Page 58 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“I’m so happy for you,” I gushed.“You’ll be lucky to get it.It’s a sought-after location.”
“The real estate agent assures me I’ve got it, but until I sign on the dotted line, I won’t relax.”
“Where’s Philippa?I thought she might be walking with you,” I said.
“She’s already at the hotel working on the wedding arrangements.I’ve never seen her so happy.”Catarina sighed.“We still have to convince her father that she and Luciano are making the right decision to turn away from an old-fashioned family promise.She says she’s in love with Chet, but I don’t see how that could happen so quickly.”
“Rhonda and I were able to talk to her and Harper about things, and Philippa told us she feels very strongly about her relationship with Chet.After meeting, they’ve never forgotten one another.I have a daughter the same age, and I have the impression that Philippa was very sincere.”
“She tells me she tried to find out where Chet went when he left New York,” said Catarina.“She’s always been a headstrong girl.”
“Better that than not knowing what she wants,” I said.
Catarina settled her gaze on me, hesitated, and then said, “You’re right.I should remember that.I just want her to be happy.And Chet seems like a nice young man.Thanks for listening.Now I’ll need to make my husband understand Philippa’s decision not to marry Luciano, who’s a very suitable man for her.”
“I never had a normal family growing up, so I don’t know what to say that might be helpful.”
Catarina chuckled.“Even after living with Enrico for almost thirty-five years, I don’t either.”
“Remember, if you need anything, please let me know.”
She gave me a quick hug.“You’ve been a big help.Thanks.”
Still smiling, I went on my way.
###
Back at the hotel, I inspected the library where the wedding was going to take place.I found Lauren and Philippa talking to Danielle from Tropical Fleurs.
“Hello, how’s it going?”I asked them.
Danielle gripped her hands together.“I don’t know how it happened, but the Collington order for flowers got mixed up with an order for Osteria Arno and I’ve run out of pink roses for the wedding ceremony and the dinner following it.”
My heart sank at the news.Was this another problem with Jonny?“How specific was the order?Did it include other flowers?”
“Yes, but we had planned on using mostly roses,” said Danielle.
“How about using hydrangeas, calla lilies, and snapdragons?To me, that’s lovelier than roses.Let’s call Audrey and see what she thinks.Pull together some pictures of flowers to show her.”
Danielle messaged her photos of a variety of flowers and then called Audrey.
After discussing the photos and explaining the type of bouquets and baskets of flowers they could use, Danielle gave a thumbs up to Ann.“I think you’ll be pleased,” Danielle told Audrey and her mother.“And, of course, there will be no extra charge for the change in flowers.”
When the call ended, Danielle let out a sigh of relief.“I’m so glad Audrey and her mother are understanding people.But I’m mad as hell that this happened.We also had a problem with flowers for the rehearsal dinner at Osteria Arno.Ann, you know how reliable we are.”
“Indeed, I do,” I said.“I think the problem is with the restaurant.Not you.”
“Thanks for your support,” said Danielle.“I’ll hurry back to the shop and deliver the flowers on time.”
“Does something like this happen very often?”Philippa asked me after Danielle left.
“Weddings can be one crisis after another.But no, Danielle and Tropical Fleurs never give us cause for alarm.I can’t help but wonder if this has anything to do with Jonny trying to harass us.”
“We’ll make sure to be doubly careful with the rest of the preparations,” said Lauren.“A crew from housekeeping is coming to place coverings and bows on the chairs.”
“Thanks for your help,” I said and left to go talk to Bernie.He wanted to be informed of any problems with Osteria Arno and Jonny so he could keep an accurate record.
When I reached Bernie’s office, he waved me inside.
