Page 2 of Hideaway Reunion

“Sure do. Thanks, Josh.”

“Anytime. I mean⁠—”

Roni managed a soft laugh. “I get it, no worries.” With one call ended, she glanced at Abigail. “Does your son-in-law enjoy boating or deep-sea fishing?”

“Yes,” she replied with a quizzical frown. “What are you up to?”

Roni only smiled as she dialed the number for the Monroe B&B. It was a classic Southern home down on Bay Street that had been renovated and updated to give visitors all the charm without sacrificing any of the luxe amenities. Transferring the Devaney family there would take away the private beach perk, but she had other contacts she could tap to make up for it. She hoped.

To her immense relief, Betty Jo Monroe answered with her usual delightful greeting. “It’s a gorgeous day on Bay Street today, how can I help you?”

After a quick greeting, Roni made her pitch to move the family from the Hideaway, with the Hargrave’s picking up the tab.

“You can’t do that!” Abigail protested, but Roni waved her off, praying for a positive response.

“Ha!” Betty Jo chuckled. “She doesn’t know us very well.” Then she gave that soft wistful sigh that occurred any time she spoke with the Hargrave sisters. Betty Jo had been good friends with their mother, visiting frequently during her long battle with cancer. “We do have the room, though I’m sorry about what that developer is doing to you.”

“It won’t last forever,” Roni said. “And you know Celeste always has a plan.” A plan that was likely to be far more mature than Roni’s ideas about vandalizing some Indigo Reef machinery.

“Good attitude,” Betty Jo agreed. “We have everything ready to welcome your group.”

“Thanks for the save,” Roni said. “We’ll see you soon.”

Turning back to face Abigail, she saw the woman flanked by her daughter, son-in-law, and their youngest daughter. About two years old, Roni guessed, and currently looking flushed and cranky.

Right on cue, the construction noise swelled once more. Best to dive right into it. “Again, my apologies to you. The racket and disruption are far more than we expected and I realize it’s terribly unpleasant for all of you. If you’re willing, another B&B is happy to host your family at no additional charge to you. Same number of rooms, plus they can prepare snacks and meals for you, if you like.” She noticed Abigail’s daughter perk up. “The house is on Bay Street, a block from Central Avenue, so noise isn’t an issue. From there, it’s a short walk to the beach or marina.”

“But not a private beach?” The son-in-law scowled.

“The beach is public, yes, but there’s no construction.” Roni paused, trying to get a sense of what they were thinking. “We’ll refund what you paid for the Hideaway, since we couldn’t deliver as promised.” Mentally, she was calculating how many additional clients she’d need to book in the next month to make up the difference. And how many more reservations they would need to juggle before the construction was done.

When no one spoke, she added, “I’ll give you some time to discuss.”

“No need,” Abigail stated. “We’ll move.” She stroked her granddaughter’s baby-fine hair. “But I don’t want a refund. That’s far too generous.”

“Mrs. Devaney, we promised you a sanctuary and—” Roni began.

“That dreadful construction isn’t your fault.” Abigail left no room for arguments. “It’s enough that you’ll cover our stay at the new place. Will you still be able to see me as scheduled?”

“Absolutely,” Roni promised.

“Then we’re set.” She glanced at her daughter and son-in-law and received hopeful nods in return. “Go tell the others, please.” She automatically reached to take her granddaughter, but Roni stepped in.

“Let me do the lifting,” Roni suggested. The little girl shied away, tucking closer to her mother. “Hey, no pressure.” She lowered her voice. “The grownups have some stuff to do, but you could help me show your grandma where to find the best cookies.”

That did it. Suddenly her arms were full of a toddler, that soft sleepy-baby scent winding around her.

As the family packed up, Veronica tried to ignore the noise outside. There would be a time and place to vent her frustration. Maybe she could even aim it at the true problem—once her guests were well out of earshot.

When the family was ready to go, Roni led the way over to the B&B on Bay Street. Betty Jo had pitchers of fresh lemonade, sweet tea, and a tray of savory snacks set out for them in the breakfast room. The family was immediately impressed and visibly relaxed.

“Enjoy your stay in Brookwell,” Roni said with a smile. “Y’all are in good hands here.”

Abigail walked out with her, pausing on the wide covered porch. “Thank you, Veronica.” Her mouth tilted in a sheepish smile. “I hate to admit it, but this is a thousand times better already.”

“I understand,” Roni assured her. “And I’ll see you the day after tomorrow for your next PT session. Call me earlier if anything comes up.”

“Veronica, when that construction mess is over, please let me know. We’d love to come back.”