Читать книгу Falling For The Hometown Hero - Mindy Obenhaus - Страница 13
ОглавлениеKaleb pulled his Jeep into a parking spot alongside Mountain View Tours shortly after noon the next day. As promised, he’d taken Grace on her first tour to Yankee Boy Basin and, so far, it had been a fantastic day. “My goal is to create a memorable experience for each of our guests. One they’ll talk about for the rest of their lives.”
And judging by Grace’s reaction, he’d achieved just that. The look of unequivocal reverence as she took in the snow-covered peaks that stretched as far as the eye could see was something he’d never forget. Her genuine interest and appreciation for every little thing, from the old mines to the cascading waterfalls to a grosbeak’s sweet song, reinforced his belief that he’d made the right decision in hiring her.
Now he shifted the vehicle into Park, glancing toward her in the passenger seat. “Unfortunately, the previous owner didn’t feel the same way, so I’ve got an uphill battle.”
“Which is why we need to appeal to folks from the moment they walk into Mountain View Tours, if not before.” She gathered her things and exited the vehicle.
He climbed out, liking the way she used the word we, as if they were one, focused on the same common goal. Yes, the sooner he could bring Grace up to speed and put her to work, the better off his business would be. Memorial weekend, the unofficial kickoff of the high season, was only a few weeks away, and there was still much to do.
Meeting her at the front of the Jeep, he stared down at her. “And how do we do that?”
“I have a few ideas, though you may not like them.” She wasn’t afraid to meet his gaze. As though issuing a challenge.
Like he’d back down from a challenge. “Try me.”
“Okay. You said you want to create a memorable experience for your guests.”
“Yes.”
“What if we added a tagline?” She shifted her weight from one foot to the next. “Something like, ‘Mountain View Tours... Memories in the making.’”
He let the phrase tumble through his brain. “Okay. Yeah. I’m kinda liking that. Tells people exactly what our goal is.”
“Just like a tagline is supposed to.”
“That would look good on my new brochures, too.” Rubbing his chin, he took a step back. “Which reminds me. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about designing brochures, would you?”
“Sure. I’m pretty good with websites, too.”
He couldn’t stop smiling. “Grace, you may just be the best thing that ever happened to Mountain View Tours. So what other suggestions have you got?”
Clasping her notepad and camera against her chest, she took a deep breath. “I think you need to consider sprucing up the front office. Something as simple as a fresh coat of—”
“No.”
“Why no—”
“We discussed this yesterday. The rustic look stays.”
She took a step closer, her gaze narrowing. “For your information, it’s industrial, not rustic. And it only works if it’s done right.” She pointed toward the building. “That’s not it.”
Hands on his hips, he put himself toe-to-toe with her. “So what? My building, my business, my decor.”
After a momentary staredown, she took a step back. “You asked for my input.”
Something he’d think twice about next time.
Exasperation mounting, he started toward the building and pushed through the front door, the heels of his work boots hammering against the concrete floor. “Sami, would you please tell Grace the office looks perfectly fine.”
Sami glanced up from behind the counter. “Grace, the office looks perfectly fine. If you like drab and uninviting.”
Behind him, Grace choked back a laugh.
He glared at his sister.
“I’m serious, Kaleb.” Sami rounded the counter. “This place is about as lackluster as you can get. I about fell asleep while you were gone. You need to liven things up. Make Mountain View Tours a place people want to be.”
“Now, where have I heard that before?” Tapping a finger to her lips, Grace pretended not to look at him. A move that only served to further annoy him.
Sami stepped between them, her dark brown gaze fixed on Kaleb. “Mom and I were talking about this just a little while ago. You know that we all want Mountain View Tours to be a success. However, we also know that you have some huge hurdles to overcome.”
He couldn’t argue with her so far. No matter how much he might want to.
“Which means you need to do whatever you can to overcome some of those hurdles.”
“Like replacing all of the tour trucks and rental fleet? I’ve already done that.”
