Page 35 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“In a way, he did.But when he spoke to me like that, he’d just been shut down from making a fool of himself over an inappropriate request of the Ambassador.That made him angry at me.”
“Have there been any more incidents?”Vaughn asked.
“No,” I said.“Bernie, Rhonda, and I agree we won’t be drawn into any arguments with him.There really is no need for us to be involved in any.”
“I need you to promise me that the minute things get worse between you and him, you’ll let me know.I can’t stand by quietly while I think you might get hurt.”Vaughn gave me a steady look.“Promise?”
“Yes,” I said.“I think it’s more bluster than anything else.He’s an egotistical man who failed miserably in Miami and thinks he can renew his reputation here.”
“What does Rhonda think?”Vaughn asked.
“She thinks he’s a dick …” I began and laughed when I saw Vaughn’s lips curve.
“Never mind.I get it,” he said, chuckling.“One always knows where they stand with Rhonda.”
Our beers and burgers came, and then it was quiet while we ate.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Ann Grayson and her husband slumming it here.”
I choked on my beer and looked up into Jonny’s unpleasant sneer.
“I gather you don’t know much about the town,” said Vaughn.“Ken’s has been here for years and is a favorite among the locals.”
“Vaughn, this is Jonny Arno,” I said with reluctance.He was an obnoxious man who didn’t realize what a small town Sabal was.He was heading for political suicide by making fun of some of Sabal’s favorite establishments.
Vaughn gave Jonny a long stare and remained seated.“I understand you have shown animosity toward my wife.I don’t like it.Understand?”
Jonny’s face flushed a bright red.“It’s just business competition.That’s all.I’m out to prove that my restaurant is going to be known as the best on the west coast of Florida.If she or her partner can’t stand the heat, maybe it’s time for them to get out of the business.”
Ken walked over to us.“Jonny, we have your table set up.”
Jonny turned and walked away.
Ken quietly said, “Sorry about that.”
“No worries,” said Vaughn keeping a lingering look on Jonny’s backside.“He’s one of the biggest assholes I’ve ever met.”
After Ken left, Vaughn gave me a worried look.“I’m going to speak to Bernie about this.I want him to understand that this man’s ego is dangerous.”
“Bernie, Rhonda, and I have already discussed this,” I said.“We are taking measures to ensure our safety and that of the hotel.”
“Good, because I don’t trust that man to be decent to anyone,” said Vaughn.“How did he ever get to be such a chef celebrity?”
“By using people, according to Chet,” I said.“When you watch some cooking shows, everything is prepared for the chef to use in a recipe.It’s a lot of showmanship to make it seem as if the chef is the brilliant one.”
“I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you,” Vaughn said, reaching across the table and taking hold of my hand.“I love you.”
My heart filled.“I love you, too.Let’s enjoy the time together and not waste another moment on Jonny Arno.”
“Deal,” said Vaughn.“How about another beer?”
###
The next morning when I went in to work, I took my time outside in the back parking area to look around.A security guard was in sight, making me feel secure.I decided we were all overreacting to Jonny.Even if he surrounded himself with people we didn’t like, he really had no reason to do more than to try to open a spectacular restaurant that took business away from us.Competition was fair.
Inside the hotel, I greeted Consuela then grabbed a cup of coffee and took it into the office.
I was checking over the financials for the last wedding when Rhonda walked in.
