Vinia sighed. "Just keep doing what you're doing. We always have a rough spot about once a year, and I think we're in it. People just want to be pampered while they're being rustic."
Tyson started to say something, but Vinia held up her hand. "I know. I know exactly what I sound like. I never said that people are understandable. or rational." She gave them a smile. "I can say that we've had four bookings this afternoon though."
Tyson and Colton high-fived each other. Four wasn't a ton, but it would pay some bills." Colton checked the sky. "I should ride back up and make sure the bear understands that waiting for us on the trail is unacceptable."
Vinia laughed. "Or you could just fly up and scare the bejesus out of it."
"Low profile, Mama, remember? It's not just us on the mountain anymore." Ever since Active Assets had opened their high-dollar resort, it was anyone's guess who would be out in the woods at any given time.
"I know, son. I was just teasing. Sometimes it's better to laugh and find the humor than it is to wallow in the stress of it all."
Colton hugged her tight. "You've never been one to wallow, that's for sure. You just hitch up your bootstraps and do what needs done."
Vinia pushed him back. "Right now dinner needs to be done. Your sister went to get bread."
Tyson hung his hat by the door. "You two done bickering?"
Vinia pointed at him. "You watch your mouth. Mamas and daughters have been fighting since the beginning of time, and it's not likely to stop with me and Sarah. You know when to duck, so I would advise you just keep doing it."
Colton grinned as he went to wash up. He loved his family, and he didn't have the heart to tell them that sometimes a little something new would be nice. He just didn't know what that new would be.
Chapter Four: Starting Over
Ellie Dampier
Ellie knocked her chair over when she leapt to her feet. “They’re doing what?”
Frank rubbed his face and exhaled. “They’re letting you go. Releasing your contract.”
“They can’t do that. Why would they?”
“I warned you, Ellie. Over and over. I told you to avoid that man like he was the devil incarnate. But regardless, it’s out of my control. You’ve been replaced.”
“That’s impossible. How can I be replaced? Iamthis show.” She wasn’t being facetious; she had just worked her ass off to where viewers wanted to see more of her every episode. “And all because I said no?”
He slumped back in his chair. “Sit down, Ellie. Dramatics won’t get you anywhere.”
She righted the chair and sat. “But there has to be something you can do. There has to be a way to fix this.”
“You know the saying; the show must go on. And it will, just without you.”
She set her shoulders. “I’m Ellie Dampier. I don’t go down without a fight.”
Frank shook his head. “Then you’re going to fight a losing battle alone. It doesn’t matter who you are; there is nothing I can do. Curtis went right over my head this time, straight to the network. Instead of me having a chance to deal with the local people, the execs are just replacing you.”
Thoughts raced through her head. “How long do I have? Are they killing my character off?”
He shifted in his chair. “Immediately, Ellie. Effective immediately.”
“But, how?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen the new scripts. But you’re being given enough time to clean out your dressing room and turn in your credentials.”
Panic seized her. “But, Frank. He said he could ruin me but I didn’t really think he would.”
He rose. “That, my dear, is not my problem. I believe that Curtis is going to do quite a number on your reputation so you won’t be needing an agent. Hollywood has a short memory and a shorter attention span, but you’re going to be damaged goods for a while that no one is going to want to work with, at least not until the next scandal comes along.” He held up his hands. “It’s my job to shoot you straight, and that’s about as honest as I can get.”
She almost screamed. “You’re quitting? Dropping me as a client?I’m the victim here, not him.”
