Page 56 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

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The next morning, I felt as if I needed to take a walk on the beach before going into work. The morning temperatures in December were cool enough to wear a sweater or jacket, and after dressing, I slipped on my favorite jean jacket and headed out.

As I stepped onto the beach, I saw only a few people jogging along the sand, and I let out a sigh of satisfaction. I’d spent a restless night thinking of Nell and hoping they’d decide to buy the Wiley’s house. It would be a change for them to a simpler, less glamorous lifestyle, but I knew it would be a wise move for all of them.

Feeling the cool sea breezes against my cheeks as I jogged along the edge of the water deep in thought, I was startled to hear my name called from right behind me. No-o-o!

I whipped around and faced Brock Goodwin.

“’Morning, Ann, I was hoping to see you here. You missed out on buying my fireworks, but my import company is offering some Valentine's decorations. I know you have a big party each year, and I’d like to meet with you and Rhonda to show you some attractive items.”

I studied him, trying to control my temper. How dare he pretend he hadn’t recently tried to harm our hotel by collaborating with the chef of an Italian restaurant to undermine us? “Thanks, but no thanks. As you must know, we have our party supplier.”

Brock frowned and shook a finger at me. “Look, I know we haven’t always been the best of friends, but I’d like to start all over again with you and Rhonda. You can be good for my business, and my business can benefit you.”

“Like I said, Brock, thanks, but no thanks. See you later.”

He shook his head. “You’ll be sorry. Just saying.”

I headed back to the hotel in an easy jog, though I wanted to sprint as fast as possible. There was something so dishonest about the man that I felt goosebumps crawl over my skin even as I warmed up from my run.

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Later, when I walked into the office, Rhonda was on the phone. I could tell from the flush on her cheeks that she was upset.

“No, Brock, we aren’t interested. I’ve got to go. Someone just walked into my office,” said Rhonda, ending the call with a grimace.

“Did he want to sell you Valentine supplies?” I asked, taking a seat behind my desk.

“Yes. He said he missed seeing you at the beach and wanted to speak to me,” said Rhonda.

“What a liar. I saw him on the beach earlier this morning and told him we weren’t interested.” I let out a long sigh. “Why doesn’t he understand that he can’t treat people badly and then expect them to support his business?”

“He never will,” said Rhonda. “Any news about Nell and the house?”

“I talked to her last night, and she promised to tell me when they’ve made a decision,” I said.

“Angie says it’s a terrific buy at that price. I hope they decide to go for it,” said Rhonda. “And I know you’ve wanted them to move to Sabal for a long time.”

“It would be a dream come true,” I said, and changed the subject. “Our cancer awareness lunch is today. Are you planning to attend?”

“Yes. It’s a group dear to my heart after I had that awful scare,” said Rhonda. “I understand Vaughn has agreed to attend as their guest speaker.”

“Yes,” I said. “He does a few fundraisers each year, and because of Ellie, cancer awareness is important to him.”

“I spoke to Lorraine this morning. She’s going to be working part-time for the next few weeks, even though we suggested she wait to come back to work after Arthur’s death.”

“That will actually be helpful because, as it looks right now, Nell will be busy with the move from their house in D.C. to here. They’ve signed the sales agreement.”

“That’s a big step in the right direction,” said Rhonda. She held up a sheaf of papers. “Let’s review the figures for high tea. We might need to reduce the number of staff for them.”

We were working on the financial projections for the tea events when Liz called. “Clint has agreed to buy the Wiley’s house!” Excitement rang in her voice. “Oh, Mom, I’m thrilled. I’ve wanted Nell to move to Sabal for forever.”

“That’s wonderful news,” I said. “Are they working with your lawyer?”

“Yes. It’s a tricky situation because they can’t buy the Wiley house until January when Hester and Earl are ready to move and their own house in D.C. is ready to sell.”

“That makes sense. Have you told Vaughn yet?” I asked Liz.