Page 18 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

“Yes,” said Nell. “That would be great.”

Vaughn and I quickly agreed.

I placed the sandwiches and salads in the middle of the table and handed out paper plates and napkins.

“I like picnics at the hotel,” announced Bailey.

“It’s fun to have you here,” I said. “And tomorrow you get to come to the hotel for turkey.”

“Can I have a big piece of turkey? I like turkey,” said Ned, giving a dubious look at one of the green salads.

“Of course,” I said and exchanged amused smiles with Vaughn.

Rhonda returned with Consuela and the drinks. After Consuela exchanged hugs with the kids, we sat down to eat our lunch. The kitchen had packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches along with other items, and everyone was pleased with their choices.

“Is Daddy coming to Florida?” asked Bailey.

“He’ll be here tomorrow,” Nell said, giving Bailey an overly bright smile. “He’s busy at work.”

“He’s always busy at work,” Bailey said. “I like being with Grandpa.”

“Who’s getting ready for dessert?” I asked, veering attention away from Clint’s absence.

Nell shot me a look of gratitude, but we all were uneasy about Bailey’s awareness.

###

After lunch, we trooped into the kitchen to say hello to Jean-Luc, and then Nell took the kids on a tour of the hotel and to her office in the hospitality department.

Vaughn and I walked out to the pool and lanai area for a private moment.

“I was able to get in touch with Clint to ask him if he could extend his stay,” he told me. “He said he was flying to Sabal in the company’s private jet and would arrive around noon tomorrow. He thought he could arrange to leave Saturday morning instead of Friday night.”

“Private jet? He’s certainly living a glamorous lifestyle,” I said. “I’m worried about it.”

“Me, too,” said Vaughn.

Nell returned with the kids and said, “I have to take over for Lauren so she can go to lunch. See you all later.” She kissed each child and left.

Watching the spring in her step, I couldn’t help but think of all the positive changes she had undergone in the last few days, and I wondered what Clint would think of them.

###

The next morning, as Nell and I got ready to leave for the hotel, I said goodbye to Vaughn and the little kids. Robbie was still asleep. “Liana will be here shortly. Have a fun day. We’ll see you at the hotel for your ‘turkey day’.”

“I like turkey,” said Ned, and I chuckled. At our hotel lunch, he’d been a sport about tasting a salad he definitely didn’t like.

Nell appeared, looking adorable in a dark-green linen dress that added a touch of green to her blue eyes.

“Remember to wear comfortable shoes,” I said. “You’ll be doing a lot of standing to greet guests and will be helping them get seated for dinner.” In addition to breakfast for hotel guests, we had three seatings for our Thanksgiving buffet. It made a very long day.

Nell took off the pretty high heels she’d chosen and went back to her room to get the practical black heels I’d insisted on buying for her.

“Don’t worry about picking up Clint at the airport,” said Vaughn. “I’ve already arranged to do that.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Nell gave him a hug. “Tell him I’ll see him when he comes to the hotel.”

“Okay, will do,” said Vaughn, giving me a look of surprise.