Discovering Gold

by S. M. Spencer

  Alex frowned. ‘Have many people enquired about them?’

  ‘There’ve been a few. I’ve got notes.’

  ‘And what stopped them? I mean, if they enquired, why didn’t they go ahead?’

  He grabbed a file from the corner of his desk and opened it. ‘It generally comes back to money. When I mention the rent, they say they’ll think about it and get back to me. Problem is no one has come back to me. And when I try to follow up with them they say they’re still thinking about it.’

  ‘Then we must be asking too much, right?’

  She could see him stiffen defensively as he pulled out a large spread-sheet and placed it in front of her. ‘These are the historical rentals for the town. What we’re asking is in line with the rest of the town, but prospective tenants aren’t prepared to pay that much given their low expectations of turnover.’

  ‘And you don’t think it might be appropriate to structure differing rent depending on the season? Like, higher in the good months, lower in the bad?’

  ‘Are you suggesting a turn-over rental structure?’

  ‘Well, I’ve never actually heard that expression, I just meant a lower rent during the times when tourism drops off.’

  Ben took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. When he put his glasses back on, he looked at her and sighed loudly. ‘What you’re describing sounds a bit like turnover rent, and I wouldn’t recommend it as it might set a nasty precedence for the rest of the shops. Both the antiques store and the candy store are struggling—if we changed to turnover rents they might end up paying considerably less than they’re paying now. You don’t know how much I have to chase them for payment. Good thing the hotel is well managed—Sam doesn’t seem to struggle making his payments.’

  She frowned. This seemed at odds with what both Hilda and Sam had said. ‘I see. And do you also manage the other vacant shops in town? There are two up near the saloon, and another couple down the street? Are you looking for tenants for those?’

  ‘No, I’ve got nothing to do with them, and I’m not sure who owns them. None of them seem to be advertised anywhere.’

  ‘That seems odd, doesn’t it?’

  ‘Not necessarily. Could be that whoever owns them is thinking of doing something different there—working through plans or whatever.’

  Alex sighed, and turned to look out the window as she tried to think of ways to improve the street appeal. The front of the hotel was so lovely with the flower baskets—should she try to spruce up the front of the vacant shops somehow?

  Ben cleared his throat. ‘Look, your uncle gave me free rein to use my best judgement with all the shops that I manage. I hope you plan to continue the relationship.’

  She thought about that for a moment, wondering if Phil Marshall might be worth speaking to. ‘At this stage I have no plans on changing our relationship.’ She paused, drumming her fingers on the arm of the chair as she studied him. ‘What do you suggest we do to get those shops tenanted?’

  He flashed a huge smile as he let out a noisy breath. ‘I can run some ads in the local papers again but I think you’re just throwing money away doing that—maybe just two weeks. And I’ll increase the size of the online ads—that might be more effective. I expect now that we’re coming into the busier time of year, there’ll be more interest in them. I wouldn’t stress about it if I were you. Let’s give this a go for a couple of weeks.’

  As he walked her out to her car, he promised he’d be in contact during the week, but as she drove off, she wasn’t feeling particularly hopeful that he’d achieve anything.

  On the drive back to town her mind spun as the obvious answer swirled round and round and then finally settled. The town needed a boost, for everyone’s sake. People needed both a reason to come, and a reason to stay once they arrived. And a big part of that would be getting the saloon open.

  But if there were some more interesting shops, that would surely help. And why couldn’t she become her own tenant? That would solve at least one of the vacancies, if not both. Surely, if she could run a tennis club, she could run a small retail outlet or two, but what sort of businesses could she open?

  Suddenly images of those beautiful strawberries at the market in Sacramento danced across her mind. She could open a fresh fruit and veggie shop. After all, the small grocery store in town didn’t have much in the way of fresh produce on offer the day she’d been there. The town’s people would flock to a fresh produce shop, wouldn’t they?

  Could it be that simple?

