Page 14 of Giddy-Up
This is what hell feels like.
This was the problem with having three brothers.No fucking boundaries and endless goddamn ribbing.
Despite the many questions, he refrained from divulging details of his disastrous date.He didn’t need to give his brothers any more ammunition to mock him with.
“If you assholes are done...”Wade eventually interrupted.“We have a meeting to get on with.”
A few grumbles later and to his relief, it was finally back to business.Which was lucky as they had a lot to discuss.
Jonah went over the monthly figures while Matt updated them on plans to move the cattle over to the north pasture.It was then Zach’s turn to kick off the long-term planning portion of the meeting.
“The reviews from the guests are generally good, but we’re seeing the same feedback over and over again,” Zach started.“Food.We need facilities on site.And not just for guests, Ma is getting on, she can’t cook for the ranch hands forever.”
“So, what are we talking about here, building some sort of restaurant?We can’t afford that.”Matt chimed in.
“I’m not suggesting we set up some gourmet fine fucking dining Matt, but we need something.Like a cafeteria where guests and staff can both sit down and eat.”
“You run the numbers?”Wade asked.It wasn’t just a building they needed to consider—it was staff and food costs too.
“I have.”Zach nodded while stretching to pull a piece of paper from his jean pocket.“It’s not cheap obviously.But I think we’ll be able to make the money we put in back within two years.”
Wade took the paper from his brother and gave the numbers on it a once over.
“Two years is a long time,” Jonah declared.
It was a long time.But Zach was right.It was something they needed.And something they would need to sort out eventually, so why not now.Besides, the numbers he was looking at didn’t look so bad.
“Why is the building cost so low here?”Wade asked.“Building from scratch is gonna cost a whole hell of a lot more than that.”
A small smile started to spread across Zach’s face.“We don’t need to build from scratch.The red barn is just collecting dust brother, why not use that?”Wade’s face must have said it all as his brother was quick to continue.“Think about it.It’s halfway between the staff trailers and the guest cabins, right?It’s big, so there’d be space for enough seating for guests and staff.And it’s already got electric and water.”
His big brother made a good point.Using an existing structure would not only cut costs but mean they’d have the cafeteria up and running sooner.And the sooner it was open, the sooner they could start making their money back.
“I like it.”Wade nodded.“What do you guys think?”he asked, turning to Matt and Jonah.
A few chin lifts later and it was agreed.Now all they needed to do was plan the next steps.It was going to be a long night.
***
It had been six wholedays and Wade still hadn’t faced Riley.He was a coward.And he didn’t care.Over the past week, Matt had taken pity on him and looked after the guests so he wouldn’t have to venture anywhere near the cabins.But now it was Monday.Back to reality.Luckily for him, it was Riley’s day off, so he had one more day to sulk.
So far, the morning was going well.He was on his way back from a trail ride with Bill and Sue, an older couple currently staying at the Evans ranch.Guest activities like this were what Wade lived for.Sometimes he couldn’t believe he was making money riding, fishing, and hiking all day, it was like he was the one on vacation.Especially after a lifetime of cattle ranching.
Wade drew in a deep breath, the crisp fall air filling his lungs as he let his eyes flutter closed.It was his favorite time of year.Not just because shades of red and orange adorned the trees, but because of what it signalled.Shorter days and longer nights.Cool breezes and visible breath.Damp soil and dew-kissed grass.Pumpkin patches and cozy nights in.
“What a perfect way to start the day,” Sue chirped from behind.“I told you we need to get horses, can you imagine, we could do this every morning.”
“And where are we going to keep these horses, dear?”Bill chuckled.“Or ride them.Heritage Park is nice and all, but I’m pretty sure we’re not gonna want to take two horses down the freeway to get to it.”
Wade held back a smile as Gypsy, his coffee-colored mare slowed to a trot.
“I hope you guys are hungry.”Wade turned to the couple.“Ma’s got a breakfast spread with your name on it up at the house.”
God bless his mom.
After an excited “can’t wait” and “yes please” from Bill and Sue, Wade turned back and continued to lead them up the hill toward the stables.
But as the old wooden structure came into sight, his stomach dropped.
