Page 53 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
Rhonda gave him a puzzled look.“Who told you that?Your neighborhood informant?”
“Well, I thought …” Edward began.
“He’s going to be back in the kitchen later this week,” I said.“In the meantime, we have a very competent staff, as you know.”
“I didn’t realize …” Edward said and then gave us a bow.“I’m sorry.I need to talk to someone who just arrived.”
He walked away, and Rhonda and I shook our heads as Vaughn and Will walked over to us.
Vaughn leaned down and whispered in my ear, “The food isn’t that good.Nothing exciting.”
Terri Thomas from the newspaper joined us.“Would it be okay if I have my photographer take a photo of the four of you?”
“Certainly,” I said, getting approving nods from the other three.
As the photographer was arranging us, Jonny came over.“Mind if I break into the group?”
Terri’s eyes widened, but she said, “Not a problem, please step in the middle.”
Vaughn smoothly put his arm around me and drew me away from Jonny who’s started to fling his arms around Rhonda and me.
We smiled and stood together for a couple of shots and then Jonny moved away without a word to us.
“He’s as bad as you say, Rhonda,” said Will shaking his head.
A group of men wearing dark slacks and dark shirts came in with women wearing fancy cocktail dresses and lots of jewelry.I assumed they were more of the backers for the restaurant.
One of the women noticed Vaughn and rushed over to him.“Vaughn Sanders!I’m one of your biggest fans!”
Rhonda and Will moved away.
I stayed to support Vaughn and was rewarded when the woman, Rosie Rossi, told us how her husband helped a lot of people in the restaurant business.
“How does that work?”I asked her.
She waved her hand in dismissal.“I don’t get involved in all the details but in this case, Jonny Arno is a friend.”
“Rosie!”a deep voice called.
Rosie jumped and said to Vaughn, “I’ve got to go.But before I do, can I take a selfie with you?”
For an instant Vaughn hesitated, then gamely allowed her to take the photo.
After she left, I took Vaughn’s arm.“We can leave anytime.I’ve met Jonny’s PR person and you’ve met Jonny.”
“Thanks.I’m ready,” said Vaughn.
We went to find Rhonda and Will but realized they’d already left.
Outside, while we waited for the valet to come with Vaughn’s car, we heard someone say, “This food can’t compare to The Beach House Hotel’s restaurant.Their Italian special was absolutely delicious.”
Edward came out of the restaurant, saw us, and came over.“I hope you’re not leaving.The best is yet to come.We’re opening a chocolate fountain, a much smaller version similar to the one at the Bellagio in Vegas.”
Hunting for an excuse, I turned to Vaughn.
“Sorry.I have an engagement,” he said politely.“But I’m sure we’ll see it when we return for a meal after your official opening.”
Edward ran his fingers through his hair and gave us an apologetic look.“It was decent of you to come.I know it was a last-minute invitation.”
