The Inn At Pelican Beach Read online

  The Inn At Pelican Beach

  Pelican Beach Series Book One

  Michele Gilcrest

  Contents

  Foreword

  1. Payton

  2. Payton

  3. Payton

  4. Payton

  5. William

  6. Payton

  7. William

  8. Payton

  9. Helen

  10. Payton

  11. Payton

  12. Payton

  13. Payton

  14. Payton

  15. Helen

  16. Payton

  17. Payton

  Also by Michele Gilcrest

  Foreword

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  Payton

  I leaned over the balcony staring at the ocean while longing to wash my sorrows away. The sound of the crashing waves was like medicine to my shattered soul. At forty-two, with no children, and a finalized divorce, I was left alone to pick up the pieces. My ex-husband, Jack, was off indulging in his new life as a bachelor. For now, at least. The divorce papers didn't seem to impact him much whenever he missed me and wanted to come home. This time I was fed up. My parents needed help with the family business at the Inn. The Pelican Beach area was an upscale community with all of the relaxing pleasantries of living near the water. Whenever the summer season rolled around, the beach clubs and rentals were booked to maximum capacity. Moving back home was just what I needed to heal old wounds and get a fresh start.

  "Aunt Payton, can I have some candy?"

  I was startled, not realizing that my niece was standing right behind me.

  "Maggie, Sweetie, let's check with mom first. I think it's almost time for dinner."

  "Okay, but I bet mom won't care if you say yes."

  "I'm not falling for your tricks, little one."

  I bent over and gently grabbed Maggie's cheeks and kissed her.

  “You almost got me in trouble the last time we were together. Come on. Let's go inside and see what Gram is preparing for dinner."

  She slid the glass doors open and joined everyone in the family room.

  My parents’ cottage home was like a picture-perfect getaway. The recent renovations brightened the walls with white shiplap, low hanging fans, and wooden beams on the ceiling. The sheer curtains blew in the wind, and the beach themed decor made it all the more inviting.

  "Abby, you might want to keep an extra eye on your daughter." I took the opportunity to playfully snitch on my niece when we went inside.

  "Uh, oh."

  Abby glanced at Maggie and gave her a look of disapproval while standing with her hands on her hips.

  "What did she do now?"

  "Nothing yet. She's warming up, though. I'd keep an eye on her."

  Maggie knew her Mom wasn't really upset with her. She lowered her head and looked up in slight amusement.

  "Maggie, go with your brother and get washed up for dinner."

  With the mannerisms of an angel, she replied, "Yes, Ma'am."

  We all knew to watch that little smile.

  The kids ran off, challenging one another to see who could get to the bathroom first. I watched as my sister Abby turned and gave my outfit the once over.

  "Payton, you look like you need a little sisterly TLC."

  I looked down at myself, observing a slightly disheveled but totally comfortable jogging suit.

  "Why? Is something wrong with my outfit?"

  "Your outfit, your hair, your…"

  "Okay, okay. I get it. Look. I'm fine. Besides, we're just hanging around the house. I'm not trying to impress anybody."

  "No fooling."

  It's not that I didn't care about my appearance altogether. At about 5'5 weighing one hundred twenty pounds, I think I carried myself rather well. I usually kept my hair in a ponytail or a bun. Sometimes I wore it out. If I'm heading out, I throw on some yoga pants and my signature lipgloss. It was still a feminine look, in my opinion.

  "I have an idea. Let's give each other make-overs later on after dinner."

  I rolled my eyes and let out a deep sigh that sounded like hissing through my teeth.

  "Oh, Payton. It will be so much fun. Pleassse?"

  I tried shifting my attention to the big television screen above the mantle.

  "Seriously, Sis. The last thing we want you to do is to come back home and mope around. It will be so uplifting."

  "Mmm, hmm."

  "Come on. Mom is excited to have all of us together again. Even your wicked sister Becca is going to take time out of her busy schedule to be here this weekend. You know she's going to walk in here looking like something straight out of a magazine."

  "Are you two still at odds?"

  "Oh no, not us. We're peachy."

  "I know what that means."

  "You know your sister."

  "I know both of my sisters!"

  "Well, whenever all three of Mom's girls get together, it's worth sprucing up a little bit. Don't you think?"

  "Abby, surely you have something better to do?"

  "I'll quit if you say yes."

  Begrudgingly I gave in. "Alright already. Let's just move it to Friday night. I have to be up bright and early to help at the Inn tomorrow."

  "Deal!"

  Just then, our mother, Helen, walked into the room.

  "What kind of deal are we making?"

  "Payton agreed to get a make-over by yours truly."

  "Abby! Your sister hasn't been back for two minutes, and you're already trying to fix her up. Some things haven't changed since you two were little."

  "Mom has a point, Abby. You always used to torture me like a doll when we were kids."

  "Oh, stop it. I always made you look glamorous, and you know it,” she teased.

