by Judith Keim
He smiled politely. “Of course. It’s good to see you. I’m sorry I didn’t hear you arrive. I was taking a nap.”
He walked over to Rhonda and lifted Evan from her lap. “Hey, Buddy. You and I were to take a nap together. What happened?”
“No nap!” screamed Evan. He wiggled to get down and then ran toward the kitchen.
“Come here, young man!” said Katherine striding quickly after Evan.
Arthur hurried after the two of them.
Rhonda and I gave one another helpless looks.
“If there’s anything I can do for you, Angela, please tell me,” I said softly.
She whispered. “Take Katherine out for coffee or lunch.”
I leaned over and gave her a kiss. “I’ll call tomorrow morning. I promise. Try to relax.”
“Okay, I’ll try. Reggie has promised me your new-mother spa package at the hotel as soon as they leave.”
“I’d better go, too,” said Rhonda. “I love you, honey, but I don’t want to make matters worse. And if I stay much longer, I will.”
Angela laughed. “I’ll call you when I can. Thanks for stopping by.”
Rhonda and I said our goodbyes and made our way back to our cars.
Halfway there, Rhonda stopped, stared at the house, and said, “I’m going to do it. Tell them to go the fuck home.”
“No,” I said calmly, “we’re going to our cars, and then we’re going home.”
Rhonda held up her hand, her forefinger close to her thumb. “C’mon! I’m this close to telling them to fuck off and leave my daughter alone.”
“Stop and think about it, Rhonda,” I warned.
Rhonda heaved a sigh. “You’re right. Reggie and Will have to work together, and I don’t want to screw that up. I’m going to call Reggie on my way home and tell him he’d better step in to help Angela. Arthur shouldn’t be napping on the job, and Katherine doesn’t know the first thing about taking care of a toddler who’s just been ‘dethroned’ from being prince of the castle. Evan is nothing compared to how Willow was when we brought Drew home, but still ...”
“Yeah, I remember what that was like. Willow went from being enthralled with Drew to being furious with you for bringing him home.” Like her mother, Willow wasn’t one to hold back her feelings.
“I’ll tell Will he has to make sure Reggie takes some time off. Will’s offered, but Reggie said he didn’t want to disappoint and irritate his mother by taking over.” Rhonda placed her hands on her hips. “I’m tellin’ ya, Annie, if things don’t change for Angela, I’m going to let them all have a piece of my mind. And I won’t hold back from saying all the frickin’ things I’ve wanted to say for days. It’s been killin’ me to keep quiet.”
“Okay, draw a deep breath,” I said, placing a calming hand on her arm. “Are you going to make it home safely?”
“Yes. Ya know, Annie, I’m tryin’ hard not to interfere.”
“I know you are. Keep up the good work. Wish we could do our margarita time, but I have to get home.” I gave her a hug and climbed into my car. Chad’s mother and I weren’t close friends, but when the time came for Liz and Chad to have children, I hoped it would be easier than this.
###
When I arrived home, Liz’s car was in the driveway, and all was quiet. Curious, I went into the kitchen to see where everyone was. I looked through the window and could see Liz and Robbie down by the water, sitting on the dock together, Trudy between them.
Vaughn walked into the room. “Hi, glad to see you!” He swept me into his arms and kissed me. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but Liz arrived and said she wanted to spend some time with her brother.”
“She’s feeling a little down. I’m sure it’ll pass, but in the meantime, I think it’s a good idea for her to spend some time here.”
“Ah, that’s it. She looked as if she’d been crying.” He stared out the window. “I’m sorry. I hate to see her this way.”
“I think some of her desire to have children is because of her guilt for not being able to take care of Robbie after her Dad died. She understands logically why we were a better choice, but she’s always been a responsible person, and I think it bothers her.”
“She couldn’t be a better sister to Robbie,” said Vaughn. “Seeing them together like this isn’t unusual.”
My eyes filled. “She’s always wanted a lot of children.”
Vaughn hugged me tighter. “It hurts to see our kids unhappy.”
