Page 82 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“I don’t know because I didn’t ask.But I have to tell you about seeing Brock on the beach.When he noticed me, he turned around and went in the opposite direction.”
“About time that bastard learns we don’t want anything to do with him,” said Rhonda.
“We’ll see.I think his ego won’t allow him to keep away from us for long.”
“I’m glad you’re here because I have to leave for an hour or so to go see Evan in a school presentation this morning,” said Rhonda.“He’s being given some sort of prize in spelling.”
“How nice,” I said.“Take your time.I’m leaving later this afternoon to pick up Vaughn from the airport.”
“It’s fantastic that we can do things like this with our families,” said Rhonda.“It’s why I want to speak to you about a bonus for Bernie.Instead of giving him one at the end of the year, why don’t we give him one now.Annette told me she and Bernie have been talking about taking a river cruise in Germany.This is an excellent time for them to go.”
“Great idea.Once Thanksgiving is here, we’ll be extra busy until Easter with no time off for any of us.”
Rhonda stood.“Let’s go tell him so he can plan the trip.”
###
Later, after leaving Bernie’s office, Rhonda turned to me.“Hiring Bernie as our General Manager was one of the best things we did.”
“And Jean-Luc,” I said.“Let’s go see how he’s doing with his new walking cast.”
When we arrived in the kitchen, we found Jean-Luc directing his staff on meal preparations.Observing how he handled them with firm clarity, I was filled with satisfaction.Having seen Jonny Arno’s behavior, I appreciated Jean-Luc’s value and professional behavior.
“Where’s Chet?”Rhonda asked him.
“He’ll come in later today,” said Jean-Luc.
“It’s great to see you moving so well with your cast,” I said.
He bobbed his head.“Better to be here than to be at home.I hadn’t realized how active my boys are.”
Rhonda and I exchanged glances but said nothing.Lindsay was a devoted mother.
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On the way to pick up Vaughn from the airport, I thought about our office staff and how important they were, allowing Rhonda and me time off during the slower seasons.
When Vaughn headed out of the terminal with his overnight bag in hand, I couldn’t help my excitement.He ignored the stares of people around him and kept his eyes focused on me as he made his way to my car.
“Hi, darling,” he said in his deep musical voice as he opened the back door and tossed his luggage inside.
He climbed into the passenger seat, leaned over, and kissed me.
“Move along,” said the policeman patrolling the area.
“More to come,” said Vaughn buckling up.“I can’t wait to get home and on the boat.It was a short trip, but a busy one.And I have a new contract with a company advertising yogurt.”
I laughed.“Are we about to be inundated with yogurt?”
“I hope not.Not like last time with hot dogs.”Once a certain company had learned that Vaughn liked their hot dogs, we’d been sent too many shipments of them.
“How are things at the hotel?”Vaughn asked.“You told me about Brock’s apology.No more problems?I don’t like him constantly harassing you and Rhonda.”
“We don’t either.We’ll see what he tries next.He keeps us on our toes.”
Vaughn winked at me.“I like to keep you off your toes.”
It was so good to have him home.