  "Glamorous?" I flipped my hair back and modeled across the room to mock Abby's description of the experience. Somehow we managed to see it differently.

  Mom took great delight in having us together again.

  "Look at you two having fun just like old times. I love it. Just wait until your father gets home. He's going to be just as happy as I am."

  "I love it too,” Abby agreed. "I'm glad you're back, Sis. I'll have to find reasons to make my way over here every week just to pluck your nerves."

  "Thanks, Ab. Looking forward to it. Hey, how is my brother-in-law these days?

  "He's better than ever. At the top of his A-game as he would say."

  "Is he joining us for dinner?"

  "He can't make it tonight, he's working late. The firm is preparing for a huge trial. You know how that is."

  "Sounds like a lot of long, sleepless nights."

  "Exactly."

  I hesitated before responding. "Well, I know Wyatt's a good man. Just make sure he doesn't get in the habit of having too many long, sleepless nights."

  "Payton Matthews, watch your tongue. Your sister's marriage has absolutely nothing to do with what you went through."

  I immediately felt guilty and shifted my tone.

  "You're right. Sorry, Abby."

  "No need to apologize. I know you didn't mean any harm by it."

  "I just don't understand it." I walked towards the kitchen counter to begin helping with dinner prep.

  "I thought I was doing all the right things as a wife. I had all of his meals ready after a long day, I cleaned the house, and did everything I could to create a loving home. It se
emed like all I received in return were late nights and more and more time apart."

  I tried to fight back the tears.

  "It's going to be okay, Sis. It may not seem like it right now, but you are going to heal from this and be stronger than ever."

  "She's right, Payton. You'll get through this.”

  Our conversation was interrupted by the sound of glass shattering on the floor. Everybody chimed in unison.

  "The kids!"

  Abby left the kitchen heading in one direction while simultaneously, the doorbell rang.

  "Good grief. Shut the oven off for me, Payton. I'm going to see who's at the door."

  No sooner than I turned off the oven and patted my face dry, my niece ran into the kitchen.

  "Aunt Payton, where's Gram?"

  "She went to answer the front door, Maggie. Is everything okay?"

  "Aidan knocked her flowers on the floor. It was an accident. Now he's crying cause he thinks Gram will be upset."

  "Oh, I'm sure Gram won't be upset. We just have to teach him to be careful, that's all."

  Abby returned to the kitchen to get a broom.

  "Maggie, you have to set a good example for Aidan. Next time tell him no running around the house. Okay?"

  "Yes, Mama."

  Mom returned to the kitchen, looking like a nervous wreck. "Payton, do you have a second?"

  "Sure."

  She motioned for me to step out in the hall.

  "Jack is at the front door.”

  "Are you kidding me?"

  "I wish. I can send him away if you want me to,” Mom said.

  "Unbelievable. I'll take care of it."

  I walked to the front door but didn't say a word as Jack stood on the other side of the threshold.

  "Hi, Payton."

  I looked at him but didn't speak.

  "I was hoping I could talk to you."

  "There's nothing to talk about, Jack. We're divorced now, remember? I signed the papers that you served weeks ago. Case closed."

  "I know. I was foolish. That's why I'm here to apologize and to try and make things right."

  I looked at him as if he had lost his mind.

  "Let me get this straight. You were living this whole other life outside of our marriage, but I forgave you. Then you did it again and had the nerve to serve me with divorce papers. Now you want to make things right?"

  "I know it looks bad."

  "Oh, it's bad! So bad you don't know if you're coming or going. You can't tell up from down or left from right. But I'll tell you one thing I'm very clear about. It's over between us, Jack!"

  Slamming the door felt good before re-opening to leave one last impression.

  "Do yourself a favor and don't come back here again. Leave me and my family alone!"

  The final slam was empowering. This was just what I needed to propel me into the next chapter of my life.

  Payton

  My first day back at the Inn began in guest services greeting the arriving guest.

  "Good morning, Welcome to the Inn at Pelican Beach."

  "Thank you. This place is gorgeous."

  "Is this your first time visiting the Inn?"

  "Yes, we're on our honeymoon."

  "That's wonderful. Congratulations."

  "Thank you."

  One couldn't help but notice how happy and in love they appeared to be. I remember those days just like it was yesterday.

  "I'm sure you're excited to get settled in. My name is Payton. I'll go over a few of our services with you and get you all checked in."

  "Sounds good."

  "May I have your name?"

  "Jonathan and Samantha Mitchell. Here's our I.D.”

  "Great. It looks like you booked the Ocean Breeze Suite. A lovely choice for our newlyweds. You'll have a private balcony where you can enjoy an early sunrise breakfast or a beautiful sunset dinner. If you want concierge service, all you have to do is dial zero, and they'll be happy to assist. Beach towels will be provided in your room. Do you have any questions for me?"

  The gentleman looked at his wife and then answered.

  "No, I think we're all set."