“It’s only been a short while, but her hopes were so high that she’d get pregnant right away,” I said, swiping at my eyes.
“Chin up! Here they come,” Vaughn said.
Robbie burst into the room at a run, his dark eyes shining. “Lizzie and I are going to build something with my Legos.”
“Nice,” I said, opening my arms to Liz.
She came into them and nestled for just a moment before she pulled away. “At the rate I’m going, I’ll be an expert,” she said, attempting humor.
“You’re very sweet to play with him. When you’re ready, come sit with me before dinner. Vaughn’s cooking, so I’ll be relaxing by the pool.”
Liz nodded, and, taking hold of her brother’s hand, they left the room.
Vaughn put his arm around me. “C’mon, Mom, let’s relax together. How are things at Angela’s?”
I made a face. “Let’s pour some wine, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
###
After Chad arrived, Liz joined us by the pool. “Robbie is still working on a spaceship that looks more like a whale.”
Chad stood, drew her into his arms, and kissed her.
Her eyes filled, and she looked out at the inlet. When she turned back, her smile was wobbly. “I stopped at Angela’s on my way over here. The baby is adorable.”
“How were things there?” I asked. “Rhonda and I stopped by earlier, and it was a chaotic scene.”
“Evan wanted to go home with me. That should tell you a lot,” Liz said. “I didn’t stay long because Katherine informed me Angela was receiving too much company.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” I grumbled. “Better not tell that to Rhonda. She’s ready to unleash a whole bunch of anger on Reggie’s parents. Thank goodness, I managed to drag her away.”
“How are things going at the store?” Vaughn asked Chad. While they talked, Liz signaled for me to follow her down to the dock.
Silent, we walked together and took a seat on the bench at the end of the dock.
“You okay?” I asked quietly.
“I guess,” Liz said. “I know it hasn’t been long, but I worry I’m going to be someone who’s never going to have a baby of her own.”
“It’s too early to talk of such things,” I said, reaching for her hand and squeezing it.
“I know you’re right, but it’s hard when I see Angela with two kids, and Nell has her little girl.”
“When your time comes, it’ll all work out. You’ll see. Now, how are things going at the store? You said you wanted to put in a new inventory system. Is that helping to keep track of all the bits and pieces your store carries?”
Liz’s face brightened. “Yes, it’s much better. I thought you might want to take a look at the program for the hotel. I can do a demonstration for you, Rhonda, and Bernie anytime you want.”
“Great! After our annual brunch, we should have some time. I’m glad you’re thinking of the hotel. Rhonda and I eventually want you and Angela to run it for us.”
“After seeing what Angela is going through, it won’t be anytime soon,” Liz said. She grew serious. “I love you, Mom. Thanks for not freaking out over my not being pregnant. It’s hard enough for me to handle as it is.”
“I love you. Things will work out.” I hugged her, grateful I’d been able to hold back my tears. As Vaughn said, it was hard to see your child so unhappy.
###
The next morning when I called Katherine to see if she wanted to meet for coffee, she said, “Thank you, but n
o thanks. I’m needed here at Angela’s.”
“I just thought you might need a break, too,” I said, remembering my promise to Angela.
“That’s not necessary. I know you and Rhonda think I’m not capable, but I assure you that I am. Things are calmer now with Arthur here. We both want to enjoy our grandchildren while we can. Reggie has informed us that they’ll try to visit us this summer, but that’s all it’ll be—a visit. You can imagine my disappointment at his turning down an offer most young men would dream of having. And, with us, Angela could have a cultured life.”
“I’m sorry for your disappointment,” I said, warning myself to end the conversation before it became a battle. Angela certainly had a “cultured life” here in Florida.
I clicked off the call, wondering if the time would ever come when Katherine could let herself go and simply be nice.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Two days later, I left a message at the front desk to alert me when Darla arrived. I was working in the office with Rhonda, going over expenses for the upcoming brunch, when I received a call that she was checking in.
