Page 47 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

A short while later, Caro returned to the group red-eyed.

I wanted to hug her but allowed Jane to direct the conversation. It was easy to see that the other women were used to having her in charge.

“We’re not going to let this ruin our vacation,” said Jane. “It has been a fantastic time for all of us.

“You’re right,” said Heather. “And now we’ve become friends with Ann and Rhonda. Let’s enjoy being together.”

“It’s so charming that the five of you are such close friends,” I said. “Thank heavens, I have Rhonda as my best friend.”

Rhonda’s cheeks flushed with pleasure. “And I’ve got you, Annie.”

I turned to Caro. “I’m sorry to learn that Henry had to leave so abruptly. Will you have a chance to see him again?”

Caro shook her head. “I doubt it. I guess I got caught up in the situation here. I should’ve known any relationship with him would end, but I couldn’t bring myself to think that way.”

Heather put her arm around Caro. “Don’t say it’s over until it is.”

“Time will tell,” said Amy. “I can’t believe I won’t at least hear from Slade.”

“That’s the way to think,” said Jane. “Here’s to us and all kinds of possibilities.”

I lifted my glass with the others and hoped the hotel's magic would rub off on this group of wonderful women.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

As we left the guesthouse, Rhonda turned to me with a sad shake of her head. “I think Amelia has ruined our chances with these two couples. I hope this trip is very important because you know I hate losing.”

“Matchmakers can only do so much,” I said sympathetically. The truth was nature, not us, made things happen. We might nudge things a little, but that was it.

“It’s going to be a busy weekend with a wedding. I’m glad Bernie is relieving us from greeting guests and schmoozing with them occasionally,” said Rhonda. “I need a break. I’ve planned one at the Palm Island Club.”

“You and Will really are taking a long weekend off?”

“Yes,” said Rhonda, “but the only time we could get is over the Halloween weekend, which means it will be left up to you and the others to oversee it.”

“You know we don’t mind. You both need to have a break, even a short one. It’ll do you both wonders.”