Page 18 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Brock Goodwin is understandably upsetting,” said Annette.“Here are the Ambassador and his wife now.”
Enrico and Caterina walked toward us looking regal.Enrico was in a navy suit and wore the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic on the chest of his suitcoat.Caterina looked fabulous in a long, golden dress whose simple lines spoke of high quality.
“Welcome to your special dinner,” I said.“Your guests await you.”I looked around.“Is Philippa going to be joining you this evening?”
“Yes,” said Catarina firmly.“She’s dressing now.”
“Please follow me,” I said.
When we walked into the dining room, the seven people there turned and began to applaud.
With a delighted smile, Enrico bobbed his head and held out a hand to his wife.
The two of them stood there a moment and then walked over to the group standing by the bar.
I went outside hoping to catch sight of Philippa.
A few minutes later, Philippa hurried across the lobby over to me.
“Sorry I’m late.My mother’s furious, but I was with my friend and forgot the time.How do I look?”
“Stunning,” I said honestly.“That dress is perfect.”
Philippa was wearing a sleeveless red dress that fell to her calves and showed her lovely curves.Her blond hair was swept up in a clump behind her head and showed off the diamonds she wore in her ears.The afternoon sun had already kissed her smooth cheeks with color, accentuating her sparkling brown eyes.
Philippa rubbed her lips together to smooth the red gloss she’d applied and straightened.“Okay.I’m ready.”
I opened the door, and Philippa swept inside attracting the attention of the others.When I noticed a leer cross Brock’s face, I chastened myself for not warning Philippa about Brock’s behavior.
He stepped forward to greet her, but she walked right by him without giving him any attention.The look of disappointment on Brock’s face was laughable as Philippa continued over to her father.
Enrico wrapped an arm around Philippa and gazed at her with a father’s pride.
A waitress wearing a black skirt and white blouse passed by with a tray of canapés that looked delicious.Our guests thought so too as they quickly helped themselves to some.
Annette came up to me.“I’ll leave you now.The staff is here and ready.”
“Thank you.I’ll see to the rest.Good luck with the rehearsal dinner.”
I stood quietly to the side making sure no glasses were left empty, and food was being properly offered.
I noticed Enrico and Jonny Arno having a conversation and wondered what they might be talking about.Brock joined them, and Enrico soon left the group.
Helena and Catarina were in conversation.Philippa stood by looking bored.When she noticed Brock headed her way, she turned toward her mother and joined in.
After being given the signal from the kitchen, I spoke up.“Please, everyone, be seated for dinner.You will find place cards with your name on it at the table.”I’d made sure that Brock was not seated next to either Philippa or her mother.
Guests took their seats, and while they studied the event’s menu, two waitresses poured water, either still or sparkling as each guest wished.
A knock on the door was followed by Bernie’s appearance.
“Hello, everyone.As General Manager of The Beach House Hotel, it is my pleasure to welcome you to a very special evening in honor of Ambassador Ferrara and his lovely family.Enjoy a touch of Italy prepared especially for you.”
Bernie and I shook hands, and then he left.
At another signal, I opened the door, and a waiter rolled in a cart carrying the first course of individual plates of antipasti.Each one I inspected held a small selection of cheeses, olives, salami, peppers, and other pressed meats artfully arranged.
When the antipasti were set down in front of our guests, their looks of anticipation meant we’d done an excellent job.
