Page 13 of Cole's Joy
“She knows about my money, and I don’t have anything to worry about in that avenue. She didn’t tell me how much she had, but I believe what I told her I had inherited is a drop in the bucket to what she has. I’m not trying to date her for her money, Clem. I like Lois for herself. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, compassionate, friendly, and did I mention beautiful?”
“Are you in love with her?” Clem asked in shock.
“Yes, or at least I’m heading in that direction. I know it’s only been a couple of months, but I really, really like her.”
“Good, I’m happy for you. Now, if you need me to take over any duties here, let me know. I’m sort of bored without having anyone to train for the rodeo.”
“Talk to Erin,” Cole said, then laughed at his shocked expression. “I mean it seems like whatever Erin touches turns to gold, and I’m saying that in a good way. I do need help in one aspect, but I don’t know what to do. Maybe we can put our heads together and you can take over.”
“What?”
“We need to hire at least six or seven more people. I like the idea that Erin had with Broken, hire someone with challenges. I’m not saying we need to go to the back alleys of Denver to look for homeless veterans, but you know what I’m talking about.”
“Yeah, I do, and I like that idea too. Maybe I can talk to Ann to see if she has any friends that are looking for work.”
“Yeah, that sounds like a good place to start. Why don’t you do that, while I finish this.” He pointed to the papers.
“What’s that?”
“Quarterly reports,” he laughed at Clem’s expression.
“I’m out of here. I’ll let you know if I learn anything from Ann, and I might go talk to Erin.”
“Another thing you might want to swing by Erin if she doesn’t have any ideas, about hiring people.”
“What’s that?”
“Ask her if you could go into town and talk with Jake Cogburn. See if he knows of anyone male or female getting out of the service, or already out that might be down on their luck and wanting employment.”
“Holy shit, I didn’t think of him. I know I have to go to town in the next couple of days.” He wrinkled his nose at his best friend. “We’re out of carrots and apples.”
Cole couldn’t help it, he threw his head back and laughed. “Better you than me. Remind me later to talk to Lois about coming over here and marking off a section to put in not only a garden, but also a carrot patch.” He stood, reached back for his wallet, and pulled out several bills to hand to Clem.
“What’s this for?”
“See if you can’t pick up some canning jars. With all of us, I think we’re going to need a lot. Oh, and also see if you can pick up extra lids. No clue what size, or how many. Use the money I gave you, and we can start storing them in the back room at Ducky’s.”
“I’ll get with Ducky and see if he wants to go with me. Don’t you think this five hundred is too much?”
“I don’t know, but that will be my contribution.”
“Thanks, Cole. I’ll go talk with Ann, then grab Ducky to head over to Erin’s.” He looked at his watch, then grinned at Cole. “He should be done with his morning nap by then.” Cole laughed as his best friend left his office, then before he settled down to do his quarterly paperwork for New Double, he filled his coffee mug and started a new pot. As that brewed, he used the facilities, and then settled down to work the rest of the day crunching numbers.
Around four that afternoon, Cole pulled his truck into the barn at The Broken Wheel, and smiled as he exited and saw Reid in the pasture playing ball with his horse, Katie. He walked over and said hi, and when Reid asked what was up, Cole scowled and held up the folder he held. “Quarterly reports for New Double.”
“Yuck, I’ll muck out stalls every day for the rest of my life if I don’t have to do the paperwork that you, Naomi, and Erin do every day.”
“Someone has to do it.” He laughed and turned away, but turned back quickly. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“Do you have any other military friends that are looking for a job? It’s been working with the ladies and men from Broken coming over to pitch in, but I would feel more comfortable if I had my own crew.”
“I don’t right off the top of my head, but I can put feelers out.”
“Thanks, and I don’t care whether they have a challenge, or if they are male or female. The only thing I don’t want is someone strung out on drugs. At least not until they’ve been sober for at least six months, and has a clean bill of health from a doctor or two.”
“I hear you, man, I hear you. Let me think on it, then let you know.”