  By the time she got home, she’d convinced herself opening a fruit and veggie shop was a brilliant idea. But that still left the second shop. Perhaps Casey and Taylor would have some ideas. She grabbed her iPad and checked the time in Melbourne. It was early Monday morning, so both Taylor and Casey would either be at work or getting ready for work, so she couldn’t FaceTime them together, but she could send a text to both of them. Within a few minutes, she’d had replies. Two thumbs up came back regarding the fruit and veggie shop, and they both said they’d turn their minds to the other shop and get back to her.

  Eager to get started, Alex went into the study and opened the cabinet with the saloon files. It was all there—the correspondence from the insurance company, the contact details for the company who’d been engaged to complete the works, and a letter her uncle had written advising he was appointing Denver Gold in his stead to be the overseer of the workmanship. She could see no reason why the works had stopped other than that they’d been made aware of his death. She’d ring them first thing in the morning to get the ball rolling again.

  After setting out the papers, she went back to the kitchen, but now that she’d made up her mind about the fruit and veggie shop, she wanted to get started. And who was best to help her? Denver Gold, carpenter extraordinaire, most definitely.

  She knew he was busy—he had his party coming up on top of all the things he normally did with their property—but she also knew it was in his interest as much as her own to invigorate the town. Or at least it should be.

  She grabbed the car keys and within a few minutes pulled up at the front of the Gold’s house.

  Chapter 11

  Travis had just put his foot into the stirrup when he spotted the red Mustang making its way up the driveway. The young gelding took a step back as he inadvertently tightened his grip on the reins. He hopped to his right, then swung up into the saddle and patted the horse’s neck reassuringly before pointing him toward the car. By the time he reached the car she’d opened the driver’s door.

  His breath caught involuntarily when she spun around in the seat, exposing a long bare leg finished off with a skimpy sandal. The way his heart reacted to her she might as well have been wearing a negligee.

  Her eyes opened wide when they made contact with his. ‘Travis, hello, I was … I mean, is Denver at home? I wanted to ask him about some work I’d like to organise.’

  ‘Yeah, he’s home, but he’s out in The Beast checking the cattle at the moment. That door troubling you again? You want me to have another look at it?’ He’d spoken without thinking it through, which was a big mistake.

  ‘Oh, no, the door’s fine. It’s about one of my empty shops. I … wanted to run an idea past him.’

  What sort of idea could she have that needed Denver’s input? And wasn’t his opinion as good as Denver’s anyway? His jaw tensed. Was he jealous of her attention toward his brother?

  He considered dismounting, and yet standing next to her was the last thing he should do if he wanted her to go. He stayed on the horse, looking down at her without even removing his hat. Maybe she’d take the hint that he was busy.

  Instead, she stepped closer, reaching up to stroke the gelding’s nose. ‘It’s quite soft.’

  ‘Yes.’

  She reached up further and placed her hand under the gelding’s mane, slowly stoking his neck. ‘Wow, his coat is like satin. I�
��ve never spent much time around horses. I guess I never gave any thought to whether or not they were soft.’

  A frown of disbelief momentarily tightened his brow, but why should she have spent time around horses? She lived in a big city. She played tennis. She dined at country clubs. He huffed out a breath.

  The Beast’s throaty diesel engine gave away Denver’s impending arrival. A moment later he appeared from around the back of the barn, shut off The Beast, and walked toward them.

  ‘Hey, Alex, here to go for a ride?’ He gave her a cheeky grin as he stopped beside them.

  She glanced down at her dress. ‘Hardly. Actually, I’ve come to ask you a big favour.’

  Travis sniffed out a breath at the look on Denver’s face—talk about inflating a guy’s ego.

  ‘Really? Oh, that’s right … you wanted that dead-bolt done. Travis told me about it.’

  When she turned and looked up at Travis, his insides roiled.

  ‘Yes, at some stage, but that’s not what I’m here about. It’s …’ She seemed to lose her train of thought for a moment as Travis stared at her. He blinked and then looked across at Denver who now cracked a broad smile.

  ‘It’s …?’ Denver prompted, dragging her attention back to him.

