Page 50 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“What are you doing?”Harper asked.“Taking a break?”
“Yes,” I said.“It’s the best way for us to talk privately and to relax.”
Philippa patted the empty space next to her.“Please have a seat.If you’re willing, I could use some advice.”
I glanced at Rhonda.
“Okay,” she said.“I’ll sit.But I’ll need help getting up.”
“Deal,” I said.Rhonda was in much better shape than she thought.
Rhonda and I sat down, and the girls formed a circle with us.
“Thanks,” said Philippa.“I need some honest thoughts.Luciano and I aren’t interested in marriage like our grandparents planned when we were children.I don’t want to dishonor them, but they’re old-fashioned and see this marriage as a way to keep the families together.”
“And?”said Rhonda.
“And I’m in love with Chet.As crazy as it sounds, it’s true.We met in New York over a year ago and had a wonderful time together for a magical night.We lost contact.Meeting him here at your hotel is like a gift from heaven.Especially when I’m getting pressure from my parents to settle down.”
“How old are you?”I asked.
“Thirty-one,” Philippa said.“Old enough that it’s become a concern for my parents.”
“Old enough to make your own decisions,” said Rhonda.“As a mother myself, I’m concerned about my children’s happiness.I can’t believe your mother isn’t, as well.”
“We know how you feel about the circumstances,” I said to Philippa.“What does Chet think?”
Philippa blushed.“He told me he loves me and wants to have a future together.”
“Then, what’s the problem?”asked Rhonda.
“It means that Luciano won’t inherit his family’s vineyard,” said Philippa.“And I’m not certain that condition will change.It’s all so mixed up.Luciano’s younger brothers run the vineyard and are doing a superb job.Luciano doesn’t have an interest in growing grapes but is interested in the business end of it.And now he’s met Harper and wants to stay in Florida, like me.”
“How does your mother feel about this?”I asked Philippa.
“She’s very torn, unwilling to hurt family but wanting me to be happy,” she answered.
“How does Luciano feel about all this?”asked Rhonda.
Philippa and Harper exchanged glances.
“Luciano and I are dating,” said Harper.“It’s too early to say what will happen, but he’s fantastic.”
“So, his losing the vineyard isn’t an issue for him?”I asked.
Both girls shook their heads.“His younger brothers want it.”
I studied the young, beautiful women and thought about what exciting lives lay ahead for them.
“My parents will say that everything is happening too fast,” said Philippa.“How did you two know your husbands were right for you?I know you were married before you met the men you’re married to now.”
I turned to Rhonda.
She let out a little sigh.“I’m not going to lie.The minute I met Will I fell for him.”
“I was witness to it,” I said, recalling the way Will and Rhonda had simply stared at one another, their smiles wide.
“How about you, Ann?”Harper asked.
