“Oh? So, she’s what…nineteen?”
“Twenty-three, actually. She’s going to graduate school in the fall. And at the top of her class. She’ll have scholarships, but anything extra comes from her own earnings. She’ll be here through Labor Day. That might work out perfectly for you. Summer is likely going to be your busy season.”
Charlie Grace thought it over. She wasn’t expecting to hire someone without first meeting the candidate. Yet, she trusted Albie. “Okay, sure. You say she arrives tomorrow?”
Albie beamed. “Yes, her name is Lizzy Cayman.”
“I can only pay minimum wage,” Charlie Grace warned.
“That’s fine,” Albie assured. “She’ll do you a good job.”
Charlie Grace nodded. “Okay, then. Tell her she’s got the job. Give her a day to get settled, and then send her out to the ranch, and we’ll put her to work. Thanks, Albie.”
“Thank you.” He made his way from out behind the desk and extended his hand. “I can’t wait to call and tell her.”
Charlie Grace had to pick up groceries before she returned to the ranch. She stopped at the Western Drug and General Store and hurried up and down the aisles, plucking the items on Aunt Mo’s list from the shelves—among them eggs, bacon, laundry soap, and toilet paper. Wholesale deliveries from Jackson were scheduled to start next week. Good thing, these retail prices were gouging her pocketbook. She made a mental note to adjust her budget and moved to the checkout lane, where she placed her items on the conveyor belt, then pulled out her business bank card, trying not to choke when she saw the total.
Bob Simpson, the owner, appeared from the back, his arms loaded with plastic shopping baskets. “Hey, Charlie Grace. How are you today?”
“Fine,” she told him, frowning as she handed over her bank card.
Bob looked between her and the clerk. “Fran, let’s give Charlie Grace the business discount.”
“Business discount?” she asked, puzzled.
“Yes, Fran. You know…the business discount.”
She slowly nodded. “Oh, yeah. The business discount.” Her face broke into a smile as she punched a button on the register. The total immediately reflected much less.
Charlie Grace glanced between them. “Thank you, but that was totally unnecessary.”
Bob grinned at her. “It’s nothing. Just a little boost for your new business. We’re all hoping Teton Trails is a huge success.
“Well, the gesture is truly appreciated. I expect you both to come out to the ranch and join us for a steak cookout soon.”
They promised they would take her up on the offer.
After giving Bob and Fran a hug, Charlie Grace raced home, unloaded the items from her truck, and delivered them to Aunt Mo. “So, it looks like I found a new hire to help us.”
“Oh?” Aunt Mo shelved the items in the pantry. “That was quick.”
“Albie’s niece is arriving in town tomorrow. She needs a summer job before attending graduate school.”
Aunt Mo lined the packages of toilet paper next to a stack of towels, fresh from the dryer. “Well, I hate to admit it, but the help is welcome.”
Charlie Grace pulled a bottle of water from the refrigerator and removed the lid. “Both a blessing and a curse. I never expected us to fill up so quickly. According to our online reservation system, we barely have an opening until after the Fourth of July.”
Aunt Mo beamed. “I’m not surprised. You’ve worked hard, baby girl. All the credit for this success lands directly in your lap.”
“Good try,” Charlie Grace interjected. “We both know this guest ranch could never have gotten off the ground without you.” She took a sip of her water and put the lid back on the bottle. “Who knew we’d be full up after only a week?”
Aunt Mo’s face drew into a warm smile. “Everyone believed you’d have success but you.”
“And Dad.”
Aunt Mo focused her gaze and clasped Charlie Grace’s elbow. “What do you mean?”
“Dad wasn’t exactly behind all this. He most certainly didn’t believe in me.”
