Page 70 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

“As hard as it is, it’s wise for Clint to leave this company,” said Vaughn. “Nothing about it sounds straightforward, and Claudine is a piece of work. To think she even brought Brock Goodwin into the picture. That’s not very smart.”

“You can imagine how angry that made Rhonda,” I said.

Vaughn chuckled. “I can.” He sobered. “I wish there was something I could do to make up for the accident to Clint. It’s such a shame he’s physically hurting as he goes through this process.”

“I’m sure we can find something for you to do regarding the move,” I said, cupping his cheek in my hand.

He took hold of it and brought it to his lips. “It’s great to be home.”

###

The next morning, I was surprised by a call from Liz. “Can you stop by my house before you head to the hotel? I want to discuss something with you. Nell, Angie, and I have come up with a plan, and we need your input and Rhonda’s.”

“Okay,” I said. “Rhonda has agreed?”

“Yes,” said Liz. “It’s a bit daring, but it will be a lot of fun. You’ll see when you get here.”

“Okay, now you have me curious,” I said, laughing. I never knew what our girls would come up with. They were a trio of creative women.

I helped Vaughn get the kids off to school, and then I headed directly to Liz’s house, curious to see what plan she and the other two had come up with.

I pulled behind Rhonda’s car, got out, and went inside.

Angie, Rhonda, and Liz were sitting at the kitchen bar when I walked in.

“Hi, Mom! Thanks for coming,” Liz said. “I’m going to call Nell after we’ve had a chance to chat. Yesterday, I received a call from Hester Wiley to say they had already moved out. When their children heard about the opportunity to sell, they worked together and with an estate salesperson to empty the house. It has been cleaned from top to bottom and is in move-in condition. They called Nell to let her know that as soon as they were paid, she could take over the house.”

“That’s awesome! But Nell indicated that with a second mortgage on the house, she couldn’t come up with the money they needed to buy the house here.”

“That’s where Mom comes in,” said Angie. “If she would provide a swing loan, Nell could pay for the house and have control of it right away.”

“That’s when the fun begins,” said Liz. “Nell, Angie, and I want to paint the interior rooms with the help of friends and family. People from the hotel have offered to go in on the surprise for Clint. With his injured arms, he won’t be of much help.”

“Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself?” asked Rhonda. She crooked an eyebrow at them.

“Yes and no,” said Angie, wrapping an arm around Rhonda. “There was no point in getting excited about it if people didn’t want to help out. And I was sure you’d agree to the loan. I don’t ask you for much myself, but I’m happy to ask for a friend.”

Rhonda hugged Angie, and dabbed at her eyes. “I’m very lucky that I’m able to do this. If I hadn’t dreamed about winning the Florida Lottery, I never would have played. And now that I’ve won all that money, I love being able to help others. Of course, I’ll lend them the money.”

“Nell wouldn’t allow me to ask you or Vaughn,” Liz said to me.

“I understand,” I said, “though we would have been pleased to do so. One thing I know is that neither Nell nor Clint would renege on a loan.”

“Okay,” said Liz. “Our lawyer had already drawn up the sales agreement. As soon as the funds are received at the bank, we can proceed with executing the sale. Nell is flying in this morning.”

“Thanks, Mom,” said Angie. “Let’s go ahead and call Nell.”

“One thing before you do,” I said. “I know employees are trying to earn extra money for Christmas. I’m willing to pay some of Manny’s workers to help with the landscaping and with painting the exterior. My treat.”

“No,” said Rhonda. “Our treat.”

Liz and Angie gave one another a high-five.

“We’ve got the best moms in the world,” said Liz.

Rhonda and I exchanged looks of satisfaction. It was such an easy, fun thing for us to do.

Liz called Nell and put her on the speaker to give her the news.