Page 23 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Breezy for a beach wedding, but we’ll have to deal with it.And this breakfast buffet was a little late in getting set up,” the woman said with a sniff of disapproval.
“We’re lucky it isn’t a rainy day.Weather at this time of year can be iffy with hurricane season about to start in earnest.And there was a health emergency for Lorraine Grace,” I said.“But I promise you that you and your wedding party will be well taken care of.”
“I should think so, after all the money we’re spending,” said the woman.
I held back a groan.No wonder Lorraine and Annette had complained about her.
A few guests wandered into the room, and I stood by so the mother-of-the-bride could welcome them.They seemed like a friendly group, more easygoing than the woman I’d just been talking to.I left the library and headed back to my office.
When I arrived at my office, Lindsay was waiting for me.Her blue eyes shone with happiness when I greeted her with a hug.Lindsay was going to meet Catarina and Philippa to show them around.
We’d first met Amelia Swanson when she called to ask Rhonda and me to hide her sister, Lindsay, at the hotel.She was escaping an abusive husband, the brother of the president.It wasn’t our first introduction to messy political situations, but it was the worst for many reasons, especially because of Lindsay’s injuries.
While she was staying at the hotel, Lindsay met Jean-Luc and they discovered they liked talking to one another.Those conversations with Jean-Luc, who was recovering from his wife’s death, helped them both.For Jean-Luc, it was a second chance at love.For Lindsay, it meant learning to trust a man could be as kind and loving as he was.Now, they were happily married and the parents of two children.
“Thank you for giving Catarina and Philippa a tour of the town,” I said.“I’m sure Amelia told you how anxious they are to find a place in Florida they can retire to, if even on a part-time basis.”
“Oh, yes.My sister gave me strict instructions on what to do,” Lindsay said with a knowing look.“She’s always the older sister making sure everything is the way she wants it to be.I love her, though.She saved my life.”
“And how are the boys?”I asked her.
“Great.They’re a handful, but I’m blessed to have them.And Jean-Luc is crazy about them.”A doting father, Jean-Luc was in his fifties when their sons were born.Jacques, the oldest at five, followed by Damon.
I asked, “Are you still working at the Women’s Shelter?”
“Oh, yes,” said Lindsay.“One afternoon a week I act as receptionist, and I’m available anytime to respond to emergency calls.I was lucky to escape my situation.I don’t ever forget it.Especially the way you and Rhonda took me in.”
We hugged, and then I checked my watch.“We’d better head to the lobby.We’re to meet Catarina and Philippa there.”
Lindsay was quiet as we walked to the lobby.
“Thank you again for doing this,” I said.“After you give them a tour, please come back to the hotel.Jean-Luc is preparing a special lunch for the family and a small group of businesspeople in town and I know he’ll want you there.”I’d been relieved to note that neither Jonny Arno nor Brock Goodwin’s name was on the guest list.
Catarina and Philippa were sitting on a couch in the lobby when we approached them.Catarina got to her feet, turned, and motioned for Philippa to rise.
Lindsay and I faced them together.
“Hello,” I said.“Meet your tour guide, Lindsay Rodin.Lindsay, this is Catarina and Philippa Ferrara.I know you’ll have a pleasant morning.Then, luncheon will be served at one o’clock here at the hotel.Jean-Luc, Lindsay’s husband, is preparing a special meal for you.”
“It all sounds delightful,” Catarina said politely, and the smile she gave Lindsay was genuinely warm.
Satisfied that the three of them would get along, I left to go check on Lorraine.
When I walked into the office, Annette was on the phone.She ended the call and gave me a thumbs-up signal.“That was Lorraine.Good news!They’re still doing tests on Arthur, but so far nothing indicates a stroke.He was disoriented for a moment, but they think it’s attributable to what they’re calling the flu.They’ve tested for Covid.But it’s not that.”
“I’m so glad it’s nothing worse,” I said.
“Me, too,” said Annette.“Lorraine will be here this afternoon before the wedding, but she won’t stay through the dinner afterwards.No worries.Lauren and I and the rest of the staff will take care of it.”
“Thanks so much, Annette,” I said.“I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
A smile spread across Annette’s face.“I’m glad to be here.It’s wonderful that I’m able to work at the same hotel as Bernie.”
“Well, you’re much more than staff.You’re family,” I said, meaning it.Our hotel had brought people together and formed a family of its own.
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When I got back to the office, Rhonda was sitting there, looking at her computer screen and frowning.
