The Inn At Pelican Beach Read online

  "No, you were talking out loud to yourself."

  "Right."

  "Cole completed the renovations for the cottage."

  "Impressive."

  "Exactly. He's very talented. He has a lovely beach house not far from here where he and his daughter, Emmie, live. I think his mother spends a lot of time helping to take care of her when he's working."

  "Where's his wife?"

  "She died from cancer about five or six years ago."

  "That's so sad."

  "Isn't it?"

  "You know, Mom, the area hasn't changed much since I left. It's still a quaint little town in Florida where everyone knows each other by name. Yet we attract so many new visitors as well."

  "Therein lies the beauty. That's what makes the Pelican Beach area so special. You have the small mom and pop businesses, neighbors who've known each other for decades, the water, boat life. This is what you call home."

  "To us, maybe, but to our guests, this is what you call a vacation. We need to get back to work."

  "Speaking of work. You know your father wants to have a talk with you about where you'd like to fit in here at the Inn. He told me he had a few ideas. He's so excited that you're home."

  "He mentioned something in passing this morning. I'm excited to be back. I know I promised I would help run the Inn until I get back on my feet."

  "I feel a but coming on."

  "Not really. I just don't want you guys to think that I plan to stay underneath you at the house or here for an indefinite amount of time."

  "Sweetheart, we don't think that at all. Even though I hope you know if you wanted to, you could."

  "I knew you would say that, but I don't want to take advantage. At some point, I'll have to learn how to get back out there and stand on my own two feet. There's nothing wrong with me getting my own place, supporting myself, and pursuing my dreams again."

  "Are you talking about your freelance photography?"

  "Yes. I want to help out at the Inn, and during my spare time, I also want to start re-establishing a list of clients."

  "I think that's a wonderful idea. I'm sure your father will be supportive. Just tell him."

  "I will, but I didn't want to disappoint him if he has his heart set on something else."

  "He'll be fine. I'm sure he'd much rather see you happy."

  "Thanks."

  "How are you feeling after last night's shenanigans with Jack?”

  "I'm fine. It's not like he hasn't pulled a stunt like that before. I just think that following me out to your house was taking things a bit far. He made his bed, now it's time for him to lay in it."

  "I'm not worried about him at all. As long as you understand how valuable you are and how this wasn't your fault."

  "I know."

  "Okay. I'm going to put the topic to rest and go to work on the schedule. And yes, I already know your father wants us to keep the schedule flexible. Take care of yourself first and bla bla bla."

  "What's going on with you two? Dad just gave me a whole speech this morning about this very topic."

  "I don't know what his problem is, but he's been harping on me about my work ethic long before you arrived. Apparently, I work too many hours and need to take time off. I don't pay him any mind. He forgets that it took the two of us to build this place from the ground up."

  "Well, there must be something to it, Mom."

  "I guess. By the way, Nancy, who normally works at the front desk, will be here in the next hour. After she gets here, make sure you go to the kitchen and grab yourself a bite to eat. Chef's crab cakes are to die for!"

  "I was thinking of using my lunch break to visit a clothing store or two. I need some new clothes in the worst way."

  "That's not a bad idea. Eat lunch, and then go. We'll be here when you get back."

  She disappeared back to her office, which was down a separate hall from Dad’s. With a little downtime, I decided to open my journal and list a few locations I wanted to photograph. In my spare time, I thought it might be a great idea to work on a website that would be used to display some of my best photography work.

  "Grove Point Lighthouse, Main Street boardwalk, Pelican Cliffs."

  The list would have to wait. I could hear my father escorting Cole back to the front lobby. I set my journal aside to greet them.

  "So, what do you think, Cole?"

  Cole took a minute to gather his thoughts before responding.

  "I think the project and the time frame is doable. Let me take a look at the numbers and get back to you by the beginning of next week."

  "I'm looking forward to it."

  The gentlemen shook hands and parted ways. Cole walked past the front desk and tipped his hat toward me. "Have a good day."

  "You too."

  I added a few more ideas to my list before stopping to make a phone call. On the other end of the line, I heard my father talking and started to hang up. I realized that I had accidentally hit my father's extension and attempted to gently place the phone down. I confess that overhearing what appeared to be a tense conversation caused me to reconsider hanging up.

  "William, we may be new to working together, but I'm not new to crunching numbers. I can confidently say that your numbers are not adding up. As your accountant, I'm advising you that you're about to enter the danger zone if you don't stop all of the frivolous spending."

  "I keep my own records, and everything is balanced. What on earth are you talking about?"

  "My records show quite the opposite. You need to come in and go through this with me before you find yourself in so deep you can't get out."

  "You've got to be kidding me. I don't have any time for this. We're about to start some renovations at the Inn to help attract more business."

  "William, renovating is the last thing that should be on your mind right now. Do you want to lose the Inn?"

  "Of course not."

  "Well, your lenders are certain to start sending threats at the rate you're going. You need to come down here to straighten this mess out, or that's exactly what will happen."

