Why didn’t they tell me they were coming?I could have been a little bit more prepared, at least.
“Help? I hope you’re not paying him, Katherine. You were supposed to have this handled, not call in some ranch hand to do all of the work,” she huffs, looking Miles up and down as if he’s covered in mud.
“She did it all on her own ma’am, Katie’s just being humble. All I did was fix a couple of things we should have done before we sold the property in the first place–” Miles interjects.
Florence is quick to interrupt, putting a hand up between her and us. “If you don’t mind, I’m speaking to my daughter.”
“Please don’t speak to him that way, or you won’t be talking to either of us,” I say firmly. My father’s eyes go wide behind her. “As I’m sure the crew can attest, renovations are a huge undertaking and this one was no different. Miles was kind enough to help out with a few problems that started before our purchase of the property. Like every other property I’ve managed, I handled the project. Now, is there a reason you’re here?”
For a split second, she doesn’t say a word. But, she quickly recovers, schooling her features back into the cool, calculated confidence I’m used to from my mother.
“We’re here to check in on our newest asset in person, of course.”
“Well then,” I gesture for them to walk further into the cabin. “Don’t let me stop you.”
My parents shuffle past us, heading into the great room warily. I’m sure they’ll find more than a few things that aren’t quite to their taste, but at the end of the day, it’s my team and I’s choice. This place won’t hold their interest long enough to actually change any of the details anyway.
“You okay?” Miles whispers from behind my shoulder.
I take a deep breath, turning back around to him with what I hope is a convincing smile. “Fine. I’m fine. Sorry about them, I’d tell you it’s not personal, but it probably is.”
He laughs, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Yeah the feeling is mutual. Are you sure you’re okay?” Concern furrows his brow as he searches my eyes.
“Yeah, really, I’m good. Just wasn’t expecting to see them tonight, that’s all.”
“They didn’t tell you they were coming?”
“No,” I shrug. “Usually I get at least a few hours notice. Then I could have… I don’t know, mentally prepared myself? I’m sure it would have gone just about the same either way.”
Miles nods, looking down at his boots. “Alright, well, I’ll be right here if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Miles,” I say. Turning away, I start towards the great room to hopefully intercept my parents from actually speaking to anyone I know. I get about one step before my mother appears right back in the doorway she disappeared through.
“Katherine, we need to talk about the design of this place. This is unacceptable. What were you thinking? What are all of these knick-knacks?” She holds up a bronze horse statue. One I got from Isabella, in her box of original decor from the Old Cabin.
I reach for it, but Florence snaps it out of my reach.
“Please be careful with that, it’s one of the original pieces from the cabin when it was a part of the ranch–” I start.
“This place isn’t a part of the ranch anymore. I don’t want a bunch of old familydecorationscluttering up the place. Have it fixed by tomorrow.” She scrunches her nose.
My father appears at her side, this time with an older man in a black felt hat. “Florence, there you are. Mr. Osborne is here to speak with you.”
The man,Mr. Osborne, shakes Florence’s hand. “Great to finally meet you Ms. MacPherson. I’m with the Jackson Gazette. This is quite the property you’ve built.”
Florence’s demeanor shift is jarring. She’s smiling with pride as a loud laugh drips from her lips. “Oh yes, Mr. Osborne, so great to finally meet in person. I’m happy you were able to make it out. It’s been quite the endeavor, but we’re thrilled to have our newest vacation rental up and running at last.”
Always polished, my mother. I look over to Miles, but he’s shooting daggers with his eyes her way. My fingers weave through his, an attempt to calm his anger a bit, but it doesn’t seem to do much. He grips my hand tightly and keeps staring at the conversation in front of us.
I tune back in just in time to hear Mr. Osborne ask Florence about the time it took to finish the renovation ofthis beloved local landmark.
“Luckily, we were able to finish just before our planned deadline of three months. It’s been a lot of work, but I’ve loved putting this place together. I decided to lean into the local culture with a bit more of a theme than we’d usually do at MacPherson properties, but it’s our first Wyoming property so I figured, why not?” She says.
Mr. Osborne nods, writing something in his palm-sized notebook. He gestures to the statue in her hands with his pen, “What is this? A last minute addition?”
“Oh this?” Florence laughs. “I’m so glad you asked. Since this place is so well known in the town, I gathered a few items from the previous owners that originally decorated the cabin when it was first built. Of course, they’re a little on the kitschy side, but–”
“That’s a lie.” Miles interrupts. I whip my head to the side just as he takes a step closer.
