Page 23 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

“Sounds fine to me.” I went to Robbie’s room. Cindy was curled up on the bed with him as he lay against the pillow with his earphones on.

I caught his attention and kissed him on the cheek.

After turning out all the lights in the rest of the house, I went to my bedroom, too tired to do much but strip down and crawl into bed.

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The next morning, the thought of the hotel’s Christmas surprise for our guests got me out of bed. I moved quickly and quietly to get ready for the day.

When I went into the kitchen, Nell was already there, dressed in a beautiful red silk blouse and black slacks.

“Dressed for the holiday, I see. That looks great on you,” I said.

She smiled and took another sip of coffee. “Thanks. I wanted to fit in.”

I put my arm around her. “You fit in perfectly anytime. Have a good sleep?”

“Surprisingly, yes,” she said.

“Today, we’re going to host our first high tea of the season, and I thought you’d be perfect to oversee it, along with Lauren or Annette.”

“Lauren and I are already planning on doing it,” said Nell. “I really like her.”

“She’s a very pleasant, hardworking person. We’re lucky to have her.”

We left for the hotel without disturbing anyone else.

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On the way to the hotel, I asked Nell if she and Clint were able to talk to each other.

She shrugged. “I guess. He says he loves me and is doing this for our future, but there’s something he’s not telling me. I’m sure of it.”

“Maybe after this big deal of his is concluded, you can get away. Just the two of you,” I said.

“Yes, we’ve agreed to do that. And though he doesn’t like it, he knows the kids and I are staying in Florida. I told him that was non-negotiable.”

“You know you’re welcome to stay with your dad and me for as long as you want,” I said.

“I appreciate that because it gives me the flexibility I need. I love working at the hotel.”

“Rhonda and I are pleased about that,” I said, and pulled through the gates to the hotel. I stopped and stared at the twinkling white lights shining from the landscaping at the base of the hotel and around the trunks of the palm trees.

“It’s gorgeous,” gushed Nell, in awe.

“Manny and his crew must have started before daylight to put the lights up,” I said.

When I pulled around to the back parking lot, I noticed Manny and his men still working on outdoor lighting.

Rhonda’s car and Laura Bakeley’s van were already parked in the lot.

Nell and I got out of the car, walked through the back of the hotel, and hurried to the lobby to see the work there.

A huge spruce tree stood in the middle of the space. It had already been strung with white lights, and three people were hanging silver and gold balls and ornaments on the tree. Other crew members were placing greens with gold and silver ribbons in various locations throughout the lobby, along with candles or flowers. I knew this was just the beginning. By the end of the day, every area would be “dressed” for the holidays.

I left Nell there and went outside to the lanai and pool area. A smaller tree had been set up with white lights, and two people were hanging ornaments that were part of Laura’s seaside theme. Mermaids, birds, seashells, and starfish were all part of the decorations.

When I went to check the dining room, I saw boxes of decorations waiting. Under Annette’s supervision, a highly coordinated effort was made between Laura’s team, our housekeeping department, and the dining staff.