  There was an abrupt end to the telephone call with nothing but silence on the other end of the line. I hung up and was frozen in disbelief. My dad had always been good at handling the finances. There had to be some sort of mistake.

  Payton

  On Saturday morning, my sisters and I gathered around Mom’s table before heading down to the beach.

  “The last one down to the beach is a rotten egg.” Abby and I weren’t the least bit enthused.

  My youngest sister, Rebecca, was an attractive thirty-year-old, with a successful career and a very competitive spirit. She was pretty much spoiled rotten from birth and had a particular way of getting underneath Abby’s skin. We used to always argue because it seemed like Rebecca continuously got away with murder. As an adult, she had a way with men and still does if you ask me. They all swoon over her hourglass shape and bouncy, long blond curls. She had them lined up for days to spend time with her, but it never seemed to develop into anything serious.

  “Some things never change. You two are still no fun.”

  “Don’t start, Becca. This is not a competition.” Abby snapped at Rebecca as if they were right back in high school.

  As always, I had to play the role of a mediator. “Quit you two. We just got together, and you’re already starting trouble. Can we enjoy ourselves, please?”

  “Yes,” Abby answered. Then she stared over at Rebecca, who didn’t say anything.

  “Why do I always have to be the voice of reason with you two? If anything, I’m the one who needs help right now. Not the other way around.”

  “You’re right, Sis.” Rebecca held my arm as we walked along the sand to find the perfect spot.

  “How are you doing?”

  “I can think of better times in my life, but I’m trying not to dwell on the bad. Something positive that’s come from all this is being back home in Pelican Beach.”

  “Plus, she has this s
tunning new make-over to kick off her new beginnings.” Abby fluffed my hair in the back. “Your hair does look gorgeous, Payton.”

  “Thanks, Becca. So tell us what’s been going on in your world?”

  “The usual. My head is buried in the sand of criminal cases with barely any time to come up for air. Occasionally I run into our brother in law down at the court.” Rebecca looked over at Abby while referring to her husband, Wyatt.

  “He’s getting to be a big-time hot shot lawyer from what I’m hearing around town. Congratulations, Abby.”

  “Thanks, I guess.”

  We paused to pick out a spot to lay our towels and picnic baskets.

  “You guess? Aren’t you happy? I wish I had the luxury of having a husband who was bringing in the big bucks. That way, I could put the kids on the school bus and try to decide between a tennis match or a mani-pedi for the day.”

  Rebecca rubbed sunscreen all over her body and proceeded to act nonchalant about what she just said.

  “Rebecca, that’s low. You have no idea what my life is like. I’m not quite sure why you’re always trying to take a stab at me outside of being jealous.”

  “Jealous?”

  Again I had to interrupt the charade. This was starting to get old.

  “Enough. For crying out loud. If you start with each other one more time, I’m going back inside.”

  “Well, then tell your little sister over there to stop acting so childish.”

  “Abby!” I scolded her just like a little child.

  Abby held up her hands in surrender and then returned to spreading out her towel.

  “Seriously, you two. We have a much bigger problem on our hands that we need to discuss.”

  Finally, I had their attention as they looked at me with concern.

  “Abby, I didn’t have a chance to say anything yesterday because mom was around. I figured today would be better so we could all talk.”

  “What is it?”

  “I overheard dad having a disturbing conversation about the finances for the Inn yesterday. He was talking to the accountant, but it didn’t sound good.”

  Rebecca dismissively waved her hand over my comment. “Those two are always going at it. That’s nothing new.”

  “Really?” I was confused as to why Rebecca hadn’t mentioned anything about it.

  “You knew about this?”

  “I know there’s been plenty of times that I drop by and dad’s grouchy over one thing or another having to do with money. Mom always seems to think he has everything under control, so I stay out of it.”

  “Okay, well, what I heard didn’t sound like everything is under control. The accountant was basically telling Dad if he didn’t get his act together, he could lose the Inn.”

  “That can’t be good,” Abby said.

  “Exactly. Meanwhile, Dad had just finished meeting with Cole Miller with intentions of starting renovations at the Inn soon. I don’t get it. It doesn’t make sense. If they’re having money problems, the last thing they need is to spend more money.”

  Abby had a look of concern on her face. “I feel terrible. I didn’t have a clue any of this was going on. I stop by the Inn every once in a while, but I’ve been so busy with the kids I just assumed all was well.”

  “Wouldn’t it be better for us to confirm if it’s true first?” Rebecca was the only one that didn’t seem to buy into what I was saying.

  Before waiting for a response, she added, “The Matthew men and women are a strong bunch who won’t settle without a fight. If the business is really in trouble, we’ll all rally together and do something about it.”

  “Fair enough. So who’s going to be the one to bring it up to Dad?”

  “Not me. I wasn’t there to overhear the conversation.” Becca was quick to take herself out of the mix, and as usual, Abby didn’t miss an opportunity to jump on her case.

  “What happened to all of the big and bad talks about how strong we are?”

  I shook my head in disgust.

  “Forget it. I’ll say something at the appropriate time. Dad’s been saying he wants to talk about my role at the Inn. Maybe that will be the appropriate time for me to gently bring it up.”