Sami jammed a fist into her hip. “That’s not what I’m talking about.” She strode to the counter, spread out a swath of papers then stabbed them with her finger. “This is what I’m talking about. Just look at these before and after photos I found online.”
He didn’t want to look at them. But curiosity got the best of him.
Easing toward the desk, he cast his sister a wary eye. “Those are some pretty dramatic changes.” Not to mention costly.
“Yep. All with little more than paint.”
Grace sidled up beside Sami, no doubt pleased to have someone else in her corner. “I like how they incorporated the brick wall into the design of this one.” She pointed from the picture to the brick wall behind his reception counter. “With the right color paint, some rustic elements, you could really make that stand out.”
“Though they don’t look like much right now, Kaleb’s got some great pieces around here he could use.” Sami turned. “Like that old Coke machine.” She pointed across the room. “That thing is too cool to be hidden in a corner.”
Grace strolled over to the vintage machine. “It’s not often you find a soda machine that offers glass bottles. Does it work?”
“Yes,” said Kaleb.
“Sami’s right, then.” She faced them again. “You need to move this someplace more prominent. Keep it stocked and you’ve got another source of income.”
Kaleb tried to hide his annoyance. Not only due to the bossy women in front of him, but the fact that he hadn’t given more consideration to the Coke machine.
“So what do you say, Kaleb?” Sami looked like a kid begging to open just one gift before Christmas. “We’re only talking about the cost of materials. Mom and I are both willing to paint.”
“Me, too.” Grace thrust her arm in the air like a second grader. “It’d be fun. As a matter of fact—” She waved a hand then dropped it to her side. “Ah, never mind.” Her narrowed gaze drifted to Kaleb. “I’ve learned to keep my suggestions to myself.”
“Oh, no. You’re not getting off that easy.” Sami inched toward her. “Out with it, Grace.”
Grace looked from him to Sami, as if deliberating whether or not to divulge her secret. “What if you had a grand opening? Something that invited people to come in and check out the new Mountain View Tours.”
Sami’s eyes grew wide. “That’s an outstanding idea.” She whirled toward Kaleb. “We could do it Memorial Day weekend. You could have your new trucks on display, offer discounts on tours... We could have cookies, balloons—”
He held up a palm, cutting off his sister. “No. I appreciate the suggestion. However, something like that involves a lot of work. I think we best focus our energies on bringing in business.”
“That’s exactly what we’re trying to do.” Returning her fist to her hip, Sami scowled at him. “Besides, wasn’t it just the other day I heard you say that you were looking for a way to separate the new Mountain View Tours from the old?”
He hated it when she used his own words against him. “Yes. But a party wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.”
“Then what did you have in mind?” His sister’s smug grin only served to irritate him.
He didn’t have a response. All he knew was that painting and parties took time. Time that he didn’t have.
“Kaleb,” Sami continued, “you’ve said a million times how important this first season is going to be. Why not do it right?”
Grace cleared her throat. “All you’d really have to do for a grand opening is set up shop outside. Go to the people instead of waiting for them to come to you.” She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “We’re talking very little time and effort. However, the payoff could be worth it.”
His sister’s expression softened. “So what do you say, big brother? You going to go big or go home?”
He definitely didn’t want to go home. Not only would he be letting his investors down, he’d be lost. He’d been working toward this goal for years.
Scanning the bare-bones office, he could see where it might seem a little cold.
We need to appeal to folks from the moment they walk into Mountain View Tours, if not before.
Of course, the more appealing things were, the more likely people were to be drawn in.
He eyed his sister. “You and Mom will do all the work?”
“And Grace.” Hope lit Sami’s dark eyes. “When she’s not doing things for you, that is.”
“And you’ll get the work done quickly?”
“As quick as we can. After all, Memorial Day is right around the corner.”
He lowered his arms to his sides. Even though he was ready to say yes, he paused for effect. “Okay, you can redecorate. So long as I approve all ideas and colors first. Got it?”
“Got it.” Sami’s grin was so big, he thought she might burst. “And what about the grand opening? Scott and I would be happy to help out. I’m sure Mom and Dad would, too.”
