When an older woman stepped into the lobby, Jules instantly knew who she was. She’d been watching Belinda Ness on the evening news for as long as she could remember.
Jules knew some of the basics about Miss Ness’s personal life. Just enough to be a great hostess.
“Miss Ness, I hope your flight and trip to River Camps was pleasant,” Jules greeted the woman.
The woman smiled pleasantly. “It was”—her eyes moved to the embroidered name— “Julie. Please, call me Belinda.”
Jules’s smile grew. “Of course.” Jules put a note in the woman’s screen. Each guest had their own page of data—their likes, dislikes, allergies, medical issues, or just their preferences.
Wants to be called Belinda, she typed.
“I show here you have the Hammock House for a two-night stay.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice slightly. “One of my favorite cabins.”
“This place certainly lives up to the camp in its title,” Belinda said, glancing around the massive three-story wood-filled lobby.
“It used to be an elite camp for girls,” Jules said easily.
“That’s right.” Belinda nodded.
Somehow, Jules doubted the woman didn’t know that already. Was she being tested? Either way, Jules loved talking about the camp.
“When its previous owner, Joe Saunders, passed away, he willed it to the Wildflowers.” Jules smiled.
“The Wildflowers?” This time Belinda’s question was sincere.
Jules chuckled. “What the five friends called themselves back when they met at camp all those years ago when they were only eleven years old. Elle Saunders, now Elle Costas. Hannah Rogers, now Hannah Costas. Zoey and Scarlett Rowlett now Zoey Costas and Scarlett Walsh. And Aubrey Smith, now Aubrey Stark.”
Belinda interrupted. “Smith, that is Harold Smiths’ daughter?”
Jules’s smile slipped ever so slightly, remembering how hard Aubrey had it because she was the very rich, very famous man’s only daughter. “Yes.”
“There seem to be a lot of Costas around now. I know all about the family. I even went on a date with Leo Costas once or twice,” Belinda said as she raised her chin slightly.
“Leo comes around often now that his sons are… invested. His words,” Jules said with a chuckle.
“Are the Costas… the other members, around?” Belinda glanced around the lobby. There were other guests walking around, some in bathing suits shopping in the gift shop, others heading into the dining hall, and one man sitting at a desk with his laptop on some sort of conference meeting.
“They are. They’ll be happy to meet with you… later today. Let’s get you settled in your cabin first. I will be showing you to your cabin and around the campgrounds myself.” Jules turned to Beth and nodded.
She knew that the Wildflowers were probably all huddled around the computer, watching the interaction on the security system.
It had been decided that it would look better for the camp if the five owners weren’t readily available straight out of the gate.
Jules had suggested showing Belinda around herself when the woman arrived since she was the most influential of the reporters arriving.
Dean appeared from behind the counter and easily picked up Belinda’s luggage.
“Thank you, Dean,” Jules said as if he helped all the time.
“I’ll put this on cart number seven,” Dean said with a smile.
“Charming,” Belinda said after watching Dean leave through the front doors.
Jules smiled.
As she and Belinda walked out the front door, Jules talked about the camp’s amenities. When they stepped outside, Jules pointed out key buildings.
There was a row of golf carts parked out front, as usual. Dean was just finishing putting the luggage on the back of the first golf cart, cart seven, which was known all around the grounds as Lucky Seven.