“I’m going to meet Darla. C’mon, let’s greet her together,” I said to Rhonda. “She’s bringing a friend.”
“A boyfriend?” Rhonda said as we left the office.
“I guess so,” I answered.
When we walked into the lobby, I studied the young woman at the reception desk. Even wearing a baseball hat, her auburn hair was a giveaway. That, and her voluptuous figure in cut-off jeans and a tank top. Beside her stood a tall, thin, striking blonde in a short skirt and knit golf shirt.
I hurried over to them. “Darla?”
She turned and faced me. “Oh! You’re Ann, Vaughn’s wife. I recognize you from the pictures he has of you.”
“Welcome to The Beach House Hotel.” I urged Rhonda forward. “And this is my partner, Rhonda Grayson.”
“Welcome,” said Rhonda. “And who are you?” she asked, facing the blonde.
“Hello. I’m Meredith Wilkinson, a friend of Darla’s.”
Darla and Meredith smiled at one another, and I understood she was more than a friend.
“Vaughn told me you’re here for a rest. We’ve put you in the Presidential Suite, which should give you some privacy.”
“Thank you,” Darla said. “We appreciate it. I’m hoping I have a chance to speak to you alone during our stay.”
“Of course,” I said.
“And you’re both invited to our spring brunch,” said Rhonda. “You’ll find information about it in your room.”
“How nice,” said Darla.
Another couple approached, and I said, “We won’t keep you. Enjoy your stay, and we’ll talk later.”
My mind was filled with ideas as I left with Rhonda to return to our office.
“I didn’t know Darla was gay,” said Rhonda.
“I had no idea,” I said. “Vaughn’s never mentioned it. I wonder if that’s the problem she’s having on the set.”
“Both Darla and Meredith are beautiful women. I’m surprised the gossipy talk shows haven’t made a big deal of it.”
“I’m sure the producers of The Sins of the Children wouldn’t like it. Not when they’re trying to promote Darla as the one Vaughn is interested in both on the show and maybe, just maybe, on a personal level. A promo trick I despise them for.”
“I can imagine. But anyone who knows Vaughn well would know he’d never wander.”
“It doesn’t make it easier,” I said, feeling vulnerable.
We went back to our budgeting, and then it was time to leave to pick up Robbie from school. I treasured the moments when he emerged, saw me standing there, and came running to me smiling.
At the school, I stood with Cyndi Brigham catching up on neighborhood news. I was grateful for her friendship. As busy as I was with the hotel, I had little time to socialize with others, so it was always special to be with her. The fact that Brett and Robbie were best buddies made it even better.
“I ran into Rhonda yesterday,” said Cyndi. “She told me she’s a grandmother again. How nice. And so sweet the little one is named after her deceased first husband. Sally is an old-fashioned name, but I like it.”
“She’s a darling baby. Very calm, unlike her big brother,” I said, unable to hold back a smile. “Evan’s having a hard time with the new baby.”
“I remember those toddler years so well,” said Cyndi. “How about you? Are Liz and Chad thinking of children, making you a grandmother?”
“Thinking of it,” I said, careful not to give anything away. No wonder Liz was feeling pressure.
“Mom! Mom! Look!” cried Robbie running toward me. He held up a piece of paper.
I took it from him and admired the two gold stars at the top of a sheet of practice writing. “Excellent! Let’s go home and show Dad.”
I turned to Cyndi, who was talking to Brett. “See you later!”
She gave me a friendly wave, and Robbie and I headed toward my car.
“Are we going sailing?” Robbie asked.
“We’ll have to ask Dad,” I said, realizing I hadn’t checked my messages recently.
As I settled behind the wheel of the car, I looked at my cell, saw a message from Vaughn, and listened to it.
“Guess we’re going sailing,” I said to Robbie. “With some new friends.” Vaughn had invited Darla and her friend to come on an evening sail with us, telling me not to worry, he’d take care of everything.
Surprised by this, I called him back. “Hi. I understand we’re having guests this evening. Need me to pick up anything?”
“No. I have it under control. Hope you don’t mind, but Darla sounded anxious to get together.”
