Page 45 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
It took me a minute to remember where I’d heard that name and realized Luciano must be the man meant for Philippa.“Did you explain that Philippa was busy at the moment?”I asked Harper.
“Luciano just walked in, so we didn’t get much of a chance to talk,” said Harper.She turned to Luciano.“Wait here, I’ll notify Philippa.”
As Harper rushed away, Rhonda and I exchanged worried looks.
A few minutes later, Harper appeared alone.“Philippa asks Luciano to meet her in the kitchen staff room.They’ll have privacy there.”
“Staff room?”said Luciano looking surprised.
Rather than try to explain, I led Luciano to the private room.
Philippa met us at the door and threw her arms around Luciano.“Hello, old friend.What brought you here?”
He hugged her.“Actually, your father did.He suggested I make the journey here to see you because your mother has delayed the family trip to Italy.”
Frowning, Phillipa stepped away from Luciano.“Oh, dear.Is this about our grandfathers and their wish for us to marry?I’m glad you’re here so we can get this settled for all time.Neither one of us wants to dishonor them, but we’re going to have to face ournonnosand tell them how we really feel.It was a sweet idea that isn’t going to happen.I thought they knew that.”
“I tried to tell your father the old family idea was not ever going to work and then decided it was better if it came from both of us.Besides, I’ve always wanted to see Florida.”
Harper popped her head inside.“Everything okay?”
Philippa put her arm around Harper and said to Luciano, “This is my new roommate.Harper Lewis.She’ll be glad to show you around while I work for the next couple of days.”She glanced at Harper.“You’ll do it, won’t you?”
Harper’s cheeks turned a pink color almost as bright as her strawberry-blond hair, and she nodded.
“You have a choice,” Philippa said to Luciano.“You can stay in the guesthouse with Harper and me or move in with my friend, Chet Waring, one of the chefs.He’s staying in an apartment right here on the property.”
“Staying with Chet is a great idea,” I interjected, already wary of problems arising with Philippa’s parents.
“I’m happy to stay anywhere you want to put me,” Luciano said politely, “but I want plenty of time to be able to talk privately with you, Philippa.”
We turned as Chet knocked and entered.“Hey, Phil, we need you.”He stopped and looked over the crowd, resting his gaze on Luciano.“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“It’s okay,” said Philippa.“I want you to meet Luciano Bolino, my childhood friend.He’s visiting for a while.”
Chet smiled and gripped Luciano’s hand.“Welcome.”
“Thanks.”Luciano’s gaze switched to Philippa and back to Chet.
“I truly am glad you came,” said Philippa, rising on her toes to give Luciano a kiss on the cheek before leaving with Chet.
Rhonda knocked and came into the room.
I knew her so well I could see her mind racing with all kinds of matchmaking possibilities.I sighed.If Rhonda had her way, she’d somehow make something romantic work between the four of them.
Harper said to Luciano, “Okay, I said I’d help you and give you a tour.Where’s your luggage?Let’s get it and get you settled.But first, I need to check in with my boss and let him know I’ll be gone for a short while.”
“No worries.I’ll tell him,” Rhonda said.“You go ahead and make sure Luciano feels welcome.”
As they walked away, Rhonda grinned at me.“I just might be able to help two couples at once.”
“You can only do so much,” I said.“But it does seem as if Luciano came to Florida to settle things between Philippa and him.”
“He’s adorable,” said Rhonda.“But Harper with her pretty hair and green eyes is cute as a button.They’d make an adorable match.”
I faced her.“We have to be very careful not to influence any person in that foursome because we have parents who care a lot.Maybe too much.”
