“Kade Miller.”
“Reenie Jones. I only started working at the ranch a few months ago.”
I gaze around the lobby. “I used to work on the ranch in high school. It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”
“And now you’re the owner?”
“Yup.” I nod.
“What do you plan on doing with the place?” she asks.
Isn’t that the million-dollar question?
“I’ve got some time to figure it out.” I brush my hand over the faded wallpaper. “Looks like it needs a lot of work.”
If I have any hope of selling the place, it looks like I’m going to have to be here to help. Which means staying longer than I planned.
An old computer blinks while a large calendar sits open—with no reservations for the next week, it seems.
“Then I guess we have our work cut out for us,” Sam says.
“Look, I know you don’t know me, but I could use your help fixing this place up. It won’t be easy, and you might think I’m some city boy who’s not used to hard work.”
He laughs, crossing his arms over his chest. Arms that show they don’t mind doing what’s necessary to keep things going.
“I know you from what Verne told me. That old bastard loved you, so that means you’re good stock. I’ll do whatever Ican to help you. Even if you decide you don’t want anything to do with this place.”
“Thanks.” I stick out my hand for him to shake. “I appreciate it.”
“When do you want to get started?”
“How about Monday? Take the weekend and then dive in.”
“Sounds good. I can talk to the other guys, get them on board.”
“Perfect. Who’s the manager up front? I’d like to talk to them Monday.”
Sam shakes his head. “We don’t have one. They quit when Verne died. Joey’s been managing things for now.”
“Great,” I jest. “So on top of everything else, I need to hire someone.”
“Joey’s good. Just a lot going on with her kid.”
I massage the muscle in my neck, tension growing there. The list of what needs done here seems to be never-ending.
“We’ll see.” My stomach growls. “I’m going to head into town and grab something to eat. Here’s my number. Text me a list of everything you need done in the barn.”
“Anything?” he asks, taking my card from me.
“Anything. I’m going to sort everything out and see what all needs done and prioritize from there.”
“Got it. Thanks, Kade.”
“See you Monday, Sam.”
Heading back out to my SUV, dirt sticks to my leather shoes. Definitely something I can’t wear again out here. I’ll need to see if I still have my old boots. They might be buried in my closet at my mom’s place.
I’ll also need to figure out where the fuck I’m going to stay. The smart option would be to stay here on the ranch so I can save the money on a rental. Mom offered me to stay with her, but I don’t know if I could manage that for more than a fewdays. Especially with my sister being between jobs—and relationships—and crashing there as well.
