Page 11 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER FOUR

The next morning, I hurried to the hotel for our regular Monday morning meeting. Bernie insisted he start the meeting whether Rhonda and I were there or not. And I needed to talk to Rhonda about my plan for Nell.

When I walked into the office, Rhonda was already there.

“ ’Morning,” I said. “I’m thankful you’re here. I want to share the plan I have for the hospitality division.”

She and I discussed the pros and cons of having Nell work for us and I was relieved when Rhonda agreed it was smart to have her try it out. Then she’d be ready for it if she decided to stay in Sabal and work full-time.

“Thanks,” I said to Rhonda. “Nell is bored staying at home, and with both kids in school all day, she wants to do something meaningful with her freedom.”

“I suppose she’s like a lot of mothers who are suddenly given a day of their own. Those that don’t have to work, that is,” said Rhonda. “Gawd! I remember those days when Angie was headed off to college in Boston, and I was facing all those days alone.”

“It was a bad time for me, and I was grateful for your offer to help me,” I said. “For Nell, this is a moment in her life when she must make some life choices. I’m anxious to see what Clint has to say for himself.”

“But you just said you’re not going to interfere,” said Rhonda.

“I’ve promised to be a good listener, “I said. “I owe it to both of them not to try and tell them what to do.”

“Reggie is going to be taking on some of his father’s financial services clients,” Rhonda said. “I hope it doesn’t mean more work for Will. He was thinking of semi-retiring. Now I don’t think he can. I’m trying not to say too much, but I’m worried.”

“Guess we both have to take things one day at a time.” I checked my watch. “We’d better run or we’re going to be late.”

We entered Bernie’s conference room just as he was saying, “Let’s get started.”

When he was about to discuss the hospitality department, Bernie cleared his throat. “I have been in contact with Lorraine, and we’ve decided between the two of us that we won’t count on her returning to her job for several weeks. We can move some employees around to accommodate her absence. If anyone has a better suggestion, let’s hear it.”

I raised my hand. “My daughter, Nell, is available to work this week starting tomorrow. She may be available after our Thanksgiving weekend. I’d appreciate it if you, Lauren and Annette, would be amenable to it. As you know, she’s easily trainable.”

“That would be marvelous,” said Annette. “Is she willing to work any hours we assign her?”

“Yes,” I said, understanding how important that flexibility was to that role.

“That’s a temporary solution then,” said Bernie. “We’ll see how it goes.”

“And Rhonda and I are willing to help,” I said. “We’re very aware of these busy times and will be available where needed.”

“That brings me to another matter,” said Rhonda. “We would like to remind the dining staff that, following the end of Thanksgiving dinner service, their party will begin.”

“I agree,” said Bernie. “It’s a way to thank them and to make sure all the food is eaten. Those delicious buffet items will never be better.”

As the meeting continued, I looked around the room, realizing most of these department heads had been with us from the beginning. That made me as proud of that as some of our other achievements.

When the meeting was over, I spoke with the others in the room and then walked Rhonda back to our office.

“Okay, I’m off to be a mother to Nell. I’ll make up for lost hours tomorrow,” I said to Rhonda.

“No worries. Go and have a fun time,” Rhonda said. “Tell Nell I said hello and welcome aboard. I’ll see her tomorrow.”

I left the hotel and drove home, where Nell was waiting for me. She’d already been to Hair Design for her appointment.

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I entered my house, curious to see what Nell had done with her hair. Usually, she wore it shoulder-length and with a few blond highlights.

I followed Cindy into the kitchen.

Looking at Nell, I let out a sigh of admiration. “My! I love the new shorter style and the fresh blond highlights in your hair. It’s perfect for your face.”