Page 29 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

“Nell and I came prepared to spend the night,” I said.

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When I saw Clint lying in the hospital bed hooked up to machinery, tears stung my eyes. He looked young and vulnerable, unlike the big executive he liked to project to everyone. Nell was sitting in a chair by his side, holding his hand the best she could.

“Hi,” I said softly to him, bending down to kiss his cheek. “You gave us a scare.”

“I’m not sure exactly what happened except I saw a speedboat heading right for us,” he said weakly.

“Hey, sport,” said Vaughn, placing a gentle hand on Clint’s head. “How’re you doing?”

“Okay, I guess,” Clint said. His eyes fluttered closed.

“Vaughn and I are going to secure the sailboat and get his things,” I told Nell. “We’ll make hotel reservations for tonight, and I’ll see to making the arrangements for Liana to take care of the kids.”

“Okay,” she said. “I’m staying right here for as long as they let me. I’ll be in touch.”

Vaughn and I hugged her and left.

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Back at the boat, we checked in with the dock master to alert him to our situation. Vaughn and I took care of the sails, put away food, and tidied up. We had enough food, water, and drinks for a sail back home.

We locked up the boat again and called a hotel near the hospital for reservations. Then, we headed back to the hotel in an Uber.

“There’s a highly rated seafood restaurant near the hospital,” said Vaughn. “Let’s have Nell meet us there. I want a hot meal. I’m exhausted.”

“I bet Nell is as ready as I am for some food and a glass of wine.”

“Okay, I’ll call her.” Vaughn talked to her, and the Uber driver dropped us off at the restaurant.

“How’s Clint?” I asked Vaughn before we went inside.

“Nell said he’s drowsy and remembers little except the speedboat and being in the water. She doesn’t think he realizes the extent of his injuries. And she’s delighted we’re here at the restaurant. She’ll be on her way as soon as possible.”

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The Sea Urchin was a lovely, understated restaurant with an upscale menu. We walked past carved wooden doors into a reception area and were greeted by a hostess wearing black pants and a turquoise knit top.

We were led to a booth with beige leather seats. They softened the deep turquoise color of the walls.

Above the polished wooden table, a dome-shaped turquoise glass lamp hung. Interior lines on the inside of the glass gave an impression of a jellyfish’s tentacles, which I found fascinating.

“Your waiter will be right with you,” the waitress said.

Minutes later, a man who appeared to be about the same age as Clint, who was in his early forties, walked over to our table.

“My name is Ricardo. I will be serving you tonight. In addition to our regular water, I’m offering still water and bubbly water. What would you like?”

“I’d like still water,” I said, knowing I didn’t need anything to rile up my nervous stomach.

“I’ll have the same,” said Vaughn. “And I’d like to look at the wine menu. We have someone joining us.”

Vaughn and I sat quietly while the waiter left and returned with a large bottle of cold water and a wine list. “Our wine steward will be right over to help you with a selection.” He handed out three menus and left again.

I lingered, looking through the menu. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was.

Nell joined us, and our attention turned to her.