  “It’s probably best since you were there to hear the conversation anyway. If we were to all say something, it would probably make Dad uncomfortable.”

  “Abby does have a good point, Payton.”

  I agreed and decided to wait for the right time to talk to him.

  Payton

  "Payton, I'd like you to officially meet Cole Miller."

  Mom was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  "Ah, yes, we met last week when Cole was here to talk to Dad."

  "I didn't know you two are related. Mrs. Matthews, I see good genes run in the family."

  "Oh, Cole. You sure know how to stay on my good side." Mom was tickled pink by every word that came out of his mouth.

  "Payton, I was hoping you could work with Cole on the renovation project for the Inn. You know, be there in case he has questions or needs anything."

  "Sure. I didn't realize the project was starting so soon. I thought Dad was waiting to hear back on the numbers."

  Cole offered more information to clarify.

  "Your father and I spoke toward the end of the weekend. I shared the numbers with him, and he said everything was a go."

  "Alright. Well, Dad knows best."

  Mom looked as if she was enjoying the idea of us working together. In my opinion, she was up to something. Something I probably wouldn't approve of.

  "Wonderful. So I guess we need the two of you to sit down and coordinate dates and a few logistics for the front lobby. I'm certain the end result will be magnificent; however, in no way should it hinder our guests from entering in and out of the Inn."

  "Don't worry, Ma'am. We have you covered. The team will create a temporary entrance and will be sure to stay out of everyone's way."

  "Lovely. I trust you, Cole. You did an excellent job at the house, and I know you'll do it again."

  "Yes, Ma'am."

  "Payton, would you like to take Cole to the conference room?"

  "Sure."

  "Your father and I were thinking that it might be a wonderful space for you to work until we establish a more suitable office."

  "The conference room is perfect. Cole, if you're ready, you can follow me."

  I grabbed my memo pad and laptop on my way to the back. I felt a little nervous. Perhaps even a bit rusty. Nevertheless, I didn't want to disappoint, so I decided to fake it until I made it.

  "Please have a seat."

  "Thank you."

  "Before we get started, can I offer you a bottle of water?"

  "No, thank you. I'm pretty good."

  Cole made his way to the other side of the table. Standing almost six feet tall, he easily towered over me. However, the warmth from his smile reduced any amount of intimidation when talking to him. Cole had a laid back presence about him. His business attire consisted of Khaki shorts, a polo shirt, and boat shoes. I guess it was the nature of his business that allowed him to be so casual.

  "Okay, I'm just going to pull up our calendar to make sure we're on the same page with the dates. While I wait for it to load, why don't we begin with your plans to create a separate entrance for the guests."

  "Certainly. I'm just going to have my crew section off one half of the front lobby at a time. We'll use dividers so everyone can still have easy access to wherever they need to go."

  "That sounds good. I would imagine your crew will have a cut off time as not to disturb the guests during dinner hours?"

  "Absolutely. The crew will finish up promptly at five o'clock. We'll have a divider up so you will never have to worry about there being an interference with materials lying around or the guys getting in the way."

  "Perfect. The notes on the calendar say that I need to block off two weeks. Can I pencil you in for…"

  "Thursday."

  "Wow, okay. You don't waste
any time. Thursday it is. That means the project should be all wrapped up before July 1st?"

  "It looks that way."

  "That's exciting. Well, everything is all set on the calendar. The only other thing I want to confirm is the financial piece. Has my father already made arrangements with you, or do I need to check in with him?"

  "We're all set with the finances. He cut a check for the first half of the project, so we should be good to go."

  I gulped as I tried to digest what he was saying. How in the world did my father manage to write a check knowing that he still faced some unanswered questions with his accountant? I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach that was uneasy, but I just had to trust that he knew what he was doing.

  "Is everything okay?"

  I got a little uncomfortable and shifted in my chair.

  "Yes, I'm sorry. I think we're good. If you have any questions or your crew members need anything feel free to call me."

  "Great." Cole stood up and extended his hand across the table. He had a confident grip that was sure to leave a lasting impression. We exited the meeting room and made our way back to the front lobby.

  "How long have you been here?" Cole asked.

  "Pardon me?"

  "In Pelican Beach. I don't recall seeing you around before now."

  "Oh, I just returned last week."

  "Last week? Wow, you didn't waste any time getting to work."

  "You're right about that. When I told Mom and Dad I was moving back, they said they could use some help at the Inn, so here I am."

  "When I saw you the other day, I had no idea I was talking to the boss' daughter."

  "Yep, that's me. I'm one of the boss' daughters, I should say. There are three of us."

  "Did you and your husband buy a place out here or…"

  "No. I'm staying with my folks for a little while until I get settled and decide where I want to live. I'm divorced."

  "I'm sorry."

  We stopped at the front desk, where Rebecca walked in and placed her expensive bag on the counter.

  "Perfect timing, Sis. I stopped by to see if you wanted to have the money talk with Dad."

  I stared at Rebecca, silently pleading with her to shut up in front of Cole.