  ‘Oh … I want to open a fruit and veggie shop in one of my empty properties. I know the grocery store sells produce, but I’d hardly call it an extensive array. Anyway, I wanted your advice on getting the work done to make it happen.’

  Travis couldn’t help but nod—it wasn’t a bad idea.

  Denver beamed. ‘Produce … yeah, sure, that’s not hard. Some display cabinets, refrigeration, a checkout counter—all easily done.’

  ‘Fabulous,’ she said, on an exhale.

  ‘You want me to come have a look at it, and help recommend what you’ll need?’

  ‘Could you?’

  ‘Absolutely,’ Denver said, looking at Travis with a cheeky grin.

  Alex looked relieved. ‘So you think it’s a good idea?’

  ‘I think it’s a great idea. Old George is as lazy as a sloth; this’ll make him lift his game.’ Denver grinned at Alex, and then turned to Travis. ‘I might drop around there sometime tomorrow morning. Would that be alright?’

  Travis shrugged his shoulders, wondering why Denver was practically asking his permission.

  Alex’s eyes lit up. ‘Perfect, thanks.’ She reached into her car and pulled out her phone. ‘Give me your number and I’ll text you, then you’ll have mine. Just let me know what time and I’ll be there.’

  When Denver turned, giving Travis a look so obvious he might as well have said out loud that he’d gotten the girl’s number without even having to ask for it, Travis had to bite down on his lip to keep from making a smart remark.

  Denver gave her his number, then continued, ‘Say, we’re gonna throw a couple of steaks on the barbeque shortly. Want to stay for dinner?’

  Alex’s eyes widened as she turned to Travis with a question on her face. ‘Oh, well, I hate to intrude.’

  Denver laughed. ‘You’re not intruding. I’ve invited you. How is that intruding?’

  ‘I suppose I did turn up here right around dinner time, but it’s only because I got this idea in my head and I wanted to run it past you.’

  ‘Hey, don’t apologise.’ He nodded toward Travis. ‘Nice to have someone to talk to besides this grumpy one for a change.’

  Travis swallowed back his biting remarks—it wouldn’t have been polite to let loose on his little brother in front of Alex. And it would only prove Denver right if he bit. He turned to Alex. ‘Stay, by all means. I’ve gotta finish off with Blue here and put him out. Denver, you’ll be okay to entertain our guest for forty-five minutes on your own?’

  Alex ran her hands down her bare arms. ‘It’s likely to cool off as soon as the sun drops so I might dash home and change. And I have a bottle of wine I bought the other day which I haven’t opened yet. It’ll go nicely with a steak.’

  Denver cocked his head. ‘An Australian wine?’

  ‘Napa Valley—is that okay?’

  Denver smiled. ‘Sounds good. See you shortly.’

  As Travis rode back toward the arena he heard Alex say something, and then both she and Denver started to laugh. He couldn’t help but wonder if they were getting a chuckle at his expense.

  ~~*~~

  ‘Can I help with anything?’ Alex asked as she walked behind Denver with the bottle of wine in one hand and packet of mint slices in the other.

  In a moment they were standing in a large open kitchen. With its lace curtains and matching tablecloth, Alex noted the room had a surprisingly feminine feel to it for a home shared by two men. Then she remembered Denver saying it had been their parent’s place—and they’d moved back when their father got sick.

  ‘Sure, you can put the salad together while I go light the barbeque if you like. Travis is in the shower but he won’t be long. Oh, and if you’ll open that bottle of wine I’ll grab some glasses when I come back in.’

  A few minutes later they were seated out on the back deck when Travis joined them. As he stepped outside, his hair still wet from the shower, the clean scent of soap wafted toward her and a rush of excitement made her shiver.

  ‘Need a hand with anything, Den?’ Travis asked as he picked up a glass of the red and held it under his nose.

  ‘Nope, everything’s done. Give me a shout when you’re ready to eat and I’ll throw the steaks on.’

