Page 6 of Yours To Take
“I hope it comes with indoor plumbing. You wouldn’t survive living in the Old West.”
“You’re a dick.”
“You make it too easy,” he bellows.
“You wait and see.” I slide his phone back over to him and pour myself another beer from the pitcher. “Clint is going to love this pitch, and then when he’s looking for directors, I’m going to skip right over you.”
“Please. You love me.” He dismisses my words.
“Or maybe I’ll just direct it myself.”
“Now who’s being a dick?”
I laugh at him and top off his drink. “Takes one to know one.”
“If you didn’t give me my big break, I don’t think I’d keep you around.”
“And if I didn’t like you so much, I’d drop you.”
Eric really is family to me. We clicked on day one. He’s one of the few real people in this business. It makes being around him easy.
Very few people want to get to know the real me. They either see me as their meal ticket or use me to get to my mom.
I hate how fake this business can be.
“Million dollar question. What are you going to do?”
I hold my glass up in cheers.
“Guess I’m going to Dixon.”
ChapterThree
GEMMA
“Hi. Welcome to Dixon Creek Ranch. We’re so happy to have you here.”
“Oh my gosh. This place is absolutely marvelous.”
“Thank you. We pride ourselves on being the premier destination this side of the Tetons.”
The grin on my face is warm and welcoming. It’s a real smile today, but something I’ve had to perfect over the years even when dealing with terrible guests.
“Will we get to play with the buffalo?” a little voice squeaks from below the counter.
“They’re really big, and you don’t want to mess with their horns. But I’m sure I can find a stuffed one for you,” I tell the little boy.
“Really?” His eyes light up. It’s already waiting for him in their cabin, so I know he’s going to love it.
“Absolutely. Now, let’s get you checked in so you can start your western adventure.”
As I check in our newest guests, I can see their eyes roaming over the lobby of the main lodge.
It’s changed over the years, becoming the jewel it is today. Two-story windows look out over the Tetons. Oversized furniture faces a large stone hearth that, on late wintry days like today, holds a crackling fire to lure our guests inside. Red-and-black-plaid wallpaper makes it warm and welcoming.
“You’re going to be in the Idaho cabin. Just head out these doors, and our bellman will walk over with you. And if you need anything, just call.”
“Thank you.”