  "Wonderful. Here are your keys. Enjoy your stay."

  My father, William Matthews, had a way of being a prankster at times. He snuck up on me from behind.

  "You still have the magic touch. It's like you never left."

  "Aw, Dad. You're a little biased, don't you think?"

  "Maybe, but you're good, Payton. Honestly, your return couldn't have come at a better time."

  "Thanks, Dad. Just let me know whatever you need. If I can recall correctly, I was the jack of all trades the last time I worked here with you and mom. Room inventory, bookings, dining services. You name it."

  "We did have you all over the place, didn't we?"

  "You sure did."

  “Well, we can chat more later. I have a few ideas in mind about how you can be of help to us. Maybe we can have some father-daughter time later and talk things over?"

  "Of course."

  "Great. In the meantime, I have a ten o'clock meeting with a gentleman by the name of Cole Miller. I asked him to stop by the front desk. If you wouldn't mind sending him my way, that would be great."

  "No problem."

  "Thanks, Honey. I'll see you in a little bit."

  He started to walk away before turning around with a final thought.

  "Payton."

  "Yes, Dad?"

  "Make sure you talk to your mother about creating a flexible schedule. I don't want you two in here fifteen plus hours every day like me. Get out to the beach and get some sun."

  "But…"

  "No buts. What good is the Inn to the family if we're not healthy enough to enjoy the fruits of our labor? It's time to start taking care of you. Daddy's orders."

  “Aye aye, Captain."

  I raised my hands and saluted my father before making my way back to the front desk. I couldn't argue with him if I tried. He always had the heart to take good care of his girls. Besides, the view of the water and the warm breeze made it very tempting to give in to his request.

  A lady approached the desk dressed in housekeeping attire.

  "Good morning. You must be Miss Matthews."

  "Yes, I am. And you are…"

  "I'm Shelby." Shelby extended her hand to greet me with a smile that instantly warmed my heart.

  "I work for your parents here at the Inn. I'm on the housekeeping team."

  "Oh, it's so nice to meet you."

  "Thank you, and welcome back. Your parents talk about you all the time. It's nice to finally meet you."

  While Shelby spoke, I noticed her glossing over my outfit. I guess I really needed to get my act together in the clothing department.

  "You and Mrs. Matthews look very much alike."

  I leaned over and whispered, "Shh, don't tell anybody I'm wearing my mother's clothes. I promise not to make it a habit."

  Shelby laughed hard and tried to quickly regain her composure.

  "You're funny."

  "It's our little secret. You can just keep it between us."

  I tapped my fingers on my lips to further emphasize the secret part. Mainly I was just making light of it. My family knows how much I couldn’t care less about clothing.

  "Your secret is safe with me, Miss Matthews."

  "Oh, please call me Payton."

  "Payton it is. Again, it's so nice to meet you. I have to begin my shift, but I'm sure we'll see each other soon."

  "Have a great day."

  "You too." Shelby had such a sweet demeanor about her. It made me grateful that my parents placed a lot of emphasis on carefully choosing the staff.

  For the sake of not embarrassing the family, I made clothes shopping an item on my to-do list. This morning I settled for borrowing a few pieces out of my mother’s closet to make it through, but it couldn't be a permanent plan. My former days were spent in yoga pants unless I was going to a photoshoot. Even then, my attire was much more re
laxed. My father's style was business casual. He always wore Khakis, loafers, and white collared shirts. Perhaps even a golf shirt towards the end of the week. Mom, on the other hand, was classy at all times. She loved neutral colors and was always laced with pearls.

  I continued jotting down my plans for the day when I noticed a tall man approaching the front desk. His light blue eyes instantly caught my attention.

  "Welcome to the Inn at Pelican Beach.”

  "Why, thank you. My name is Cole Miller. I have a ten o'clock appointment with Mr. Matthews."

  "Yes, he's expecting you. I'll dial his extension to let him know you're here."

  While I dialed my father's extension, I watched Mr. Miller as he looked around and began taking measurements.

  "Dad, Mr. Miller is here."

  "Okay, send him down to my office."

  "Sure thing."

  I stepped from behind the desk to get his attention. He was so busy scoping out the place I just stood there and waited for him to look my way.

  "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were off the phone."

  "Yes, I thought I'd come over to see what you were doing."

  "Oh, I was just looking around. I'm here to talk about a few renovation plans with Mr. Matthews."

  "That explains the measuring tape."

  "Yep, I never leave home without it."

  I nodded and then extended my hand to direct him down the hall.

  "He's waiting for you in his office. Second door to your right."

  "Thank you, Miss…"

  "Payton," I responded.

  "Miss Payton."

  "Just Payton."

  I waited for him to walk away before returning to the desk.

  "Strange."

  My mother appeared from the back office just in time to hear my comment.

  "There's nothing strange about Cole Miller. He has one of the most talented renovation teams in town."

  "Were you eavesdropping on me?"