Reva placed her hand on Capri’s arm. “We would expect nothing less. But we know this is going to be hard for you, too.”
Capri looked down at her lap. Tears pooled at the corners of her eyes. “I guess I’m just scared,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “I don’t know what the future holds, and I hate that feeling of uncertainty.”
Her friends leaned in, listening intently as Capri shared how she intended to cover all the medical expenses. “He doesn’t have great health insurance,” she told them. “No matter how I urged otherwise, he seemed to think buying my mom the better policy was the way to go. And I doubt he ever qualified for a life insurance policy. So, yeah…there will be those other expenses. I’m glad I have the funds, and my mom won’t have to worry about how to wrangle their depleted bank accounts.”
Lila finished her chocolate bar and tossed her wrapper into Reva’s hands. “Well, we’re here for you. We can all drive Dick to medical appointments.”
“Or sit with him,” Charlie Grace added. “Give your mom a break when she needs one.”
“The thing is,” Reva said, gazing at her friend with a look of encouragement. “You are not alone. We’re right by your side, and you can count on us to help in every way possible.”
They all exchanged knowing glances, determined to be the pillars of strength their friend would need in the coming days.
“Thanks,” Capri murmured. “I love you all so much.”
Before anyone could respond to her unusual show of sentiment, Capri abruptly stood. She pointed to a nearby tree with a fishing pole leaning against the bark. “So, now that we’ve got my emotional crisis covered, who’s up for fishing?” She lifted a bag for them to see and smiled. “I brought the marshmallows.”
20
The start of the following week dawned with a full roster of guests due to arrive. Charlie Grace was surprised that word had already spread in such a short time since Teton Trails’ opening. Lots of people were calling to make reservations, and summer was already filling up.
Still, bidding goodbye to her very first set of guests was bittersweet.
The Clarks departed, telling her they had the best time ever. They were so happy with their stay that they booked again for next summer, which elicited cheers from their twins. Dick and Edith Cameron couldn’t wait that long. “We’ll be back in the fall,” Edith told her. Both families left glowing reviews on her website.
Charlie Grace had been reluctant to add staff until she knew revenue would cover the additional expense. When reservations started rolling in, she quickly realized she’d be foolish to put off hiring someone to help with making up beds, doing laundry, and relieving Aunt Mo of some kitchen duties.
So, as soon as breakfast was over and Jewel was on the school bus, Charlie Grace headed to town to place a classified advertisement in the help wanted section of the newspaper. Albie Barton, the editor, still printed and hand-delivered papers. Just last year, he’d folded on his stubborn resolution and began offering an additional online issue. “Only weekly,” he warned. “The daily issues will remain in print. We’re still old school here at theThunder Mountain Gazette—and proud of it.”
As soon as she parked and got out of her truck, Nicola Cavendish spotted her from across the street at the Cowboy Cafe, where she was having coffee at an outdoor table with Dot Montgomery and Oma Griffith. “Yoo-hoo!” She waved her arms wildly, trying to get Charlie Grace’s attention. “Charlie Grace! Wait up.”
Charlie Grace groaned inside and forced a smile, watching as Nicola looked both ways for passing cars, then scurried across the street. “Hey, Nicola,” she said as the banker’s wife approached.
“I am so glad I ran into you,” she said. “I’m sure you’ve talked with Reva, and she told you of my concerns?”
“No,” Charlie Grace started walking for the newspaper office, forcing Nicola to follow beside her. “What concerns?”
“Is it true one of the executives from the film company is staying out at Teton Trails?”
Charlie Grace braced herself. She wasn’t about to discuss her guests with anyone, especially Nicola Cavendish. “I’m sure you can appreciate that I can’t…”
Nicola waved off her comment before she could complete her sentence. “Oh, yes. I understand privacy issues and all that. I’m just asking if you can confirm that one little bit of news.”
“I’m afraid I really can’t.” The shade at the newspaper office window went up, signaling Albie was inside. “Look, I’ve got to go, Nicola. But I’ll see you at the oyster fry later this week?”
Nicola lifted her chin. “Certainly.” She looked at Charlie Grace full-on. “Maybe I’ll drop by Teton Trails sometime. Everyone is raving about your new guest ranch and all you’ve done out there. I’d love to see it.”
Charlie Grace groaned for the second time. “Sure, anytime,” she told her banker’s wife. No reason to upset the cash cart. She bid Nicola goodbye as quickly as possible and turned for the newspaper office.
Inside, Albie was leaning close to his computer monitor, looking over the top of his reading glasses. He glanced up as she entered. “Oh, Charlie Grace. I’m so glad to see you. Do you know anything about that new artificial intelligence everyone is talking about? I saw on the news last night that people say it may put writers out of business…even editorial writers.”
The concerned look on his face was enough to make her try to reassure him. “No one can replace you, Albie. Can computer robots write about our oyster fry here in Thunder Mountain or about how the late spring snowpack will affect the start of baseball season? You’re good,” she assured him.
He didn’t look convinced. “Well, maybe I’m safe. But this world is changing far too quickly, and not always for the better,” he said, turning from his computer. “Now, what can I help you with?”
Charlie Grace explained her need to hire help. “I was hoping to get a classified ad set up before the next issue.”
“Well, it’s not often I take business away from the paper, but I think I can save you some trouble and a little expense,” he told her. “My niece is arriving next week. My sister lives in Seattle. She’s a single mom, working late shifts at the hospital to make ends meet. Her girl needs to earn some money to help with college expenses. I told Nancy to send her my way, and I’d find her something.”
