“Shit. Really? I haven’t had a chance to look at any of the paperwork I got from the lawyers.”
“Reservations have been dwindling, and Verne pissed off the main buyer of the cattle, so money hasn’t been coming in.”
“Fuck,” I groan.
Looking around the barn, it seems to be in okay shape. The horses look well fed, at least.
“Verne didn’t keep me updated on the finances, but I knew what was going on. I’ve done what I can, but I don’t know how much longer we can keep going without an influx of cash.”
“Well, that I do have, fortunately.”
Or unfortunately as I grab a board and it pops right off the stall.
“We’ve got a good program in place for horse training, butwe haven’t been able to bring people in. No marketing equals no guests.”
“You any good at that?” I ask, eyeing him.
He waggles his head back and forth. “Some experience, back in my college days.”
I smile at him. “When was that? Back before electricity was invented.”
“Fuck off, kid.” He laughs. “I’m forty-five. I’m not ancient.”
“Then you might have to start doing what you can to bring people in. Care to show me the main building?”
“You sure?” He cocks a brow at me. “It’s nothing fancy.”
“Gotta start somewhere.”
I follow him on the well-worn trail from the barn to the guesthouse. A few paths branch out from the main one, leading off to the guest cabins. I have no idea what state they’re in.
A small, hand-painted sign, surrounded by wildflowers, welcomes people inside.
“Still have this here, I see.” I pat it as we walk by.
Sam smiles back at me. “Verne could never part with it. Not when his Arlene made it for him.”
I give him a sad smile. “Hopefully they’re together.”
“I’m sure they are.” He claps me on the back as he holds open the door for me. “No doubt she’s yelling at him for smoking his cigarettes.”
That pulls a laugh from me. “God, I forgot how much she used to yell at him for that.”
“They were quite the pair, weren’t they?”
A musty smell wafts over me as we walk inside. Looking around, I take it all in. Wallpaper peels from the old plaster in the corner. Cobwebs cling to the ceiling. The carpet beneath me is frayed.
“Reenie. What are you doing up here?” Sam comes to an abrupt stop. “Where’s Joey?”
Joey? The same Joey that used to be best friends with…never mind. That’s not my concern right now.
Right now, this dilapidated ranch is.
“It’s three. She had to go pick Max up from school and drop him off at her parents’.”
He nods. “Right. Then I guess I’m introducing you to the new owner.”
“Owner?” She straightens. The woman, likely the same age as my mom, gives me a warm smile as she sticks her hand out. “I’ve been waiting to see who comes in and takes over.”
