Sabal is a place where everyone wants to be.It provides us a reliable business.”
Leon, his younger brother, handed us a business card with the information for Destiny Real Estate on it.“We’d like to be able to work with you on providing your guests with our information.”
Smiling, I took the card and simply said, “Thank you.”We didn’t get involved in making recommendations for businesses like theirs.
The men went inside and over to the bar where Helena stood talking to the bartender, an older man we often used for events like this.
A couple arrived and announced they were Marco and Bridget Morena.
“Welcome to The Beach House Hotel,” I said.“It’s lovely to see you.”
“Thank you,” said Bridget.“We recently moved here, and I’ve heard so much about The Beach House Hotel that I’m very glad to be included.”
I started to speak when I noticed Brock Goodwin and another man walking toward us.
Annette saw the shock in my face and quickly intervened to help usher Bridget and Marco inside.
“What are you doing here?”I asked Brock quietly.
I studied his companion whom I recognized from photos taken when he was much younger.He carried himself with an air of self-importance.What had once been dark brown hair was obviously dyed a lighter shade and did nothing to enhance his florid face, which spoke of overindulgence.There was a sleaziness to him I found revolting when he winked at me.
“I’d like to introduce you to Jonny Arno,” Brock said.“My business partner.”
Jonny shrugged.“Business partner, Brock.That’s a bit of a stretch.”
Blushing, Brock continued.“We’re here tonight for the dinner to be held in Ambassador Ferrara’s honor.I told his staff that as President of the Neighborhood Association, I should be included along with the most important chef in the area.”
Annette reappeared, saving me from saying something ugly to him.
“ ’Evening, Brock,” she said in a cool voice.
“I’d like you to meet Jonny Arno, the new, best chef in the area.Or he soon will be,” said Brock, clapping Jonny on the back.“This is Ann Sanders, one of the owners, and Annette Bernhard, a staff member.”
A fleeting smile crossed Jonny’s fleshy face and then he held out his hand.“Nice to meet you both.”
“Won’t you come this way,” said Annette.“The Ambassador and his family will soon join us.”
The three of them went inside and I stood a moment quietly seething.Brock Goodwin was a master at interjecting himself into our business.Damn it!
“Are you alright?”Annette asked, rejoining me.
“No, I’m not.But I’ll do my best not to show it,” I said.
