Page 84 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Well, that’s a surprise,” said Rhonda.“Just think.No more worries about fighting with another business in the area.”
“And the kids deserve this chance,” I added.
My cell phone rang, and I picked up the call.
“Ann?This is Chet.My friends and I are hoping to talk to you and Rhonda.”
“Did Enrico call you?”
Chet laughed.“Just now.He told us we could discuss our plans with you.”
“Come to the office.We’ll wait for you here.”
The call ended, and Rhonda and I opened the door to the four young people a few moments later.
We ushered them to the conference table and then listened as Chet began the conversation.
“We’re grateful you’re okay with our plans.I’ll never forget how you took me in to work with Jean-Luc, and I appreciate your generosity in allowing me the opportunity to have my own restaurant.I’ve talked to several people from Osteria Arno who want to work with me.”
“That’s great news,” I said.“And the rest of you?”
“I’ve talked to Liz and Angela about leaving the hotel.They’re going to implement some of the ideas I had,” said Harper.“I’ll be in charge of the bar at the new restaurant.”
“And because I had no schedule, I was able to talk to Lauren and Lorraine about leaving,” said Philippa.“At the new restaurant, I’ll be handling hospitality and groups.”
“And you, Luciano?”asked Rhonda.
“I’ll be in charge of wine selections at the restaurant.Bolino wines will be featured and I’ll be building a customer base in the U.S.My grandfather is excited about it.”
“It couldn’t work out better for all of you,” I said.
Rhonda wagged a finger at them.“But please don’t take any more of our staff with you.”
“We won’t,” said Chet, raising his hand in a promise.“Enough of the original staff of Osteria Arno want to stay.Especially when they heard about the plans for the new restaurant.”
“Bella’s has a lovely ring to it,” said Philippa.“Don’t you think?”
“Yes, but more than that, we know we can have a pleasant relationship with you,” I said.
“I’ve already thought of ways we can work together,” said Harper.“We’ll discuss it some other time.”She rose.“Now, I have to go to work here.”
“Me, too,” said Chet, checking his watch.
They left, and Rhonda grinned at Luciano.“What was Ohio like?”
“Better than I thought.Harper’s parents are really nice.”
“I’m glad,” Rhonda said.“You know, I’m very talented at putting people together.”
I rolled my eyes, and Philippa laughed.“Not that again!”
Rhonda straightened with teasing indignation.“You’ll see.”
“I hope so,” said Philippa.“Harper and Luciano make a great couple.”
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At home, I sat on the lanai with Vaughn sipping a glass of wine while he leaned back against a cushion on the couch facing me.
