Page 65 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

Rhonda stirred in her chair. “Like Annie said, this is becoming a freakin’ nightmare. All because of Clint working for this firm and wanting to resign.”

“It looks like they want to play hardball for some reason,” said Bernie. “But for the sake of the hotel’s reputation, we have to settle this issue with them.”

“I agree, but I don’t like it,” I said. “But right now, I’ve got to go pick up Ned at school.”

“Don’t worry, Annie. “I’ll work out an appointment with Mike and get back to you,” said Rhonda. “But I don’t like this one bit.”

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On the way to Ned’s school, I reminded myself to calm down. I’d planned this to be a special break for Ned and me, and I didn’t want to let my anger ruin that. He was a dear little boy who needed me to make our moments together pleasant.

I pulled into the line of cars in the front circle of the school and took a deep breath. I was pleased that Nell and Clint’s purchase of the Wiley house would mean that Ned and Bailey would stay in the same schools they were in now.

A teacher walked her class to the front door and waited with them while they were picked up.

Ned was standing with a boy his age when he saw me. His face lit up with joy, bringing a sting of tears to my eyes. It brought back memories of Robbie.

He walked over to the car and opened the door. “Hi, Gammy!”

“Did you have a good school day?” I asked as he sat in the back seat and buckled up.

“Yes. But I didn’t eat lunch today.”

“That’s why I’m taking you to your favorite place,” I said, smiling.

“Really? I want a burger and fries.”

“Okay. That’s what we’ll get.” I headed to the drive-through restaurant and parked the car.

Inside, after I’d ordered and received our food, I sat at a small table with Ned. He’d been pretty quiet lately, and I wanted to find out what he was thinking.

“Here you go,” I said, handing him his meal and helping him get everything in place.

Sitting opposite him, I studied his smiling, alert face. He had Nell’s blue eyes, and his light-brown hair was sun-streaked with blond, like hers. His features were strong like his father’s, but his impish grin was his own.

“How are you liking your new school?” I asked him.

He smiled and nodded. “I have another new friend. His name is Adam.”

“Making new friends is part of the excitement of moving to a new area. I’m sure you’ll have many more. You already have a lot of friends if you count all your special cousins.”

He gave me a serious look. “Yep. When are Daddy and Mommy coming back?”

“I’m not sure. But I wouldn’t worry about them. They’re getting your old house ready to sell. Then you’ll have a new house in the same neighborhood as Sally Kate, the T’s, and the rest of the families.”

“Really? Cool.” Ned grinned at me and picked up another French fry. “I like it here.”

“I love having you in Sabal,” I said, feeling my heart fill with love for him. My dream of having him and his family live here was coming true. I just wish it didn’t involve trouble for Nell and Clint.

As if she knew I was thinking of her, my cell rang. Nell.

“Hi,” she said. “I just remembered this was an early release day for the kids.”

“Yes, Ned and I are having lunch at his favorite place,” I said. “Bailey is at Angela’s. Would you like to speak to Ned?”

I handed the phone to Ned and watched his face fill with pride as he told her he earned a gold star in reading. While they chatted, I ate my chicken sandwich, and then Ned handed me the phone.

“Anything new on the Claudine front?” Nell asked me.

“As a matter of fact, there is. Her company sent an investigator to check out her allegations against the hotel. Rhonda and I will meet with him and with our lawyer to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

“Aw, Ann, I’m sorry you and Rhonda have become part of this mistake. That isn’t fair. Clint and I would never want to put you through this.”

“I know, sweetie, but we’ll see it through to the end. How is it going there?”

“Smoothly with the house and the move. Bumpy for Clint, though. He has been in touch with the man who recently left the firm before him and is receiving helpful tips. But there’s something off about this company. Something shady.”

“Does Clint have a sharp lawyer?” I asked.

“Oh, yes. That’s one thing we agreed on from the beginning,” said Nell. “I’ve got to go. Have fun with my Ned. Tell Bailey ‘hi’ for me. I’ll phone at bedtime.”

I ended the call and turned back to Ned, hiding my frustration at the situation. One thing was for certain: Rhonda and I would fight for our hotel’s reputation and do anything to help Nell and Clint.