Page 37 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
Chet’s lips curved.“We’ve had a chance to talk.”
“We’ve talked a lot.There’s nothing like the beauty of The Beach House Hotel to help someone relax and enjoy their time here,” said Philippa.
“Absolutely.I think so too,” said Rhonda.
“Is there anything you need while you stay here by yourself at the guesthouse?”I asked.
“No, thanks,” said Philippa.“Harper is going to move into the guesthouse with me.My mother insisted that she’d feel better about leaving if she knew I had company.”
I bet, I thought, saying nothing.The thought of Chet and Philippa staying together might be a bit unsettling to her.
“How are things going in the kitchen?”I asked Chet.
“Great.It was super busy with the wedding, and I learned a lot.Today is my day off.”
Rhonda gave him a nod of approval.“We like to hear that our employees are taking their job seriously.Enjoy your time together.”
Chet and Philippa glanced at one another.
I guided Rhonda away from them.When we were far enough away, I said to her, “I don’t think we should be encouraging the two of them.Remember, Philippa told us about a family commitment of sorts.”
Rhonda put her hand on her hip and shook her head.“Baloney!That’s nonsense in this day and age.You can see these two young people are in love.It looks like they never forgot one another after meeting in New York.I, for one, am not going to stand in the way of love.”
I rolled my eyes and sighed.“I just don’t want more trouble.”
“Aw, Annie.Whenever I see a spark of love, I want to help it grow into something more.I can’t help myself.And what I saw between the two of them was a lot more than a spark.”
“I’m glad Harper will be staying at the guesthouse,” I said.“That will make it less worrisome.Speaking of Harper, let’s go see if she’s at the apartment.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Rhonda and I knocked on the door of the apartment where Chet and Harper were staying.
Moments later, Harper appeared wearing shorts and a T-shirt, looking surprised to see us.“Hello.”
“ ’Morning,” I said.“Do you have some time to talk?”
“Sure.Is everything all right?”Harper replied.
“Very much so.We might have a new opportunity for you.”
“Oh.Please come in,” said Harper.“I’m sorry the place is in a bit of a mess.I’m packing to move into the guesthouse with Philippa for a few days.”
“We ran into Philippa and Chet walking on the beach together, and they mentioned that,” said Rhonda as we moved inside.“They sure looked cute together.”
“I heard about Philippa from Chet before we even came here,” said Harper.“They spent a night together in New York City, and he’s never forgotten her.It seems like fate has given them a second chance.It’s so sweet.”
“Maybe not,” I said taking a seat on the couch.“Her family thinks Philippa might be bound by a family agreement to marry someone from home.”
“Oh,” said Harper.“I hadn’t heard that.”
I switched the topic.“Rhonda and I are wondering if you’d be interested in doing part-time work during weddings, helping to act as a liaison between the hotel staff and the wedding party.You’re very good with people.”
“Thank you,” said Harper taking a seat at the other end of the couch from me.“This would be in addition to my bartending?”
“Yes,” said Rhonda.“Your wedding work would be outside of your hours at the bar.We think you have potential for growth within the hotel.”
Harper gave us a thoughtful look.“Let me think about it.”
