Evelyn and Betsy were smiling. Mai was looking down, embarrassed. Silas was pretending not to listen. But Molly knew she had their attention.
“So this is an impromptu thank you for your loyalty and dedication to my family’s business. Please don’t expect this every summer. Seeing the numbers yesterday just made me realize how hard you’ve all been working and how the resort’s success is tied to each of you.”
Molly pushed the four envelopes forward. Evelyn, Mae, and Silas put the envelope in their lap while they watched Betsy opened hers and pull out the crisp $100 dollar bills, grinning and bobbing her eyebrows up and down.
Molly hadn’t planned what would happen next. She’d said what she wanted to say and distributed the bonuses. Themeeting was over as far as she was concerned. The group sat quietly awaiting her next words when Evelyn spoke.
“I think I speak on behalf of everyone in saying that we love working at Summer’s End. We love being part of what’s happening here. We know that you could be making a lot of money here and living high on the hog. But you’re just like the McGuires that came before you. You’re just pouring the profits back into the resort. The new outdoor dining area, the walk in fridge at the store, another cabin, more RV sites, more stalls at the stables, more landscaping—it’s the investments you’re making that are driving the businesses, and it’s very exciting for us to be a part of what Summer’s End is becoming.”
She paused and looked at the nodding heads in the room. “We know how hard you’re working to support us and grow the resort. And there you are, living modestly in that little cabin, driving your trusty Jeep, and tending to your horse. We love that you’re investing in the resort and giving us the freedom to manage our businesses. So it should be us thanking you.”
More nods of the head. Molly was embarrassed. She didn’t want the attention turned back on her. She’d just played with her boyfriend and his family for a week while her managers worked long, hard hours to make her business successful. But she didn’t have anything more to add.
“Thank you, Evelyn. And, thanks to all of you.”
All eyes were on her.
“Now get out of here.”
Later that afternoon, she looked up Willie, Buck, and Becky, giving them each an envelope and thanking them personally for helping entertain Bart’s family. Each was appreciative, andshe ended up in conversation with Becky after handing her the money and conveying appreciation.
“Thank you so much. You didn’t need to do this. I loved helping with your party, and I love working at Summer’s End.”
“We love having you here. I can’t believe what you’ve done with the trail riding business. That business is up thirty percent over last year. I’ve talked with Silas about it. You upgraded the snacks, created online registration, opened new destinations, and are asking for more horses. It’s really driving more business.”
Molly didn’t mention how much the dads liked looking at her in tight jeans or how trusting moms felt leaving their kids for a trail ride. She was great with customers, and it was driving word of mouth and repeat business.
“I love the trail rides. I thought it was going to just be for kids, but we have retired folks coming over from their RVs. They rode as kids and want to get on a horse again.” She paused and looked sheepish. “I suppose you know I was hired for the summer, but I’ve been lobbying Silas for a permanent position.”
“Silas has talked with me about that. We’re working on a position that would take advantage of all your skills. Silas needs help with the trail rides, exercising horses, and back country excursions. I need tech support for the business. We need to upgrade the website and make it more interactive. And we really need help expanding the winter businesses: winter trail rides, authentic sleigh rides, an ice skating rink, a sledding hill, expanded trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. And I’d like to start the state’s first dogsled race. The original plan was a fishing resort for old men. The current goal is a year-round resort for families and people of all ages and interests.”
Becky’s face exploded into a big grin. “I want to help with that so much. Thank you for thinking of me. I would work so hard for you, I promise. I hope it works out. It would be so fantastic.”
“We’re working on it.”
“Thank you.”
Molly looked at her with a smirk on her face. “You do know the guys call you Molly Mack, Jr.”
“That’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever gotten.”
The new friends parted with a high five.
August went by quickly.
The pups started selling. Molly spent a lot of time showing pups and negotiating prices. The custom in the industry was to keep newborns with the mother for twelve weeks. Molly gave the pups a second week of training. They were potty trained and responding to basic obedience commands. She made several sales sight unseen based on the internet and videos, but most happened when the buyer visited Summer’s End, viewed the pups, bonded with one, and pulled the trigger.
Red had finished the outdoor dining area and the walk-in beer refrigerator at the store, and was working on the foundation for the new cabin. Red and his father had built all the cabins, so they had that drill down. After the cabin, he’d start on the new RV sites, then the stable addition. Molly was already thinking about winter projects.
With the strong summer cash flow, Molly paid off the resort line of credit she inherited from her father. Ever since inheriting the business, Molly’s goal had been to retire the debt and operate off cash reserves. This was the first time to her knowledge the resort had sufficient cash reserves to fund the annual capital projects. Rather than take an extra draw herself, she poured every available dollar into the resort, dreaming about more improvements. She took a modest draw to buy groceries and gas. Honestly, she just didn’t need money, and she loved improving the family business.
Molly went on an as-needed basis with Silas for the exercise program. With Ginger out of the rotation, they were back to four riders and four horses. But Becky had been slammed with trail rides and helping Willie and Buck. When Becky didn’t have time to exercise, Molly filled in for her.
But even on days she exercised other horses, Molly still took Ginger for a ride. It was the best part of her day, the part she looked forward to. Sometimes they exercised, and sometimes they just rode. Molly took her to all her favorite places, and the bond between rider and horse developed by the day. She couldn’t believe her good fortune in finding Ginger; she thought she’d never have another horse as important to her as Jo.
Molly was increasingly unsettled about Bart. She felt very close to him when he was at the cabin. The last visit with his family had been so nice. They were busy and doing everything together. She was fiercely independent and usually liked being alone. Butwith Bart, she loved having a partner. He didn’t crowd her. He didn’t hover or try to direct her. He was happy to let her be who she wanted to be. She loved having him at the cabin, in the kitchen, helping with the pups, and sitting around a campfire with cognac.
But when he was away, she felt them drifting apart. It bothered her that he was choosing to be away from her. He had to know he was welcome at the cabin. And he seemed happy there. But after he’d done his business, he was ready to leave. Leaving was his choice. He was choosing not to be with her. He was choosing to be alone. He seemed happy to stop by for a visit once a month, get laid, and have company, but after he’d had his fix, he was ready to go again. Each time he left, it was harder on Molly.
