Page 10 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
I waved to the bartender and left feeling happy about things.
As I was settling in my chair in the office, Rhonda appeared wearing a satisfied smile.
“Jean-Luc was very impressed with Chet’s attitude.He put him right to work helping with dinner tonight.Chet was more than happy to step in.I think it’s going to work out very well.”
“I spoke with Harper,” I said.“She wants to work here, and I think our daughters are going to like the way she already agrees on the idea of increasing the bar business.”
“One point that Jean-Luc stressed to Chet was that we’re not competing with anyone.We don’t have to.We’ve successfully established the kind of hotel we run and the restaurant he oversees.The result of that is the responsibility to keep to those high standards.”
“Well said.”I gave my partner a steady look.“I hope others will respect that.”
“I say we keep Brock Goodwin away from the hotel as much as possible,” said Rhonda.“We’ll notify security and the dining room that he’s no friend.”
“I think that’s smart, though I believe most already know that,” I said.Brock Goodwin had no morals and no love for us.He’d proved it over and over.This time we’d try to stop him before he did damage.
There was a knock on the door.Lorraine Grace, now married to Angela’s father-in-law, Arthur Smythe, opened it and peered inside, “Do you have time to talk to me?”
“Sure.Come in,” I said, standing and pulling a chair closer to Rhonda and me.
Lorraine lowered herself into the chair and took a moment to speak.“I’ve just had a call from Amelia Swanson.”
“Oh, no,” groaned Rhonda.“What does she want now?”
“It’s not for a wedding.It’s a private dinner for the Italian Ambassador in New York City.After his time is up as the Ambassador, he and his wife are hoping to settle here in the U.S.part-time.Specifically, in Florida.And Amelia wants him to visit Sabal.Because her sister, Lindsay, is married to Jean-Luc, it seems only right for Lindsay to show them around the area.First, Amelia wants us to welcome them in grand style.”
“When is this visit?”I asked, suspicious of the timing.
“Tomorrow night.It’s the only time the Ambassador could get away within a reasonable amount of time.I have him and his family booked in the Presidential Suite.”
“Is the private dining room available?”I asked.
“That’s not the problem,” said Lorraine.“The issue is that he wants an authentic Italian meal.Amelia told him about Rhonda’s cooking …” She let her voice drift away.
I turned to Rhonda.“Can you do that?What about Jean-Luc’s pride?”
“That’s why I need your help,” said Lorraine.“Amelia wants to show off Jean-Luc’s skill the next day at lunch.She knows her brother-in-law is sensitive but feels that providing a special lunch will give him a chance to shine.”
“I’ll tell you what,” said Rhonda after a few moments.“I’ll have Chet help me with the main course.He can start early in the morning, so it won’t disrupt any work in the kitchen later in the day.The staff can prepare salad and dessert as usual under Jean-Luc’s supervision.I’ll do my usual antipasto.”
“That will make it seem more like a joint effort,” I said.“Thank you, Rhonda.”
“Who is going to tell Jean-Luc?”Lorraine said.
Both Lorraine and Rhonda turned to me.
“Annie, you know you’re better at being diplomatic than I am,” said Rhonda.
“It needs to come from one of you, not me,” said Lorraine.
Sighing heavily, I said, “Okay.But I’ll have to think of a way to say it without hurting Jean-Luc’s feelings.Amelia always gives us a task we don’t want.”
“At least this one won’t be dangerous,” said Rhonda, chuckling.
“Just one more thing,” said Lorraine.“Because Annette and I’ll be busy overseeing a rehearsal dinner for that evening, I’ll need you, Ann, to oversee the Italian Ambassador’s dinner as you often do.”
“What else?”I asked, letting out a sigh.
“That’s it,” said Lorraine.“The rest is up to you two to decide.”
