Page 9 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

“Yes,” I said. “I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. Now, Vaughn is signaling to me that we need to leave. We’ve got to get home to Nell’s children and Robbie.”

Rhonda shrugged. “Okay. We’ll talk tomorrow, unless I guess what it is. Then, I’ll call you.”

I laughed. “Deal.”

###

At home, after changing out of our clothes into something more casual, I suggested to Nell that we take a leisurely walk through the neighborhood. Vaughn and Robbie were going to take the kids out for a short sail, and I’d have a chance to talk to Nell in private. First, I wanted to be more relaxed.

“A walk sounds delightful,” said Nell.

At the mention of the word “walk”, Cindy ran to the hook where her leash was kept.

“Guess it’s going to be a walk for all of us girls,” I said, chuckling.

We said goodbye to the others and left the house.

My small, gated neighborhood, with eighteen homes clustered together in a semi-private area of Sabal, was usually peaceful. Today was no exception as we strolled along the winding street. Cindy alternately lingered and then raced ahead.

“I’m grateful we have this time together,” said Nell. “I’ve needed to talk to you. I’m very confused and upset.”

I slung my arm around her shoulder. “What is it? You can tell me anything.”

“On top of everything else, I think Clint might be having an affair. If so, I want a divorce,” said Nell. The nostrils of her nose flared with emotion. “I hate how I look, how it makes me feel.”

We stopped walking, and I faced her with a look of concern. “That’s a heavy load. Let’s take it apart piece by piece and see what it looks like.”

“That’s probably a smart idea,” she said. “It all started with Clint’s new job.” She stopped and shook her head. “No, it started way before then. When Clint and I first got together we were delighted to be with each other and with our lives, in general. Washington, D.C. is full of powerful people, real or imagined. We were content being ourselves, working our jobs, coming home at night. It was pretty simple. No pretense.”

“I remember,” I said. “Even after Bailey arrived in your lives, you were like that.”

“But I wanted us to move to Florida,” Nell said. “And when Ned arrived, I wanted it even more. Anyone can see how the kids seem to blossom when they’re here.”

“But your husband’s job was in D.C.,” I said.

“He promised me that at some point we’d move here,” said Nell. “And then he was approached by this group of financial investors to join them. In order to do so, he had to agree to conform to their rules and appear as a successful member of the company. It wasn’t enough for him to drive an SUV; he had to have a flashier car. He said it was expected of him. Then, encouraged by the people he was working with, he joined a golf club that we’d normally never be able to afford. Now, he’s acting like someone I don’t even know anymore.”

“It doesn’t sound like him,” I said. “But I can see how he could get caught up in the scheme.

“One of the other investors, a rich young woman, began working with him on the special project. The one he bought equity in. Pretty soon, this project required dinners and late nights. He told me they meant nothing to him except to land the big deal.”

“But?” I asked, feeling very uncomfortable and not a little frustrated with Clint.

“It feels as if he doesn’t even see me or the kids anymore, though we’re standing right in front of him.” Tears rolled down Nell’s cheeks.

I hugged her. “It sounds like you two need some quality moments together. Why don’t you suggest he stay for the entire Thanksgiving weekend? Vaughn and I will take the kids, so you can get away.”

“I already suggested it. The deal is supposed to come together that weekend.”

I sighed, wondering what to say. “Clint told me he doesn’t want you and the kids to stay in Sabal until after the Christmas holidays. That must mean something.”

“It’s all for the sake of appearing to be a perfect family for PR purposes,” said Nell. “I can’t do that. I intend to stay here. If we do divorce, I’d want to live here anyway.”

“Is a divorce what you truly want?” I asked her.

Nell shook her head. “No.”

“Okay. That’s a good place to start.”