Page 72 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Rhonda said.“Thanks for your help.”
We rose and left the office.
“I feel as if I’ve lived a lifetime since this morning,” I said to Rhonda throwing an arm around her shoulder.“It’s a good thing we ran into your childhood friend.”
“It’s just like Nonna told me many times,” said Rhonda.“How you treat people can become a blessing or a curse.This time it was a big blessing.”`
We went to our cars and headed to our homes.
###
As I pulled into my driveway, Vaughn emerged from the house with Cindy at his heels.
I parked the car and got out.Without saying anything, I went into his arms.
Vaughn hugged me and then studied my face.“I heard on the news that Jonny Arno was killed.Did that have anything to do with you?
“No,” I said.“But we had graffiti damage done to the sunset building this morning.I think it was done by an amateur, perhaps one of Jonny’s supporters.”
“I’m sorry he was killed, but Jonny Arno was a despicable man,” said Vaughn.
“I’d heard the rumor that his backers weren’t happy with him,” I said.“I’m not sure we’ll ever know all the real facts, but I understand he was fired for ruining business at Chez Michel’s, the restaurant in Miami.I also heard he bought a flashy new car and overspent on Osteria Arno.I’m guessing that was just the beginning of his troubles.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised.Something was off with that whole restaurant deal.I want you to promise me you’ll be especially watchful about the people around you.”
“Bernie has promised to increase security at the hotel, and I feel perfectly safe here at home with you,” I said.
“I was able to delay my business trip again but then I have to leave,” said Vaughn.
“No problem.”I didn’t want him to know anything about the day’s activities.
“Come on inside,” said Vaughn.“Let’s go for a swim in the pool and relax.
He had no idea how wonderful that sounded to me.
Later that night, after Robbie had gone to bed, I sat in Vaughn’s lap on the lanai cuddling with him.Life could be full of cruelty and unhappiness but being with him made me happy and mentally prepared to move forward.
###
After I awoke from a restless night of nightmares, I tiptoed away from the bed and prepared for a walk on the beach.It would be another step in getting rid of the ugliness of yesterday’s events.
While Vaughn and Robbie slept, I quietly left the house and drove to the hotel.After all the tension caused by Jonny’s behavior, I was ready to begin the day with a fresh outlook, one without worry.
When I pulled into my parking space behind the hotel, I was surprised to see Rhonda’s car there.Curious, I went inside to talk to her.
She was sitting in the office at her computer.
“Hi, what are you doing here so early?”I asked.
Rhonda shook her head and sighed.“I couldn’t sleep.I kept thinking how close we’d been to a disaster if we’d entered the restaurant.We might’ve been killed by either man.”
I plopped down in my desk chair and faced her.“My dreams last night were exactly about that.I couldn’t wait to leave the house and get here.A walk on the beach might help us both.”
Rhonda got to her feet.“I was hoping you’d be here early.Let’s do it.”
We left the building and walked out onto the sand.The sun was a glowing orb in the sky, a symbol of promise.As usual, joggers and shell collectors were present, but it was an excellent time and place for us to unwind.The hotel business was full of surprises and interesting people.Not all of them were satisfying experiences.
As we stood looking out at the water, Rhonda spoke.“Ya know, Annie, I’ve been thinking.We’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t want to be in business with anyone but you.More than that, you’re my best friend.”
