Page 68 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Thanks,” I said, handing a cup of coffee to Rhonda and serving one for myself.It would take more than this to get rid of the way my stomach was twisting with nerves.This conflict with Jonny Arno needed to end.
We went into the office, where I gave Rhonda a rundown on the wedding and an update on the romance news from our two couples.
“Ah, I knew there was something going on with Luciano and Harper,” said Rhonda.“I can sense these things, ya know?”
“Oh, yes.You remind me every time,” I teased.
Rhonda chuckled and then grew serious.“I hereby predict everything will turn out fine for Philippa and Chet.But Philippa and Luciano have to convince their grandparents that an old family promise isn’t meant to be kept.I know how much I worshipped my Italian grandparents.It won’t be easy.”
“How I envy those people who grew up with real families.You and your brother had a special experience,” I said.“I guess that’s why my hotel family is so important to me.”
Rhonda gave me a steady look.“You know I can’t let this business with Jonny Arno go.In a way, I must protect my family’s reputation.”
“Isn’t that’s carrying it a bit too far,” I began and stopped when Rhonda glared at me.
“No, Annie.I’m not letting this go,” she said.“In fact, a little later this morning I’m going to drive over to the restaurant and have a talk with Jonny about it.”
Knowing it was useless to try and change her mind, I sighed.“Then I’m going with you.I’d never let you put yourself in danger dealing with Jonny alone.”
###
For the next few hours, we worked on numbers and plans for the week.
Rhonda rose.“Okay, Jonny should be at the restaurant by now.Let’s go.”
“Are you sure about this?”I asked, aware I couldn’t stop her.
“You bet your ass,” said Rhonda and led me outside.
Rhonda studied our automobiles.“Why don’t you drive?Everyone in town knows my car.”Rhonda’s classic Cadillac convertible stood out.
We got into my car and headed to the restaurant, intent on settling our disagreement once and for all.Neither one of us wanted to continue to live this way.
When we pulled into the parking lot, we saw that it was empty except for Jonny’s flashy gold-colored car and a large black SUV with tinted windows parked beside it.
“Good timing,” said Rhonda.“Park here, away from the others so we can make a quick getaway.”
I did as she said, and we got out of the car and headed toward the front doors.
Another large black SUV with tinted windows screeched up behind us, then pulled around in front of us, blocking our way.
A man jumped out of the back seat of the car and ran over to us.
“Get the fuck out of here,” he snarled pointing to our car.He wore black clothing and sunglasses, reminding me of a few characters in detective movies.
“Hold on,” said another man approaching us.He stopped and stared at us with surprise.
“What are you doing here, Vinnie Carozza?”said Rhonda wide-eyed.
“Rhonda DelMonte?We need to get both of them away from here ASAP,” Vinnie said to the other man.“You go with them and take them to my hotel room.Now!”
I stared at the men and couldn’t help noticing the shoulder gun holsters they wore.
“Who are you?”I asked trying to pull out of the grip of the man ordered to take us away.
“Get in your car, and drive where I tell you.”The man clasped my arm even harder.
I glanced over at Rhonda.She was as scared as I was.
