“Wouldn’t have to be if she has good genetics.”
“Price?”
“Let’s leave that open for now. Ginger has made me realize I’d pay quite a bit for the right horse.”
“Okay, I’ll start the process.”
The diner’s outdoor patio was getting its finishing touches. Red and his young landscaping subcontractors had done a beautiful job. Plans were underway for a soft opening on Saturday, then, a week later, a well-advertised grand opening. Molly had been working with a high school friend who ran a home-based advertising business. They were designing ads for the paper and the radio featuring two- for-one meals and drink discounts. For the grand opening, they were hiring a local guitar player.
Molly was on site talking with Red when Evelyn and Betsy came out. The pup basket was on the ground, and Shadow was herding her litter.
“Red, I couldn’t be happier with what you’ve done. The landscaping is perfect.”
“I think you’re going to be overwhelmed at the openings. Everyone I know is talking about it.”
Evelyn said, “Molly, I’m thinking about making some menu changes for this. This is going to draw a younger clientele. We ought to have some choices that appeal to them.”
Keeping a straight face and acting surprised, Molly said, “What are you thinking?”
“We’ll keep the traditional menu for the old timers but mix in pizzas, gourmet burgers, burritos, and nacho platters for the younger crowd. And I’ve asked our beer supplier to set up half a dozen micro brews.”
“Great idea, Evelyn. I love it. Way to think ahead of the curve.”
Evelyn beamed while Red and Betsy privately exchanged knowing glances.
At three weeks, the pups were a handful. The basket was useless. They were all over the place, pooping, peeing, wrestling amongst themselves, and running wild. Hopelessly cute, they were a full time job. Molly built a temporary fence for them in the yard so they’d have room to run and she wouldn’t have to watch them constantly.
Now was time to just nourish and let puppies be puppies. The formal training would start at six weeks, and Molly planned to take the pups to a professional trainer. She could do some basic training, but she didn’t have the patience, time, or expertise, and it would help with marketing to report the pups had professional training.
She started running teaser ads for a ten-pup German Shepherd litter. She ran the birth photo along with some three-week shots and the genetic history. The day the ad first ran, she started getting inquiries. She set up viewing hours at the administration building from 10:00 till noon daily when she’d be reviewing the businesses’ finances.
The grand openings for the outdoor dining were absolutely crazy. They’d dramatically underestimated the interest, and it was mid-July, the resort’s busiest time with cabins, RV spots, and camping sites booked. They had people waiting for tables most of the afternoon and into the evening. The dining room was busy until 11:00 pm. The popularity created all kinds of management issues: food, staffing, waiting. Molly and Betsy spent both days helping Evelyn. Becky came down to wait tables.
They set up a temporary area where people could stand around high tables having a beer while waiting for seating. The temporary area had a view of the lake and mountains and turned out to be as popular as the main tables. Pretty soon, customers wanted nacho platters while they waited. With western music playing, it was one big party at Summer Lake.
All Molly could think of was be careful what you wish for. But the bottom line was amazing, and the draw to the resort helped in other ways. Customers from the patio finished eating, then went to the store to buy a case of beer and groceries. Customers walked the docks, checking out the fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks for rent. The outdoor dining area was a draw for the entire resort. Molly loved seeing individual parts of the resort helping other resort businesses.
Molly was at her desk in the administration building when an email pinged in from Kitty. She had sent an email to Kitty asking who was planning to come for the Stampede and about possibleinterest for the Ladies Unlimited Division of the Stampede Relay Races.
Dear Molly,
Well, it’s like herding cats for the Stampede trip, but here’s the latest. Not to worry, all this changes daily.
We’ve got drive time Kalispell to Omak at six hours, so we’ll leave in the morning and arrive early afternoon on the Thursday before rodeo weekend.
The McKinnon ladies are all in for the relay race. That would be Mom, Cheyenne, and me. We’re assuming you’re the fourth. We won’t let you down. We’ll bring our own horses so you don’t have to worry about that. We’ll want to run Mom for the final leg. That lady can flat out ride, and she’s got a very fast horse.
Do I have it right? It’s a quarter-mile track. We’ll each do a lap. And there will be a baton pass between riders. The event is Ladies Unlimited, any age, any ability. I assume that’s the most competitive ladies category.
You’ll be the team captain. We’ll be Team Mack—that will pick up McKinnon, McGuire, and your trademark Molly Mack. Mom is working on matching outfits. Can’t tell you how excited we are for this. Oh, can you get us registered? We’re good for our share of entry costs.
BTW, we’re coming to win. The McKinnon’s don’t know how to ride any other way.
Mom and Dad are coming for sure. They have their own truck and double trailer. Since they’re bringing Mom’s horse, they’ll bring Dad’s too.
Brad and I will bring my horse and Cheyenne’s. So, if we do a trail ride or something, we’re hoping you can find horses for my husband Brad, and Cheyenne’s husband Chet.
Brett and Darcy are wildcards. We won’t know until that week. If they come, they’ll come in their own truck and may or may not bring their horses. Can’t tell you anything moreabout that now. Brett is as ornery and unpredictable as his brother.
