Page 16 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Far better it’s you than me who handles these dinners.You know if I heard something I didn’t like, I’d react before thinking,” said Rhonda.
It was true.Oftentimes, it was necessary for me to pretend I hadn’t heard a secret or some other piece of information no one else should know about.
“I’ve got to go,” said Rhonda “We’re sending wine and a special welcome basket to the Presidential Suite.I want to make sure it’s just right.I’m calling Annette now to tell her about the two additional guests.”
“Thanks,” I said.“It’s early but she and I don’t like any last minute surprises.”
I walked to the Social Events office where Lorraine’s wedding business was located, along with offices for Lorraine’s assistant, Lauren, and an office for Annette, who handled a lot of our social events not associated with an in-house wedding.
Lorraine looked up from her desk and waved as I went to Annette’s cubicle.She was on the phone.I waited until she was through and then asked her about the staff for tonight’s private dinner.
“We’re all set.The bartender and two waitresses are ready to go.I just got off the phone with Rhonda , I’ll hire one more waitress to handle the enlarged group.I know how important these dinners are.”
“Thanks.I understand you’ll be working the wedding this weekend.It’s another important event for us.”
“Oh, yes, I know.The mother-of-the-bride has made that abundantly clear.”Annette shook her head.“I personally don’t care how much money someone makes, or how important someone thinks they are, there’s no need to be obnoxious about it.”
“I’m sorry.Some of our weddings are so sweet, others, not so much.”
“Yeah, this is one of those others,” complained Annette.
I laughed, but I knew Annette would be unerringly polite and competent, so I could only give her a pat on the back and say, “Thanks.”
I went to the private dining room, one of my favorite rooms at the hotel.Soon after we opened, we realized we needed a place where meetings and dinners, sometimes secret ones, could be held.We turned a conference room into a luxurious dining room that could be used for both.
I opened the door and went inside.
The palest of gold silk covered the walls of the room, giving it a touch of warmth that enhanced the long, wooden, dining room table surrounded by carved wooden chairs with seafoam green velvet seats.The matching sideboard had many uses, including storage of extra supplies.A large mirror with a gold frame hung above it, reflecting the image of palm trees outside the window.
A warm walnut wood bar sat at the far end of the room, with enough space between it and the dining room table for people to gather.We had the furnishings and equipment to remove the dining table and replace it with round tables for a less formal affair.
This evening, a crisp white tablecloth covered the long table.Gold-rimmed ivory chinaware, sparkling crystal glasses, and shiny silverware were in place for eight.
A waitress arrived with two additional place settings and quickly rearranged the table.A houseman appeared with two extra chairs.
I checked my watch.Danielle from Tropical Fleurs should deliver the table centerpiece soon.The photo she’d texted looked fabulous.
When I heard her outside the door, I opened it to let her in.Usually, one of her helpers delivered the flowers, but on special occasions, Danielle herself brought them.
Danielle entered and placed a stunning centerpiece on the table.Pieces of driftwood on a long, green dish were covered with a number of red and white orchids with added touches of greenery.
“Oh, it’s even lovelier than the photo,” I said.“I don’t know how you do it.A bit of the tropics and Italy too.Thanks so much.”
“I wanted to do something that would do justice to this room.It’s a favorite of mine.”
“I love it, too,” I said.“Thanks for your help.”
Danielle departed, and I left to go to my office to wait until it was time for me to welcome people to the dinner.Having a few minutes alone in my office was a way to prepare myself to greet my guests and spend an evening with them.
CHAPTER SEVEN
I stood beside Annette at the door of the private dining room ready to greet our guests.In addition to the Ambassador, his wife, and daughter, the mayor of Sabal and two businessmen in the area, partners in a real estate company, were due to attend.A couple who resided in nearby Marco Island had also been invited, along with the two extra mystery guests who’d been added at the last minute.
“I like these smaller groups,” said Annette.“It’s easier to get to know them.Sorry I won’t be able to stay tonight, but the wedding party is a demanding one, and I can’t leave Lorraine handling the dinner alone.Not with that mother-of-the-bride.”
“I understand,” I said.“It’s how the business goes.We all have to pitch in whenever we can.”
“Rhonda is helping to prepare the food?”Annette asked.
