Page 15 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

I laughed. “To each his own.”

“I have something I want to share with everyone,” said Lisa. “I’ll be right back.”

When Lisa returned, she carried the bottle of champagne she’d ordered for delivery that evening. “It’s enough for each of us to have just a taste, but it’s important that we share this as a symbol of our friendship.”

“Great idea,” said Jane. “I’ll help pour.” She got up and walked into the kitchen, but I noticed she was careful not to move her left arm too much.

It didn’t take long for Jane and Lisa to carry ten small glasses into the living room filled with the champagne Henry had opened for them.

“Okay, everyone,” said Lisa. “I say this is just the beginning of a delightful stay in a hotel that our book club has dreamed of visiting for a long time. It took us a while to get here, but it’s been worth every bit of scrimping and saving.”

“Here’s to Ann and Rhonda for making it so perfect,” said Jane.

“And to our hosts for having us here. It’s been a fantastic evening,” said Amy, and I noticed her speech was slurred a bit. But if what they said about her marriage was true, I didn’t blame her for letting loose.

We raised our glasses and took a sip of bubbly wine.

I couldn’t help noticing the way Slade was talking to Amy and the quiet way Henry was studying Caro. This group was ripe for Rhonda’s magic.

When Vaughn and I said good night, I felt we were well on our way to becoming friends with both Henry and Slade and the group of five women who wanted bubbles, bubbles, bubbles.

That night, as Vaughn and I lay in bed discussing the evening, Vaughn kissed the tip of my nose. “I’m sensing trouble with you and Rhonda playing matchmaker again. Something bad always happens when you do it, dragging you into compromising situations. I want you to be careful, Ann. I love you.”

Surprised, I stared into his look of concern. “Okay. I promise.”

CHAPTER SIX

The next morning, Itook advantage of a beautiful day and headed toward the beach before work. Though I didn’t want to admit it to Vaughn, his words about something awkward happening worried me. He had an uncanny ability to sense those things.

The moment I stepped onto the sand, I felt better. After partying last night, I needed to stretch my legs, breathe in salty air, and get moving.

I headed up the beach toward the guesthouse area, moving at a brisk pace. The longer I walked, the calmer I felt. The matchmaking that Rhonda and I sometimes enjoyed was a fun way to keep us focused on certain guests we’d grown fond of.

Seeing Brock in the distance jogging toward me, I turned onto the private path leading to the guesthouses.

As I drew closer, I saw plenty of activity at the guesthouse where the women were staying.