Honestly, the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea. Though he didn’t have to let his sister or Grace know.
“We can probably work something out.”
“Yes!” Sami charged him then and hugged his neck so tight he could barely breathe. “Okay.” Letting go, she began her retreat. “I’m going to run over to the hardware store to look at some paint chips.” After a final scan of the place, she continued. “I can’t wait.” She yanked open the door. “Oh! Hello, Donna.” She held the door for Grace’s mother.
“Hello, Sami.” The woman in her late fifties continued inside, looking as well dressed as ever in her tan slacks and flowing blue shirt. “Kaleb, I hope you don’t mind me dropping by to see my daughter.”
“Not at all.” He could use a break. Being ganged up on by two headstrong women was enough to do any man in. “This’ll give me a chance to run and pick us up some lunch before we get down to business.”
“It’s so good to see you.” Donna embraced her daughter. Her short auburn hair was a contrast to Grace’s long dark brown. However, they shared the same hazel eyes.
“Hi, Mama.” Grace’s hug seemed a bit more tentative. Even awkward.
Perhaps because he was there.
“Grace? Burger or sandwich?”
Her mother released her.
“Burger’s fine. With everything, please.”
“Done.” He started for the door. “See you later, Donna.” Outside, he crossed the street and headed toward Granny’s Kitchen.
Scrubbing a hand over his face, he let go a sigh. Talk of redecorating and a grand opening, while both great ideas, also added to his angst. There was so much to do and so little time in which to do it. Could they really pull it off?
God, I want to get this right.
Honestly, he really liked the ideas Grace and Sami proposed. And if everything went according to plan...
On the flip side—
No. He wasn’t going to go there. Because for as much as he hated to admit it, Grace just might be the key to his success.
* * *
Grace did not want to do this now.
She hadn’t seen her mother since Lucy’s wedding last year. Right after Grace had returned from deployment and learned that her own marriage was over. So why on earth would Mama come to Mountain View Tours—a public place—for their first encounter? What if the place had been filled with customers?
Unless her mother was trying to protect herself, thinking Grace wouldn’t call her out if someone else was around. But now that Kaleb was gone...
“Why didn’t you tell me Roger worked here?”
Mama squared her shoulders in a defiant manner.
“I’m not trying to pick a fight, Mama. The news just kind of blindsided me, that’s all. I wish you would have told me.”
Lifting her chin, her mother said, “If I had, though, would you have taken the job?”
“I guess we’ll never know, will we?” Though resignation laced Grace’s tone, she made sure there was no accusation.
“Grace, you’re my daughter. I miss you. And I’d like to have a relationship with you.”
“Like you do with Lucy.” The two of them were always chatting up a storm about the latest fashion trends, celebrities and such. Things Grace didn’t have a clue about. Especially after spending ten months at sea.
Mama shrugged. “It’s easier with Lucy. She lets me in.”
“I tell you things.”
Her mother chuckled. “Only when I ask. Even then, you only give me enough to get me to stop with the questions. Yet you never had any problem talking to your father.” Mama looked away. “I always envied that.”
Envy? Seriously? Grace’s gut churned with the shock of Mama’s revelation, leaving any words she might have said stuck inside.
She glanced out the window. “Kaleb will be back soon.” And she didn’t know how to continue this conversation with her mother. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
“See what I mean. Instead of allowing anyone in, you avoid whatever makes you uncomfortable.”
She let Aaron in. And look how that turned out.
“This isn’t about being uncomfortable. This is reality. And reality dictates that I have a job, which means I have a boss. A boss who will be back any moment, expecting me to work.” She took a deep breath, contemplating her next offer. “I can stop by tonight...if you like.”
Mama’s expression turned hopeful. “For dinner? I’ll make your favorite.”
Grace’s spirits lifted a notch. “Nonna Gigi’s lasagna?”
“Of course.”
Grace’s mouth watered just thinking about it. Nonna Gigi’s lasagna was the ultimate in comfort food. One Grace had not had the pleasure of indulging in for years.
