“And a little birdie at The Terrace told me your father made a lunch reservation at one for your family.”
I grimaced and checked my phone. No texts or missed calls. I opened my email. Nothing. “I take it you didn’t get a call from his assistant.”
“Nope.” Jalen popped the P on the word.
I let out a growl of frustration. “He probably told Gabe to tell me.”
“Good thing I’ve got us covered, and you’re already looking dapper enough for a casual family lunch that is actually anything but.”
I chuckled. “Have I told you yet how damned glad I am that you came out here with me?”
Jalen waved me off. “Like I would leave you to deal with these vultures alone. You can thank me with spa credits and introductions to rugged mountain men.”
My lips twitched. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Come on, up you go so you’re not late.”
I shoved back from my desk. “Can you do me a favor and have the stables pull the logs for the past several months? I want to gauge interest in the trail rides. And set up a meeting with Juliana so we can talk about their programming.”
“I’ll get on it right now.”
“Thank you.”
I strode out of my office and down the hall toward the lodge’s main entryway. The space was massive, with thick, dark wood beams overhead and stone walls. Guests milled about, planning their afternoon activities. Each staff member greeted me with a dip of the head and some version ofhello, sir. I hated the term, but it was one of my father’s requirements. It felt stuffy, forced, and antiquated to me. I wanted the respect I got to be earned, not required.
Weaving through the lobby, I found my way out to the back patio, where a gorgeous terrace overlooked a pool and the mountains. A young hostess beamed up at me. “Mr. Shaw. Good afternoon, sir.”
“Hi, Anna. I believe my father made a reservation for lunch.”
She nodded. “Right this way, sir.”
I followed her through the array of tables. Almost all of them were full, this being our busy season. “How are things going here?”
She cast a look over her shoulder, confused. “In what way?”
“Just wondering how everything’s running. Is there anything you would change in how we’re operating?”
Anna stopped in front of an empty table, flicking her auburn hair over one shoulder nervously. “You want to know ifI’dchange anything?”
I nodded. “You’re the boots on the ground and have a better idea of what’s working or not than I ever will.”
Her eyes flared. “Wow, that’s not what your brother thinks.” She immediately flushed. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
I held up a hand to stop her. “No apologies needed. I have met my brother before.”
Anna stifled a laugh and then worried her lip. “I think keeping a handful of tables free for walk-ins would be good. Guests get annoyed when they learn that reservations are often made weeks before. They don’t always think of that when going on vacation.”
“That’s a great idea. Might even be better to make the more casual restaurants not require reservations at all.”
She nodded eagerly. “Most people don’t plan out their vacation schedules. It ruins the spontaneity you have when you get away.”
“So true. Thanks for the insight, Anna. I appreciate it.”
She smiled widely back at me. “Anytime. Can I get you something to drink while you wait?”
“I’d love an iced tea. Thanks.”
She headed off as I slid into one of the empty chairs. A minute later, another server hurried over to me. “Here you go, sir. Can I get you anything else?”
