Page 51 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“I was intrigued by Vaughn but was so unsure of myself after my divorce.I couldn’t believe he’d really be interested in me.He was still grieving the death of his wife, and he was a television star everyone loved.”
“Yes, but Vaughn was attracted to you from the beginning even though he hesitated to act on it,” said Rhonda supporting me.
“It’s been a wonderful marriage,” I said.“I still get those tingles.”
“See?That’s what I get with Chet,” said Philippa.“I don’t want to give those up.”
I held up my hand.“I get it.I really do.And, personally, I agree.But I don’t want your parents to think we’ve influenced you in any way.That’s not what we’re doing.”
Philippa gave me a thoughtful look.“Thanks for letting me air my problems.I’ve got a lot to think about.”
We helped Rhonda to her feet and stood together for a moment.
“I love women being able to talk to one another,” I said.
“It’s all going to work out as long as you’re honest about your feelings,” said Rhonda.“I know what it’s like growing up with parents you want to please.”
“Is there anything we can do to help either of you while you’re here?”I asked.“Harper and Philippa, I hope you’ll continue working for us.”
Rhonda looked away and frowned at two men walking toward us wearing business suits.
“I wonder what they want,” she growled softly.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
We moved away from the girls and met the strangers as they approached us.
“Hello.What are you doing here on the hotel’s beach,” I asked them.
One man, a little older and tougher looking, said, “I work for Jonny.”
“And I work for Edward Thompkins,” said the younger, more pleasant man with him.“We’ve been tasked with making sure you come to the private party at Osteria Arno tonight.My boss called you, but no definite answer was given.He feels it’s important to be able to show the community mutual support between us.”
“I see,” I said, aware Rhonda was annoyed.“We’d already decided to attend.Is that satisfactory?”
“Yes,” said the young man.
“Bring your husband with you,” the older man said to me.“We always like stars at our events.The newspaper and local news station will be there.”
Both men said goodbye, turned, and walked away.
“That’s called bullying.I don’t care how old we are, how successful we are at our jobs, we don’t deserve to be treated like that,” fumed Rhonda.
“That’s called covering your ass,” I said.“Their PR man must’ve realized what a mistake it was to attack us when we have so many friends in the area.Let him try to turn Jonny into an amiable, likeable guy.He won’t get too far.”
“It’ll take more than an invitation to a party to make that happen,” said Rhonda.
I turned around.Philippa and Harper had picked up their things and gone inside.
“Guess I’d better go home and get ready for a party.I want to look my best,” said Rhonda.
“Yes, it’s going to be quite a show and will take a lot on our parts to pretend we care.”
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That evening, after gamely agreeing to accompany me, we walked to Vaughn’s car, and he helped me inside.“Thanks,” I told him.“I know you don’t like these kinds of social events.”
“For you, I’m happy to do it,” Vaughn said, sliding behind the wheel.“Besides, I don’t trust this Jonny character.There are too many indications that he is not the kind of man you need to be dealing with.”
