Cole nodded. “It’ll be a boutique vacation property. We’ll provide luxury accommodations with an emphasis on authentic regional culture and environmental sustainability.”
“And employing local people wherever possible,” Cassie added.
“Absolutely,” Cole confirmed. “We’re not just talking about hiring locally for housekeeping and maintenance, though that’s part of it. We want department heads, managers, and event staff—people who understand this area and can help guests experience the real Montana.”
While Andrea poured Cassie and Cole a cup of coffee each, Susan ate her ravioli.
After Andrea left, Cole leaned forward. “The challenging part of any development is finding the right people to make the vision work. It’s even harder when the location of the resort is remote.”
“Are you planning a restaurant as part of your plans?” Isabel asked.
“It will be a cornerstone of the experience,” Cole confirmed. “We want dining that showcases regional ingredients in a way that guests expect from a luxury property. We need an executive chef with business experience and local connections.”
Cassie leaned forward, her eyes bright with excitement. “That sounds like you, Susan.”
Cole tilted his head to the side and looked at Susan. “Is working at the resort something you’d consider?”
Everyone’s eyes shifted to Susan, and her mind raced through a dozen competing thoughts. The resort wouldn’t be operational for at least a year. This wasn’t Paul asking for her help at the Lakeside Grill—this was something entirely different. Bigger. More structured. Potentially more demanding.
“I—” Susan started, then stopped. What did she want to say? The professional part of her brain was already calculating the possibilities. It could be a massive job. Just sourcing ingredients in Montana’s shorter growing season would be problematic. But there were many advantages, too. And the most satisfying would be building something from scratch.
Cole seemed to sense her hesitation. “I should clarify—we’re not looking to hire someone tomorrow. We’re still in the planning phases, finalizing permits and designs. But I’m starting conversations with potential key personnel now because those relationships need time to develop properly.”
“What exactly would the role entail?” Susan heard herself ask, even as part of her wondered if she should be having this conversation at all.
“Essentially, developing and managing the entire dining program,” Cole said. “Menu planning, hiring and training the kitchen staff, and establishing relationships with local suppliers and producers. The restaurant would be entirely your domain.”
Isabel, who’d been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up. “That sounds like the type of job that could consume your life.”
“It could,” Cole agreed. “Which is why I’m looking for someone who’s done it before. Someone who knows the difference between creating an impressive menu and operating a profitable restaurant. And someone who cares about this community enough to make sure we’re adding value to a visitor’s experience.”
Susan took a long sip of her iced tea, buying herself time to think. Was she looking for something like this? She’d come to Montana to slow down, to reconnect with friends, to teach cooking classes and enjoy a quieter pace. But beneath that surface contentment, hadn’t there been a restlessness? A sense that teaching basic knife skills and decorating birthday cakes, while pleasant, didn’t fully engage the professional experience she’d spent decades building?
“It sounds like an exciting opportunity,” Susan said. “But it’s not something I thought of doing when I moved here.”
“Of course,” Cole said easily. “If you’re open to the possibility, maybe we could arrange a more formal conversation? I can show you where we’d like to build the resort and get your perspective on what would make the dining program successful.”
When Susan didn’t immediately reply, Cassie filled in the silence. “When can Susan contact you?”
Cole smiled. “I’ll be here for another two weeks, so whatever works in that timeframe.” He turned to Susan. “Even if you’re not ready to commit to anything, that’s okay. Noah and I want to do this right, even if it takes longer than a conventional development.”
Cassie checked her watch and made an apologetic face. “I hate to rush you Cole, but we’re supposed to meet Noah at the site in twenty minutes.”
Cole stood, pulling out his wallet. “Let me get everyone’s lunch. Consider it an apology for hijacking your meal with business talk.”
“That’s not necessary,” Isabel protested.
“I insist,” Cole said in a tone that was friendly without being pushy. He handed a business card to Susan. “Let me know when you want to talk, and I’ll schedule it into my calendar.”
Susan looked down at the heavily embossed card. “Thank you. I will.”
After Cole paid for their lunch and left with Cassie, Isabel and Susan sat in silence for a few minutes.
“Well,” Isabel said finally. “That was interesting.”
“That’s one word for it.” Susan pushed her half-finished ravioli around her plate. Her appetite had mysteriously vanished.
“Will you talk to him about the resort’s restaurant?”
