Page 80 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Do you promise to be a good neighbor?”asked Rhonda, enjoying his discomfort.
Vinnie nudged Brock.
“I promise,” Brock said.
“Vinnie can be our witness,” I said.“Time for you to stop interfering with our business.”
“Thanks, Vinnie,” said Rhonda as they turned to leave.
Brock whipped around.“You know this guy?”
Rhonda gave him a smug look.“I know lots of people.Goodbye, Brock.”
We waited until they’d left before allowing ourselves to release our laughter.
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For the next few days while Vaughn was gone, I devoted time to Robbie and to babysitting Liz’s children whenever I could fit it into my schedule.Olivia, Emma, and Noah were so more grown-up than a few months ago when they’d left pre-school and entered kindergarten.
Being with them filled me with joy.Having had only Liz, it was fascinating to see how they interacted and talked to one another.Gabe tried to be part of the trio but was still too young to compete.But not too young for cuddles from me.
One afternoon, I sat on the patio with Liz watching the children play in the backyard.
“Did you ever think you’d end up with four children after trying so hard for one?”I asked her.“It seems like such a miracle.”
“Definitely,” she said.“But as tired as I get, I realize they’re growing fast.”She looked at them and grinned.“Can you imagine them as teenagers?”
I laughed.“That will be a challenge.”
“Still, it will allow me to be part of the hotel operation,” said Liz.
“Are you and Angela really going to be able to take over for Rhonda and me one day?”
“Yes,” Liz said with no hesitation.“Right now, it’s difficult to give the time to it.But I figure in a year or so, we’ll be able to maintain a real schedule there.Now, with Harper gone for a few days, we’ve had to put our new plan on hold.”
“Harper is away?Where did she go?”I asked.
Liz clapped a hand to her mouth.“Maybe I wasn’t supposed to say anything, but she and Luciano flew to Ohio so he could meet her parents.”
“Oh, my!Does Rhonda know?She’ll say it was all her doing.”
Laughing, Liz said, “No.I don’t think she knows.Angela’s better at keeping secrets than I am.You can’t say anything to her, Mom.”
“I won’t, but you know Rhonda and I normally share any news we can,” I said.“Do you think this trip is part of an engagement?They’ve only just met.”
“I think it’s more an old-fashioned thing, like asking if he can court her.They’re both shy talking about it,” Liz said.“But all you have to do is look at them together to see there’s something real there.”
“What about Philippa and Chet?”I asked.“Any news there?”
Liz shook her head.“Harper didn’t say anything to me about them.”
“Time will take care of things,” I said.“It’s been a very interesting fall so far.”
“When is Vaughn coming back?Will you be able to take some time off?”Liz asked.
“He’ll be back tomorrow,” I said.“We’ll relax at home, and then we’ll see.”
Liz took hold of my hand.“It’s wonderful to see you two happy together.I remember how it was with Dad.”
