Page 4 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

“I remember how I disliked Angela’s Reggie in the beginning,” said Rhonda. “But as you once told me, I needed to trust her. I’d guess that’s the kind of situation you’ll find yourself in. Trust Nell to do the right thing.”

“It’s a worry,” I said. “But as Vaughn says, we’ll have to see how it all plays out.”

Rhonda’s cell rang. She picked up the call and listened, her expression becoming alarmed. “Oh, no! I’m sorry, honey. Annie and I will take care of things at the hotel for Lorraine. Tell her not to worry. And please give my condolences to Reggie.”

Rhonda ended the call and turned to me in tears. “Arthur has died. I knew he wasn’t in good health, but this was unexpected.”

I got up out of my chair and hugged her. “I’m sorry. I had no idea he was so sick.”

“I think Lorraine has been more worried about him than she has let on,” said Rhonda. “I’ll send her a text that we’re here for her. But I’ll wait until the situation has settled down this evening before I go visit her. Angie said that everyone is in shock because he seemed to be getting better.”

I couldn’t help the sting of tears. “It’s such a shame. Lorraine and Arthur have been married for only a few years. Thank goodness, they were happy ones.”

“This has been an upsetting day,” said Rhonda, standing. “Let’s go to our special hiding place and think about how we’ll do without Lorraine for a while.”

“Okay. I agree we need some time.”

We headed for the lobby bar and the staircase behind it.

As we entered the bar, the bartender called out to us, “What can I get you?”

Rhonda and I exchanged a glance.

“Should we?” I asked.

“Absolutely,” Rhonda answered, then said to the bartender. “Will you make us something light and tasty?”

“How about a Seabreeze? Grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and vodka.”

“Perfect,” Rhonda said. “Make sure we get a slice of lime. We need all the fruit we can get.”

He laughed. “For you two, anything.”

Moments later, Rhonda and I carried our drinks up to the doorway on the second floor that opened into a small storage area and a balcony beyond.

We took seats in the two chairs we kept there and looked out over the hotel property to the water beyond.

Rhonda held her glass high. “Here’s to Arthur Smythe. May his soul rest in peace.”

I lifted my glass. “Amen.”

A gentle breeze whirled around us.