Page 19 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

I took my seat and kept an eye on Jane.

As the drawings began, I noticed how relaxed she was and decided the situation was probably as she’d said—too much wine while taking medication.

The drawings were a load of fun as people won things big or small, and we all clapped for the winners and the amount of money raised each time. One of Dorothy’s friends won the 4-day cruise on Penelope’s yacht, and I hoped Dorothy would be invited to go along with her.

“Now, here is a delicious prize,” said Penelope. “A dinner for four at Andre’s restaurant has raised over five thousand dollars. Let’s see who the lucky winner is.” She lifted a ticket out of the glass bowl and held it up.“6781829,” Penelope announced. “Again, the number is 6781829.”

“That’s me,” cried Jane, waving the ticket in the air.

A server came over to Jane and handed her an envelope. “Congratulations.”

Jane clasped the envelope to her chest. “I never win anything. Wait until I tell my friends.”

“It’s one of my favorite places to eat,” I said. “You’ll love it.”

“This has been such a surprising afternoon,” said Jane. “I’m so glad you and Rhonda invited me.”

Later, when I won a weekend stay at the Palm Island Club, I knew exactly who to give it to. Liz and Chad needed a break and a chance to get used to the idea of adding another baby to their family.

At the end of the winnings, Penelope announced in a quivery voice, “Ladies, we’ve made over $90,000 for this very worthy cause. My beloved daughter, who died from breast cancer, would be so proud of us. Thank you to every one of you.”

Dr. Perkins came up to the dais and spoke into the microphone. “With your generosity, we continue to offer the latest in breast cancer detection, surgery, and care in southwest Florida. Speaking as a woman, I’m pleased we can now add equipment to the surgery center here in Sabal. With our affiliation with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, we can proudly say we’re among the best in the south. Thank you.”

Rhonda then spoke. “Thank you from Ann and me for attending this annual luncheon. We love the idea of women supporting women.”

As everyone stood to leave, I looked around the room, pleased that we’d done so well.

“I’m going to take my prize and go back to the house for a rest,” said Jane.

“Are you okay after your earlier scare?” I asked her.

She gave me a sheepish look. “It must’ve been just my vivid imagination.”

“I’m glad. Have a nice break,” I told her, relieved the incident was over. I hadn’t had a chance to tell Rhonda about it, but now I wouldn’t worry her.

CHAPTER SEVEN