Page 78 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“We’re lucky,” said Rhonda.“I thought I’d lose Angela and Reggie to New York, but they decided to stay here in Sabal.”
Giovanni tightened his lips but said nothing.Still, his eyes brightened when he saw Luciano walking toward him, holding onto Harper’s hand.“Buonasera,” he said to them.
“Good evening,Nonno,” said Luc.“You remember Harper from last night?”
Giovanni smiled at Harper.“A beautiful lady I never forget.”
Rhonda and I gazed hopefully at one another.Was there acceptance there?
Angelo’s face lit with pleasure as Philippa walked over and hugged him.
I noticed he hesitated a moment, then shook hands with Chet.
“Please come inside,” said Will.
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After everyone was seated at the table and served water and wine by two members of the dining staff whom we had hired for the evening, Will stood and raised his wine glass.
“Here’s to a wonderful evening.We welcome Angelo and Giovanni and their families to Sabal.May it be the beginning of a long friendship.”
“A new family,” said Rhonda, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I raised my glass to a toast and then took a sip of the wine.The evening was off to a congenial start.
Next, two platters of antipasti were served full of tasty tidbits to nibble on.I studied the selection of vegetables, meats, and cheeses and knew enough to take just a little.I’d need the room for Rhonda’s veal and mushroom dish.
As the soup was being served, Philippa announced that it was her grandmother’s recipe.
I watched as Angelo took his first sip of it.Beaming at Philippa he said, “Yournonnawould be so proud.Delizioso.” His eyes watered, and when he caught me watching him, he returned my smile and shrugged, winning my affection.
Conversation was interesting as old family stories were told.I listened eagerly.I had little to contribute because of my situation.Rhonda winked at me knowing I felt a little out of my element.
“When Philippa was born, I knew she’d be right for my Luciano,” said Giovanni.“That’s why Angelo and I made this pact.It’s what your grandmothers wanted too.Looking at you now, seeing how you’ve grown, I wish it was still possible.”
“ButNonno, it can’t be.Not for either of us,” said Luciano.“You see how Philippa is with Chet.And Harper is my new girlfriend.”
Enrico interceded.“We can discuss this later.Now is the time to enjoy this dinner.”
Both older men nodded their agreement, and the conversation turned to Sabal and all its offerings.
When it came time for dessert, Angela explained that she’d learned to make tiramisu from her mother who’d learned it from her grandmother.
We ate it with pleasure and then Enrico stood holding his wine glass aloft.“We have truly found a reason to say we’re family.All of us.Sharing a heavenly meal like this is like sharing souls.Thank you to all who’ve contributed to such a special one.”
“Chet and I, Philippa, Luciano, and Harper have all made the dinner, but the rest of you have made the meal,” said Rhonda.
As we lifted our glasses, I returned Vaughn’s smile, aware he knew how much I loved it when I could extend my hotel family.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
The next morning, I drove Vaughn to the airport.He could easily have taken an Uber or limo, but it had become a routine for us because it gave us a special time alone.After the scare I’d had, I was more than happy to do it.His trip wouldn’t be for long, but I always hated to see him go.The house was so empty without him.
As he kissed me at the drop-off spot, he murmured, “Stay out of trouble.Promise?”
I laughed.“I’ll do my best.Don’t worry.Everything is under control with Osteria Arno.Enrico stopped in the office yesterday to tell me he’s a silent partner in the restaurant.He wanted to say how sorry he was for all that had happened to Rhonda and me regarding incidents at our hotel.”
“Interesting.I like him and appreciate that honesty,” said Vaughn.He kissed me again, retrieved his luggage from the backseat, and waved goodbye.
