Page 27 of Hideaway Reunion

“That’s just it. I need you over there where you can stop me,” she pleaded. Her frustration was still too close to the surface. If challenged, she was likely to say too much. She watched him reconsider. “Please.”

“All right.” He looked up. “Mind if I lock this front door, Holly?”

The reporter frowned, considering. “No. I guess not.”

“Great.” He walked back to the conference table, taking a chair at the end of the table, giving him the best view of the entire space.

Roni grabbed a bottle of sparkling water and chose the seat between Natalie and Brayden, quickly tucking her shaking hands under the table.

Nat elbowed her immediately. “No romance my butt,” she whispered. “About time.”

Roni glared at her little sister, for all the good it did.

“Thanks for seeing us on such short notice, Holly,” Celeste began. With her perfect posture and calm voice, she was embracing every ounce of her first-daughter energy. “The rumors were taking on a life of their own today.”

“Of course,” Holly said. “Y’all have been an integral part of the community for a long time. As hospitality goes, you’ve been a fabulous example of what it means to do business here. I appreciate that more than you know.”

“And yet you ran that splash piece on Indigo Reef.” Roni immediately held up her hands, as her sisters glared at her. “Sorry. I know that’s your job.”

“It is. They’re suggesting the development will attract more high-value tourists,” Holly explained. “Long before this morning’s events, I planned to get your comments. I’ve heard the construction work has been rough on your business.”

Roni managed to keep her mouth shut this time as Celeste replied, “We’ve had to adjust a few bookings to create a better experience for our guests. And yes, we’ve put new bookings on hold. I’m excited to share our alternative plans.”

Holly pulled out a voice recorder and set it in the middle of the table. “Do you mind?”

Her sisters immediately agreed, but Roni silently checked with Brayden first. At his nearly imperceptible nod, she gave her consent as well. This time, everyone noticed her checking with him.

Couldn’t be helped. She didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize the little bit of momentum they’d gained this morning.

“Great.” Holly pressed the red button to start the recording. After giving the date, time, location, and names of everyone present, she continued. “I’ll start by saying I was out at the Hideaway this morning. We keep a police scanner in the back,” Holly explained. “No one from law enforcement gave me much, other than the warrant to search a shed for stolen property. Public record.”

Celeste’s smile was the one Roni knew masked sharp daggers. “I’m sure the public record shows that no stolen goods were found.”

“Only a bunch of my supplies,” Nat volunteered.

“We’re just waiting for any comment or confirmation from Chief Caldwell,” Holly confirmed.

“Do you have any idea how today’s issue got so blown out of proportion?” Celeste queried.

Roni muttered, “Vanbeck.”

Celeste stared at her. “I didn’t realize he was in town.”

“You know him?”

“Only because his name is listed as lead counsel on the website and all the paperwork they’ve thrown at us.”

“That’s right,” Holly interjected, taking control of the interview again. “And, off the record, I’m sure Veronica is right. He strikes me as capable of a stunt like that.”

Roni hoped that meant Holly was somewhat sympathetic to the situation.

“What kind of paperwork has he thrown at you?” the reporter asked Celeste.

“A mess of nonsense,” Natalie answered, her voice tight. “They’re trying to force us out.”

“Let’s start with the positives,” Celeste intervened smoothly. She shot Natalie a warning look before reaching into her bag for a manilla folder. “We want to make sure the town knows the Hideaway is thriving.” She nudged the folder toward Holly. “We might not be the most pleasant place to host tourists right now, but we are launching a series of community-centered events during the evenings, after construction wraps up. Tomorrow night at seven, we’re hosting a free sunset shag dance class on our beach for the local dance club. We’re also coordinating a sunset ‘paint-and-sip’ with Sharon Trumble next week.”

“Wow. That’s a coup.” Holly smiled, her pen flying across a yellow legal pad. “Sharon’s name alone will draw a crowd. The town loves her. And a beach event is a great way to remind everyone why the Hideaway’s private shoreline is so special.” She paused, her expression turning serious as she looked at Veronica. “But y’all want to clear up this report of stolen equipment, right?”