Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
He glanced offscreen. “I have another meeting I have to get to. Luke, Rachel, you’re in good hands, and I’m looking forward to joining my family when they come for their stay. I’ve always wanted to be a cowboy.” He grinned widely. “I think Katy would like to see me in a cowboy hat and boots. Knock her socks off.”
I smiled. “We’ll be happy to help you with that.”
He signed off, and Sammy smiled. “He’s awesome.”
“His name is familiar,” I mused.
“He’s with the Gavin Group. Semi-retired, but still working.”
Once again, she surprised me. “Wow, Lady. You are connected. BAM, the Gavin Group—I had no idea.”
She shrugged. “Most people don’t. I’m my own person, my own business. I only utilize them occasionally.” She met my eyes for a moment. “Only on projects I feel passionate about.”
I tried not to smirk. I knew how passionate she was. Still, my lips curled into a smile, and I threw her a wink. Rachel laughed softly.
“I can’t wait to see your plans.”
Sammy flipped open a file. “Let’s go, then.”
“I love these names!” Rachel enthused.
I had to agree. Little Partners for the kids, Ranch Hands for mid-level involvement, and Branded for Life, which was the highest level of involvement, were catchy. There was also Sidesaddle which was geared more toward women and offered a gentler experience.
“You might get a larger group that wants to pick and choose different options,” Sammy added. “I called it The Rustler. You can work with them on a price, but remember to value it high. If they are taking over the entire capacity, they pay for that. I made some suggestions in the file.”
She had thought of everything.
“None of the tasks are dangerous or unattainable. Guests have to fill in all the forms, sign a waiver, and I have a file of insurance needs. I got some quotes.” She pushed a file in my direction. “This is a mock-up of the brochure. I’m working on the web page and interest form.”
We studied it all. Crisp, clean, bright pictures that showed off the ranch in its unique beauty. Clear details on the packages. Even pictures of the bunkhouses. She had everything covered.
“These photos are spectacular,” Rachel exclaimed.
I agreed wholeheartedly. Sammy had a good eye.
“I have budgets laid out, expenses, and expected returns. You’ll have your soft opening as planned.”
“Where are these guests coming from exactly?” I asked.
Sammy smiled. “We ran a contest, and the winners will be here for a three-night stay. It’s part of the show, so all expenses are covered. We chose the guests based on the form they filled out. One set of winners from each category so you can try out the various experiences on them. So, we have a family, some guys wanting the whole package, and even some wives. We handled it all. Ten people. Three nights. Doable.”
“Ah.”
“The program will air in six weeks, and hopefully, the bookings will roll in for the summer. You can start small with numbers and grow next year. But I expect it to be a huge success.”
Rachel reached across the table, grasping Sammy’s hand. “Thank you, Sammy. This is beyond anything I dreamed.”
I opened the file, shock making my eyes widen at her projected numbers. “Is this right?” I asked.
Sammy nodded. “By the end of the summer, you’ll be in the black. We saved a lot on labor costs and supplies by reusing what you already had.”
“I want to pay—”
She cut me off. “I told you. My family wants to come here. They are happy to take their labor in trade.” She smiled softly. “They’ve had such a good time. They love it here. It’s going to be hard to get some of us on the plane.”
Her wording caught me. “Some of us?”
She took in a deep breath, and for the first time, I noticed the trace of sadness in her eyes. “I’m going with them tomorrow. I have everything I need to create the show. But I need my equipment and staff to put it together so I can make the deadline. I can’t do it here, and I want it to air on the date I chose. Timing is important.”
Something tightened in my chest. A dull ache I couldn’t identify seemed to take hold. A low roar started in my head.
Sammy was leaving. Tomorrow.
I stared at her, unable to even speak.
“But you’ll be back, right?” Rachel asked.
Sammy nodded. “For the soft opening. I’ll help with whatever you need.”
She’d be back, but only for a few days. Then she’d be gone. Out of my life. Nothing about this was new or different, yet somehow knowing it was about to happen was like a bolt of lightning to my brain.
I stood, unable to stay anymore. I had to leave before I said something. “Well then, that’s that. This is all great, Sammy. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for Rachel.”