Page 85 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“I can’t think of a better solution for Jonny’s restaurant,” I said.“Even the new name, Bella’s, brings a sense of warmth to the place.I can’t wait to see it when the decorating is done.Remember how awful it was?”
“As a matter of fact, I do,” said Vaughn in his easygoing way.“I’m just happy you won’t have to worry about any troubles from them.”He pulled me close, and our conversation turned to other things.
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For the next couple of weeks, things remained quiet but steady at the hotel.Jean-Luc didn’t feel the need to hire a chef to replace Chet.Ricardo had done a great job as sous chef during Jean-Luc’s absence and the rest of his staff had proven themselves to him by running the kitchen smoothly and efficiently under Ricardo’s guidance.
I checked with Lorraine and Lauren.Though they were disappointed by the news, they were fine with Harper and Philippa not becoming a part of the team.Lauren had a friend who was interested.
Relieved there would be no hard feelings among our staff, Rhonda and I went about our business as two more weddings took place, along with the normal business meetings and luncheons.
Finally, when Rhonda could no longer stand it, Rhonda said to me.“C’mon.Let’s go sneak a peek at Bella’s.I can’t wait to see what they’re doing to it.”
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Rhonda pulled her convertible into the parking lot and stopped for a moment.“Looks a whole lot safer now.”
I gazed at the vehicles owned by various workmen in the area.“No suspicious looking SUVs in sight.”
She parked the car and we got out and stood to study the front of the building.Gone were the pink and gold touches.The double doors were now stained a rich mahogany brown.
We stepped inside and stayed in the entrance to gaze at the scene before us.
The gaudy pink patterned carpeting was replaced by a rich, deep green one.The walls were now a warm, soft sage.The crystal chandeliers remained in place and were an added touch.
“Wow!So much better,” murmured Rhonda.
Philippa walked into the entrance and stopped.“What a surprise to see you here.What do you think?”
“It’s lovely,” I said.“Very welcoming.”
“So much better,” added Rhonda.
“We’ve done a lot of work outside with the landscaping.We’ve also added a beautiful patio.Come take a look,” she said.
She led us to the side of the building where lush tropical plants and palm trees lined the edge of their property.In the middle of a tiled patio, a small fountain bubbled happily.Flowers and smaller tropical greenery edged the large patio.Tables with umbrellas covered some of the patio while comfortable seating arrangements were placed in the rest of the area.
“This makes all the sense in the world,” I said.“It’s sure to be a favorite spot for guests.”
“We don’t have the water as a background, but we can have a beautiful, restful garden,” said Philippa.
“I love it,” Rhonda said.
“How is everything coming along?”I asked.
Philippa clasped her hands.“Soon, we’re going to have a private party for the crew, family, and friends.You and your husbands are invited, of course.I was just getting ready to send out invitations.Hold on, and I’ll get yours.”
While she was gone, Rhonda and I watched as a landscaper added an orange tree to the collection of plants.
“I’m really happy for them,” said Rhonda.“I think it’s going to be a success.”
“Me, too.I’ll be pleased to send guests their way.”
Philippa joined us and handed each of us a creamy thick envelope.“It’s not a restaurant opening party.It’s a family thank-you celebration.”
“I can’t wait to help you and your family celebrate,” I said.
She grinned at us.“We’ll be serving lovely canapés.”
