Page 4 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“My feelings exactly,” I said. “Brock tries to make things difficult for us. Even after the episode of being under suspicion for providing drugs to one of our guests who died from an overdose.”

“We can’t let that ... jerk stop us from doing well,” said Rhonda, struggling not to swear in front of Bernie.

“On another note,” said Bernie. “I heard from Vice-President Amelia Swanson. She has a favor to ask.”

“Another one?” groaned Rhonda. “What now?”

“Two of her staffers, trusted men, need a break. They’ve been traveling out of the country with her and need time to write up a few reports and to relax. I’ve agreed to put them in the vacant guest house for two weeks, full price.”

“When are they arriving?” I asked. “I don’t think we want anyone to interfere with the fun the women are planning.”

“They’re arriving late tonight,” Bernie said. “I’ll make sure the night staff is aware.”

“That’ll be great. I’m glad for the income,” I said. “This isn’t our busiest time.”

“Let’s hope the weather holds,” said Rhonda. “The last hurricane threat died when the system weakened and headed away from the coast.”

“We can’t let weather forecasts take away the pleasure of Florida at this time of year,” said Bernie. “We certainly don’t want to ruin any vacations with threats of bad weather. Personally, I like autumn here.”

“Me, too,” I said. “A few more weeks, and we’ll be into Christmas holiday planning.”

Having my triplet grandchildren around made each holiday special. They’d be four years old this year and more fun than ever.

“Hold on, let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” said Rhonda, sounding panicky at the thought of rushing the holidays. “We need to take it day by day. Who knows what can happen here at The Beach House Hotel?”

A shiver traveled down my back. I glanced at Rhonda, knowing she was right. Every day was full of surprises.

CHAPTER TWO

At home that night, I sat with Vaughn on the lanai, chatting after dinner. He’d been away filming some commercials, and we always made a point of catching up with one another when he came home. Having given up his role on the soap operaSins of the Children, Vaughn was enjoying more time at home with me and Robbie and being close to Liz and Chad and their triplets. His two children visited with their families as often as their busy lives allowed.

Seeing the smile he was giving me now, the one all his fans loved, I sometimes found it hard to believe all the changes that had come into my life.

Life had seemed so bleak after my ex-husband dumped me for the receptionist in our office, leaving me with no job and no home. But good things began to happen after teaming up with Rhonda to change her seaside mansion into The Beach House Hotel.

“It’s great to see you excited about new guests again,” said Vaughn. “I know how much pressure running the business can be for you and Rhonda.”