“It’s fine. I said hello to her and Meredith this morning.”
“Meredith?”
“Yes, her special ... friend.”
“Ah, that’s it,” said Vaughn. “Okay, good thing we’re meeting right away. I think I can help her. See you soon. They’re just pulling up now.”
###
When I got home, I saw a yellow jeep sitting in the driveway. I pulled into the garage and got out, curious to see why Darla had been in such a hurry to make contact with Vaughn.
Robbie ran into the kitchen ahead of me and out to the lanai, waving his starred paper in his hand. “Look, Dad!”
Vaughn stood and took a moment to look at it. “Good job, Robbie! Hi, Ann!” He ruffled Robbie’s hair and kissed me on the lips before saying, “You met Darla and Meredith this morning?”
“Yes. Good to see you again,” I said, smiling at Darla and Meredith, who were sitting on one of the couches and wearing what looked like colorful bikini tops and white shorts. They were already showing a bit of color. Trudy, the traitor, was sitting between them, enjoying their attention.
“I told them it’s a perfect evening for a short sail on Zephyr,” said Vaughn with a note of pride. He loved any excuse for a sail.
“We hope we’re not intruding, but I thought it was important for me to speak to you both,” said Darla with a look of concern.
“Let me get Robbie settled, and then we’ll relax here for a moment before we get ready to sail. Is that okay with you?”
Darla nodded agreeably. “Sure. Take your time.”
While Vaughn took orders for drinks, I got a glass of juice for Robbie and suggested that he play in his room until we were ready to go.
When Vaughn and I returned to the lanai, Darla and Meredith were quietly talking, holding hands.
Vaughn handed out glasses of pinot noir, and we sat down in chairs on either side of the couch.
“As I’m sure is evident, Meredith and I are more than friends,” said Darla. “While we’re happy together, I’ve been careful not to make this known around the others on the show.” She faced me. “Especially with their idea of trying to promote something romantic between Vaughn and me. It’s a foolish idea, but I don’t want to lose my place on the show, and I’ve played along.”
Meredith glanced at Darla. “We’re both unhappy with it.”
“What I haven’t told anyone else is that one of the producers is sexually harassing me,” said Darla.
“Is that why Simon Merrill has been so hard on you on the set?” Vaughn asked, his face an angry mask.
“I think so. I’ve refused to be alone in his office with him.” Tears filled her eyes. “You can understand how awful it’s been on so many levels. The way he touches me, the things he whispers.”
My lips thinned. “Abuse of women at work has gone on for years. It’s time to put a stop to it. For every woman out there.”
“I agree. But to keep my job, I have to figure out a subtle way to take care of it. That’s why I wanted to talk to both of you. First, Ann, I have no romantic interest in Vaughn, and, Vaughn, I’m asking for your help.”
Vaughn and I exchanged grim looks.
“Of course, we’ll both help,” I said.
“What do you want us to do?” asked Vaughn.
“If you would approach Simon and tell him you are aware he’s been harassing me, it would be huge. It would put him on notice that someone else knows what’s happening on set. And it would hopefully put a stop to Simon’s actions,” Darla said.
“It’s all about ratings and audience and money,” said Vaughn. “I’ve never liked it and hate having you and others hurt by untruths being spread. Until the group finally gets rid of Roger Sloan, the nonsense won’t stop.”
“He’s another slimeball,” said Darla.
“I had no idea that all this shit was going on behind the scenes,” said Meredith.
“It wasn’t always that way,” said Vaughn. “And there’s no reason it should continue. We’ll put an end to it once and for all by not playing any games.”
“How?” asked Meredith.
“That I don’t know,” Vaughn said. “But we’ll figure it out.”
“Thank you so much,” gushed Darla. “Getting this role means so much to me. My agent is trying to build interest in my playing bigger roles in movies.”
“Good for you. When the time comes, let me know. My agent was able to make a deal with the producers to allow me time off to make films. Lately, I haven’t found anything I’m interested in doing.”