Page 77 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
As we walked past, Vaughn stopped to give Willow a loving pat on the back.
Rhonda’s large house was gorgeous.Seating sixteen people for dinner was a challenge she could meet.
Looking into the dining room, I saw that the large table was covered by a white linen cloth with soft green napkins to match the gold and green trim on the china.Crystal water goblets and wine glasses sat at each place.On top of each serving plate was a printed menu with a guest’s name.
In the middle of the table sat a low arrangement of hibiscus flowers and greenery.
Rhonda walked over to me.
I gave her a hug.“Everything looks fabulous as usual.”
“And smells delicious,” said Vaughn, quickly kissing her.
Will walked into the room, kissed me on the cheek, and shook hands with Vaughn.The two men, so different in personalities, liked one another, which made for congenial times when we got together.
“Come say hi to Chet and Philippa,” said Rhonda.“They’ve been working in the kitchen all day.Philippa wanted to make her grandmother’s wedding soup for a starter.”
“Hi, Auntie Ann and Uncle Vaughn,” said Drew walking into the room.
I hugged him and then stood back.“My, Drew.I think you’re going to be tall like your father.”
A shy smile crossed his face.“Taller than Willow.”
I chuckled.Drew might be quieter, but he wasn’t going to let Willow beat him at anything.
Vaughn gave him a clap on the back.“Ready to go on another sail with Robbie and me?”
“Sure,” said Drew.
We followed Rhonda into her large, professional kitchen.Wearing identical green aprons, Chet and Philippa greeted me.
“It smells delicious,” I said.“I have a feeling the grandfathers will be impressed.”
“Luciano and Harper have selected the wines,” said Rhonda.“They should be arriving any moment.The red Barolo wine has already been decanted.”
I turned as Luciano and Harper entered the kitchen.“Great to see you again,” I said as Luciano kissed me French style on one cheek and then the other.
As Harper and I hugged, she whispered, “I’m so nervous.”
“Don’t be,” I said quietly, firmly.“You’ll be fine.”
She nodded and then greeted Vaughn.
I realized that for the four of these young people, putting on a delicious dinner was much more than that.I wanted to tell them to just relax and be themselves.But there was no time to do so, as Willow ran into the kitchen to announce that cars were arriving.
Rhonda signaled me, and we walked to the front of the house to welcome them as we did our guests at the hotel.
Vaughn and Will joined us, and we stepped outside where we’d have more room to greet and introduce the new arrivals.
Enrico and Catarina approached us, each holding onto the arm of one of the older gentlemen.I was touched by the elders’ obvious effort to dress for the evening.They wore ties and jackets, and their silver hair was combed and brushed.
Liz and Chad, followed by Angie and Reggie, stepped forward.
More introductions were made.
“So nice to have the young people here,” said Enrico’s father, Angelo.
“Too many are leaving their homelands,” added Giovanni, Luciano’s grandfather.
