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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHARLOTTE
Charlotte walked with her cousins beside Gran and John as they headed to the limousine they’d hired to take them to Miami. From there, Gran and John would fly to London’s Heathrow Airport.
As much as she loved Gran’s independence, Charlotte had sided with her cousins that the family needed to know that Gran and John were married before taking off on their trip. Gran surprised them by agreeing, even announcing that she’d host a family party in the fall when she and John returned from Europe. Gran had waited to make the calls to the family until last night to ensure there would be no fuss, no family visits before they took off. Charlotte was glad Gran had stood firm on this decision. She could imagine what her mother might say, or even Aunt Leigh. Propriety was so important to them. Aunt Jo would simply be hurt not to be a part of it.
Charlotte kissed Gran and John goodbye and stood by as they slid into the backseat of the limo.
As the limo eased out of the driveway, Charlotte waved and held back tears until the car carrying its passengers disappeared. In the quiet that followed, she noticed her cousins were as emotional as she. The three of them were now on their own, working and living together to make things happen at the Inn.
“Are we all set for our guests?” Charlotte asked Brooke. Six couples were arriving within hours of one another for a week’s stay—a reunion of some sort.
Brooke gave her a little salute. “All guest rooms have passed inspection.”
“Cookies have been made and set out, along with ice water and iced tea,” said Livy.
No sooner had those words been spoken than a car came down the driveway toward them. The three of them exchanged nervous glances. This was it. They were beginning the journey.
Charlotte hurried inside to get ready to register and welcome the guests. She agreed that a personal appearance was in order, just as Ann and Rhonda practiced at The Beach House Hotel.
Behind the small registration desk, Charlotte greeted their arrivals. From outside Atlanta, this middle-aged couple with pleasant smiles were repeat customers. Dave and Lindy Lewis had arranged for five other couples in their neighborhood social group to come to the Inn for the beginning of a summer break.
“Last year, we went to New Orleans for a week,” Lindy explained. “This year, with our kids older, we’re here for a rest before our summers explode with activities. Some of our kids are driving, some working, and others are going to camp.”
“We’ve delighted you’ve chosen The Sanderling Cove Inn for your vacation. I’m Charlotte Bradford, here to serve you along with my cousins, Livy and Brooke. We all hope you’ll have a delightful time here.”
“The guys and I have arranged to go deep-sea fishing,” said Dave.
“How exciting. St. John’s Pass is a great place to line up a captain for a day of fishing,” said Charlotte, glad she’d read up on all the local activities.
“We gals will have a day at the spa right down the road from here,” Lindy said. “I can’t wait.”
“It all sounds fabulous,” Charlotte said. “Help yourself to fresh cold drinks, coffee, or tea along with Livy’s famous chocolate chip cookies any time throughout the day. At five o’clock, hors d’oeuvres and wine will be available for you and our other guests.” She looked at Dave’s belly and quickly added, “cold beer too.”
“Perfect,” said Lindy. “I hope you’ve put us in downstairs rooms as we requested.”
“Oh, yes. They’re all reserved for you,” said Charlotte. She looked up as Brooke entered the room. “Here’s my cousin, Brooke, to help show you the way.”
“No worries, we can find the rooms,” said Dave. He turned to Lindy. “I’ll get the things from our car and meet you there, honey,”
“Why don’t I walk you there to make sure everything is in order?” Brooke said to Lindy, who smiled her thanks.
After they left, Charlotte noted what she wanted included in a simple online check-in system for guests. It would become part of the reservations system Austin was already working on.
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Over the next two hours, the rest of the guests arrived in pairs. They seemed a happy group and were already talking about meeting on the lanai for drinks and a swim.
After the last arrival, Charlotte checked the pool area.
With Gran’s blessing, they’d ordered some new pool furniture and had also bought inexpensive but tasteful extra side chairs for gatherings on the pool deck. In addition, they’d picked up some cute plastic stemware and plastic glasses for pool and lanai use.
Satisfied things were in order there, Charlotte went into the kitchen to see how Livy was doing with hors d’oeuvres for the group. Usually, whoever was on duty would simply set out cheese and crackers, pretzels, nuts, and other easy snacks for cocktail hour. But they’d decided to experiment with a new routine to see what worked and what didn’t.
Livy was taking a tray of cheese puffs out of the oven. “If these are a hit, I’ll make more tomorrow and freeze them, so they’re available at all times.”
“That new freezer you wanted is moving up the list of wants, huh?” said Charlotte.
