Page 38 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Okay, “ I said, getting to my feet.“If you’re interested, come see us at the office before you go to work this afternoon and we’ll talk particulars.We didn’t want to proceed until we knew you were interested.”
Rhonda and I said goodbye to Harper and walked to our office talking about various options for someone like Harper.
At our desks, we quickly agreed on a salary for her and a possible schedule then set it aside for a later conversation with her.
“Now that we’ve got that settled, we can relax,” said Rhonda.
“I hope so.The wedding next weekend is small and should be easy to handle.A pleasant way for Harper to be introduced.”
“And the group luncheons this week are pretty light,” Rhonda said, leaning back in her chair.“Maybe Will and I should try to get away this week.Would you mind, Annie?”
“No, it seems like a quiet time.Where are you thinking of going?”
“To an inn in North Carolina.The mountains should be pretty and cool at this time of year,” said Rhonda.
“Sounds lovely,” I said.“Perfect for a short get-away.”
The phone rang.
I picked it up.“Hello.Oh, hi, Lindsay, what’s up?”I listened, becoming more and more horrified.
Rhonda grabbed my arm.“What is it?”
“Hold on, Lindsay.”I turned to Rhonda.“Jean-Luc has had a fall and broken his ankle.He’s on bedrest until they can get the swelling in his foot to go down and put a cast on him.”
“Oh, no,” said Rhonda.
I returned to the call and listened as Lindsay gave me more information.But I had enough to know we were in a real mess.“Thanks for the call,” I managed to say to Lindsay.“Tell Jean-Luc not to worry, we’ll figure something out.”
Rhonda let out a loud sigh.“What are we going to do?”
“Find Chet,” I said.
“And call Bernie,” said Rhonda.
###
When I tried to call Chet, I got his voice message.Frustrated with his lack of response, I trotted over to the guesthouse where Philippa was staying.I didn’t have her cell number, so it was the only way to try and reach him.
I stood outside the front door and waited for someone to answer my knock.
Philippa came to the door dripping wet from the pool.She frowned when she saw me.“Hi, Ann.”
“Is Chet here?”I asked her.“I tried to call him, but it went straight to voice message.It’s important.”
“Come on in.He’s here.”
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but like I said, it’s important.”
Chet was lying on his back in a chaise lounge asleep.
I went up to him and shook him gently.“Chet, wake up.I need to talk to you.”
His eyes flashed open.“Wha?”
“We’ve had an emergency at the hotel.Jean-Luc broke his ankle, and he’s on bedrest at home.We need you to come into the kitchen right away.”
Chet jumped to his feet, wide awake now.“When did this happen?”
