to the suits around the table , still sweltering under the fury of the late afternoon sun , each leaning in toward the shade of the broad beach umbrellas or bending toward the breeze from the palm fronds being waved by liveried bellboys ( whod been ordered to never , ever make eye contact with the guests ) , dickey prepared to bid a perfunctory farewell , once he had delivered to arden the business introductions he knew his american friend so craved .