Around the large table sat the other members, Harold Tuft, and Fire Chief, Edmond Rainsbury, Millicent Tweedy and Jeannette. Gordon took a chair near her, smiling and greeting the members as he did. Roger climbed onto a seat across from him and squared his pad and pencil in front of him.

"You received our letter about the complaint."

"I guess so, I'm here." He smiled around the table. Nothing in return. Amicable was his contribution, apparently.

"Here it is if you'd care to read it before we begin." Jeannette slid the missive over to him.

Gordon scanned it quickly, pleased that he and Deborah had been right about the parking business. He nodded and passed it back.

"Any comments?" Jeannette tossed her head and a shower of amber hair slid about her bare shoulders.

Gordon wanted to remark on her dye job but chose discretion and stuck to the business at hand.

"Only to state that it is bogus."

"Bogus!" Harold Tuft, a retired bank manager, blurted.

Hardy watched the plump puddle of a man expand and then resettle in his chair, a blowfish, he thought.

"Absolutely." Gordon stated his case, with emphasis on the rules being posted both on the lot and in his office in case they missed his verbal warning.

"You realize it's against the law for private citizens to collect parking fines."

Jeannette leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. He didn't see it happen but he heard the rustle and his goofy smile returned.

"It's private property so in reality I'm not breaking any local bylaws."

"It's just not done in Santa Gordo," Harold inflated and blustered again.

"It's a reasonable rule. I can't have my guests parking on the street, where they surely will get ticketed and at a higher rate than my fee was. One space per room-- and that is a local bylaw for small hotels if you care to check." His smile turned smug. He had the group by the shorts and he knew it.

"What we have to consider, Gordon," Jeannette's familiar use of his name drew all of his attention, "is the image of the tourist community. We all know the customer is rarely right in these cases, unless of course we're talking about cockroaches or something." Her smile was directed at him and he wanted to tear off his shirt and bask in it.

"You might recall I made several proposals for improving Santa Gordo's tourist image. I believe I was patted on the head and sent home with no results."

"Now, now. That's not true. We looked them over and the members felt that they were just not quite right for the image we wanted to present. Anyway," she continued before he could protest. "What we want you to do is write this couple a letter of explanation but keep it polite and understanding of their concern. It doesn't have to be an outright apology, just an acknowledgment of- of the inconvenience . . . on both sides."

"Three months later." He recovered from the effect of the smile and the dismissal of his argument.

"Well, does it really matter?"

"It does to me. They won't be coming back to my place any time soon."

"There you go!" Harold again, bigger than ever. "I told you these younger owners would tarnish a heritage reputation in the blink of an eye."

"What do the rest of you have to say? You're all part of this committee." Gordon prodded.

"I think I have to side with Jeannette in this case." Fire Chief, Edmond Rainsbury said. "It's like Harold says, we have to protect the image of the tourist community."

"Jeannette said that." Gordon countered pettily.

"I just wish we could all get along." Millicent said softly.

"We will, as soon as this is settled. Got lots to do." Roger humphed.

"I think Millie meant being nice to one another, Roger." Jeannette said, and then studied Gordon with an unsettling interest. "You are reluctant to make this apology."

"I don't see a need. If there's some form letter you send to mollify people like this then send them one. I did exactly as I said I would and they knew going in what the rule was."

"All right, as I see it, from Gordon's standpoint, this letter has no real merit as a legitimate complaint-- I think I'm inclined to agree."

"I think I have to side with Jeannette in this case." Fire Chief, Edmond Rainsbury said. "Merit is required."

"I'm so glad we're getting along." Millicent cooed.

"'Bout time. Plenty of other business to attend to." Roger huffed.

"I think Millie means she's happy we're in agreement." Jeannette said.

"Can't have people coming into town and making false accusations." Harold erupted with a final comment before yawning massively and burping without apology.

"Fine, that item can be completed with one of our form letters." Jeannette ordered- a sly glance at Gordon. "I'm passing the chair over to Roger. There's some business I need to take care of this morning." She rose as did Gordon and he followed her to the door, eyes on her hips and a hand waving goodbye to the others.

"Do you have time for quick coffee?" She suddenly asked when they were outside in the mall.

"I get indigestion when I drink quickly." Gordon said.

She smiled wryly and tilted her head, awaiting a straight answer.

"Sure. Where do you want to go?"

"Just out there in the square. I want to ask you something."

"Anything." He muttered as he fell behind again for a heart-warming view.

They found a shady spot beside the iron railing dividing the patio from the sidewalk and ordered two coffees. Jeannette tossed her mane again and pursed her lips.

"I wasn't on the committee when the hotel inspections took place. I've never seen Posada de Jardines."

"You want to rent a room?" He realized what that sounded like and he hastily erased the comment with an apology. "Bad joke. Sorry."

"I would like to see the place. I've heard some nice things about it, the décor, the perks for the guests." The coffee arrived and she broke open a packet of sugar and used a few grains.

"No problem. Any time you like." Gordon couldn't help noticing everything about the woman and he felt the seeping guilt of Deborah and their relationship.

"I'm having a welcoming party for the new Mayor at our place next week and—"

"Can I bring a friend?"

She closed her mouth and looked down for a moment. "I was going to say, I was looking for a nice place to put a few friends up for just the one night and I hoped it might be with you. After I've seen it of course."

Gordon held the cup up to cover as much of his red face as possible. "Like I said, no problem. What night?"

"It would be Friday night."

"Aaaah that is a problem. I try not to break up the weekend with one-night stays. I'm sure you're aware of that with all the hotels in town."

The perfect hand picked up the cup and sipped. "Yes, I know I just thought, well . . ."

"Let me speak to my partner and see how the bookings look. How many rooms are we talking about?"

"Three. Three couples. I'd be willing to pay a little more to help compensate."

Gordon gave her a look and smiled. "You haven't seen the place yet."

"I meant after I saw it, of course."

He nodded slowly. Something bothered him about her offer but she was so damned hot! "When are you coming by?"

"Tonight?"

"Tonight's good. Say eight?"

"Eight it is." She sighed and pushed back from the table, uncrossing her legs and standing up. Gordon followed every move.

"Okay, see you then." He smiled as she waved and headed back to the Chamber offices.

Gordon checked his watch and his pulse and then began a pointed hurry back to the hotel. The cloud had been patiently waiting for him to reach the open road and when he did, gallons of rainwater dumped on both he and the parched streets.