Mama sure knew how to dangle the carrot.
“I don’t get off work until six.”
“That’s all right. We typically don’t eat until six thirty or seven.”
“One burger with everything.” Kaleb blew through the door. “Along with some of the freshest French fries in Ouray.”
She caught a whiff of the enticing aroma as he walked past. If they tasted half as good as they smelled...
Her mother eased toward the door. “I’ll get out of your hair so you two can get back to work.”
Kaleb set the white paper bag on the counter and turned to face them. “Did Grace tell you we’re going to be doing some redecorating in here?” He gestured his hand about the office.
“She did not.” Mama paused, her hand on the doorknob, a smile at the corners of her mouth.
Evidently, now that he’d had time to think, Kaleb decided the suggestion had been a good one.
“Looks like we’ll be doing some painting and who knows what else to get the place in shape.”
“Oh, I’d love to help.” Having transformed many a bland military house into a warm and inviting home, Mama not only loved, but had lots of experience with decorating.
Working alongside her, though?
Slinking toward the desk and the tantalizing aromas, Grace spotted the local newspaper on the corner of the counter.
“That’d be great, Donna. Like my grandmother always said, many hands make light work.”
Try as she might, Grace couldn’t share Kaleb’s enthusiasm. Too many memories to be objective, she supposed.
“What’s Roger up to today?”
“He’s substitute teaching at the school.”
Talk of Roger had Grace wishing she were already on that cruise ship. She picked up the newspaper and thumbed through the pages. Maybe there was another job in Ouray that she might enjoy. One that didn’t involve working with her stepfather.
“Grace?”
“Hmm...?” She looked at Kaleb first, then her mother.
“I’ll see you for dinner, then?”
She closed the paper. Folded it. “Just as soon as I get off work.”
With her mother gone, Kaleb opened the bags and sorted out the food.
Grace accepted her burger. “Sorry my mother interrupted us like that. I’m sure she won’t make a habit of dropping in.”
“Don’t worry about it. After missing you last night, she was probably eager to see you. I understand.” He passed her a small bag of fries. Thin-cut, just the way she liked them. “Pull up a stool.” He pointed behind the desk.
While he unwrapped his burger and took a bite, she grabbed the basic wooden stool and sat down, her appetite waning.
“Something wrong with your burger?”
“No. Just thinking about this evening.”
Kaleb jerked his head up, a blob of mayo clinging to his bottom lip. “Problem?”
He grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth.
She picked up a fry, rolling it between her forefinger and thumb. “I just don’t know how I’m going to handle spending an entire evening with Roger.”
“Why? He’s a great guy.”
“So people keep telling me. But what kind of guy goes after a woman whose husband has been dead less than a year?”
Kaleb settled his sandwich on top of the flattened bag. “Did you know Roger lost his wife to cancer, too?”
“I knew he was married.” But beyond that...
“For thirty-five years.” Kaleb wiped his hands. “Everyone around here worried about him after Camille died. My mom said he looked like a dead man walking. Until he met your mother.”
Grace tossed the fry she’d been holding back into the bag. “Sometimes life really stinks.”
“Yep. The buffet line of life is notorious for throwing stuff on our plates that we don’t necessarily like.” He shrugged. “Doesn’t mean they’re not good for us, though. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right?”
Staring at her handsome boss, who seemed to have the world at his feet, she puffed out a disbelieving laugh. “What could you possibly know about it?”
He narrowed his gaze on her, as though contemplating his response. “Far more than you might think.” He rounded the counter then, his expression intense, and lifted the left leg of his cargo pants.
“What are you—” At the sight of his prosthetic leg, her words and her heart skidded to a halt. “Oh, my.” She continued to look at the metal-and-hard-plastic contraption that went all the way above his knee. “I—I never would have guessed.”
She looked at him now. “What—”
“IED. Cost me four of my buddies and my leg.” He let the pant leg drop. “So don’t go acting like you’re the only one who’s been handed a raw deal. Because, sweetheart, I do know a little something about it.”
