Page 86 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Of course,” said Rhonda.“No place can match The Beach House Hotel without them.”
We laughed together, and then Philippa was called away by a workman.
As we left the restaurant, Rhonda put her arm around me.“We did a good job in showing these kids how to do something right.”
“I’d like to think so,” I said.I knew it was a learning process.We were still discovering new things about true hospitality since we’d opened The Beach House Hotel.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Several days later, Vaughn and I headed to the private party at Bella’s.
“Wait until you see the upgrades they’ve done to the place,” I told him.“It’s lovely.”
“I’m more interested in those canapés you told me about,” said Vaughn smiling.
“With Chet and his crew cooking, you know it’s going to be delicious.Jean-Luc helped Chet set up his kitchen.He’s become a mentor to him.”
“Interesting.How does Philippa’s family feel about Chet now that he’s part of the family business?”
“I’m curious to find out,” I said.“I’ve purposely avoided discussing it with Rhonda.”
Vaughn laughed.“Wise choice.”
We parked in front of the restaurant and went up to the front door.Beside it stood two tall pots holding a variety of colorful flowers.
Inside, we walked to a small reception desk.
From behind it, Philippa beamed at us.“Welcome to Bella’s.We hope you have an enjoyable time.”Then, coming around it, she hugged me.“I’m so glad you’re here.I can’t wait for you to be part of this celebration.”
She and Vaughn exchanged quick hugs and then we moved on to allow guests behind us to enter.
Standing in the entrance, Vaughn gazed around him.“Wow!This is a lot different.”
“Follow me.I can’t wait for you to see the patio.It’s stunning.”
We walked outside and saw Catarina and Enrico standing beside a table where the two grandfathers were seated.
“Buonasera,” said Enrico, approaching me and kissing me on both cheeks before shaking hands with Vaughn.
Catarina and I hugged a greeting and then I turned to Angelo and Giovanni.
“This is such an exciting evening.Everything looks beautiful.”I indicated the patio with a sweep of my arm.“And I love this spot.So special.”
“My Bella would be very honored,” said Angelo, his eyes filling.
“My wife would be happy, too,” Giovanni said.“Our families are so close.”
Rhonda and Will joined us, and I crept away, eager to see the kitchen.
On my way there, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many employees of our hotel as guests in attendance.It reminded me that Osteria Arno was doomed to fail from the beginning because it had no cohesive staff.With Jonny in charge, it couldn’t.
I peeked into the kitchen.Because no meals were being served, it was less hectic than it might’ve been, but the small crew was working together to prepare trays of food, including the promised canapés, including my favorite made with smoked salmon and caviar.
Chet saw me and walked over.“How does it look?”
“Very organized and very professional,” I said, smiling at him.
“I didn’t realize when you and Rhonda hired me, my whole life would change,” he said.“Thanks.”
