Page 44 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“So, will you help us?”I asked.“We have a printed menu to give you.We’d appreciate a positive recommendation.If you’d like, you can invite a guest for dinner tomorrow night to sample it.”
Terri swallowed her second cracker.“Okay.But first, I need to ask you—have you talked to Jonny Arno?Are you invited to the soft opening in two days?The official opening to the public will be next Saturday.”
“The answer to both questions is no,” said Rhonda.
Terri leaned back and gazed at us.“I thought so.He doesn’t strike me as the kind of person to play fair.”
“That’s why we need your help,” I said.
Terri took a look at the menu I handed her.“Why an Italian menu?Isn’t that a slap in the face for Jonny?”
“Chet has a ready menu of Italian food.We needed to come up with something quick because of Jean-Luc’s accident.That doesn’t mean he can’t cook anything else,” said Rhonda.
“We hope to have prix fixe meals every once in a while,” I said.“Not all of them with an Italian flare.”
Terri let out a sigh and picked up her wine glass.“Okay, I’ll do it.But only because Jonny didn’t invite me to his private, soft opening party.I’m always invited to them.”
“Thanks,” said Rhonda.“We’ve been supporting one another for years.It seems only right that we continue that relationship regardless of what other restaurants are in the area.”
“We don’t wish harm to anyone else,” I said.“We just want to be able to carry on with our own business.”
“As you should be able to do and without interference.”Terri stood.“I’ll bring a guest with me tomorrow night.Thanks for the delicious refreshments and the glass of wine.As always, you women know how to woo me.”
Grinning, Rhonda and I walked her through the lobby to the front door.
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Rhonda and I went to check on progress for dinner.Monday nights in the dining room were usually slower than the rest of the week, but our hotel was full, which meant we’d be busy.
In the kitchen, everything was surprisingly in order.Chet and Ricardo seemed very calm as staff members worked at their stations.Philippa had changed into jeans and a T-shirt like the rest of the crew and was wearing a long, white apron over them.
I went to her.“How’s it going?”
“Fine.I like doing work like this.It reminds me of being in my nonna’s kitchen preparing the family Sunday dinner,” she answered, giving me a bright smile.
“We appreciate your help.We’ll settle the paperwork later,” I said, wondering how Philippa’s parents would feel about their daughter consulting in our kitchen.Maybe, after this crisis, we could place her in the hospitality group.
Chet came over to us.“It looks like it’ll be a busy night in the dining room.We posted the prix fixe menu outside the dining room and the reservations are coming in.But no worries.Ricardo and I have everything ready for the entire menu.”
“Thanks,” said Rhonda.“How does it feel to be in charge?”
“It feels nice,” said Chet.“Tell Jean-Luc he’s trained his staff well.”
“He runs a disciplined kitchen,” I said, delighted to see how well Chet was handling the situation.
“One more stop,” said Rhonda, “and then I’m going home.”
“I’ll be right behind you.Vaughn is cooking dinner tonight.”
When we walked into the lobby lounge to speak to Harper, we saw her behind the bar talking to a young man with dark curly hair, broad shoulders, and a muscular body.
We called out to Harper, and he turned to face us.
I couldn’t help staring at one of the most handsome men I’d ever seen.Even from a few steps away, I was drawn to his bright blue, almost green, eyes fringed by thick eyelashes.They stood in contrast to his chiseled features.
Harper came from behind the bar and walked over to us.“Hi.”She turned to the young man.“Ann Sanders and Rhonda Grayson are the owners of the hotel.”She beamed at us.“Ann and Rhonda, meet Luciano Bolino.He’s here to surprise Philippa.”
Luciano’s white smile widened as he shook our hands.“Actually, Philippa’s father, Enrico Ferrara, suggested I pay his daughter a visit.A family situation.”