  ‘I’m starving, so whenever you’re ready,’ Travis said, turning toward the table. He hesitated for a moment, then sat across from her and lifted his glass to his lips. When he took a sip of the wine, he looked at her over the rim of the glass.

  ‘You’ve chosen well, Alex. Perfect, in fact,’ he said, his lips almost curling into a smile.

  She smiled as heat touched her cheeks, absurdly happy that he’d approved of her selection. She looked down at her own glass, lifted it, and took a small sip. The deep red liquid tasted of blackberries. She had chosen well.

  Denver cleared his throat, then stood and headed to the barbeque. He threw the steaks on and in a moment the delicious scent of hickory and seared meat drifted toward them. Alex’s stomach growled and her mouth watered in anticipation.

  When she turned back toward Travis he was staring at her. She hoped he hadn’t heard her stomach growl. She stared back defiantly at first, but she couldn’t keep it up—his gaze was far too intense. She blinked, lifted her glass and took another sip, savouring the smooth wine as it slid down her throat and left a sweet taste in her mouth and on her lips. She licked her lips, and bit the lower one slightly, then allowed herself to look up at Travis, embarrassed to find him watching her every move again. Again? Or still?

  ‘Is the wine comparable to what you have down there in Australia?’ Travis asked, his voice as smooth as the wine.

  ‘It’s every bit as good as any I’ve had at home. Mind you, I’m not much of a connoisseur. I like what I like, but I don’t know much about wine.’

  ‘Neither do I; I was just curious.’

  Denver walked up and grabbed the plates off the table and set them on the side of the barbeque. Then he came back and picked up his glass. He took a drink, set it back on the table without comment, and turned to Travis.

  ‘Do you still want me to ride out with you tomorrow while you put a few miles on that young gelding?’

  Travis stared at his younger brother for a moment before speaking, and Alex wondered if there was more to the question than the obvious.

  ‘If you wouldn’t mind. It’ll be good for him to go with an older, steadier horse.’

  Denver took another sip of wine, set the glass down and smiled at Alex before turning back to his older brother. ‘Well, I don’t really mind, except I said I’d help Alex with that fit-out in the morning, and then I’m heading over to see
the caterer to discuss the food and drinks for the party. So …’

  Alex looked back and forth between the brothers, sorry now that she’d asked Denver for his help. She shouldn’t have bothered him with the fit-out until she’d made more enquiries about whether it was even a feasible venture. She turned to Denver. ‘Look, why don’t we hold off on the fit-out until after your birthday. It isn’t urgent, after all.’

  ‘No, that’s cool. I don’t mind having a look. I think it’s a great idea, and the sooner we get started, the sooner it can open. It won’t take me long to measure up and do a few sketches. Besides, I have a thought.’

  Travis quirked a brow as he glared at Denver. ‘Do tell.’

  ‘How about if Alex rides out with you? She can ride Sally.’ He turned to Alex, and continued, ‘My mare’s the gentlest horse on the property. Could even be the gentlest horse in California as far as I know. What do you think, Alex?’

  She set her glass on the table and swallowed with difficulty. ‘Ride out? As in, riding on a horse?’

  Travis shook his head slowly. ‘Denver, I don’t think that’s such a great idea—’

  Denver shrugged as he turned back to Alex and winked. ‘Sure it is. What better way to make certain you go for a quiet ride than to have a beginner with you?’

  Chapter 12

  When Alex turned up at the shop at quarter past ten, Denver was already there, one booted foot propped up against the door frame as he played with a tape measure pulling the tape out and letting it snap back in. When he spotted her, he quickly pocketed the tape measure and flashed a smile in her direction.

  ‘Thanks again for doing this for me,’ Alex said, walking up and opening the door.

  ‘Sure thing, Alex. It’ll be a fun little job.’

  A musty smell greeted them as they entered the empty shop, so Alex left the door open to allow the fresh air to circulate.

  Denver pulled out a sheaf of papers and a pencil, and after asking a few pertinent questions, began sketching out the location of the shelving, bins and counters. When he’d finished, he did quick measurements of the room, its windows and door.