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Kenny, on my left, is the last to get food. I can hardly wait until his plate is full to take my first bite. Roberta’s fried chicken is the best I’ve ever had. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and flavorful all around.
“Mmm…Roberta, you’ve outdone yourself again. One of these days, you’ll have to teach me how to make this.”
“I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you again, anytime, Mr. Travis. I love sharing my secret recipes. The only thing is, I never write ‘em down. You’ve got to cook with me to learn ‘em.”
“Do you teach cooking classes here at the ranch?” Ava asks.
“No, we don’t. Never thought about that.”
“Yeah, that might be a good idea. Mia, can you write that down in our book of ideas after dinner? I’d love to discuss it now, but our general rule is ‘no business talk in front of the guests.’“
“Yes, sir, Daddio.”
“Ava, you’ve met everyone here, right?”
“Yes, I have. I met Kenny when I first drove in. And Mia introduced me to Roberta when I arrived. This is delicious, Roberta. Do you all always eat with the guests?”
“Yes, we do! Daddy thinks it makes the experience feel more wholesome. He’s all about wholesome experiences and doesn’t want people to think we’re a cash cow.”
“Mia.” I give her a look, but she smiles innocently and continues.
“Plus, it’s fun to get to know the guests. And if they aren’t having a good time, they’ll most likely talk about it over dinner with the other guests. We want to be around to hear what they have to say.”
“Ahh, I see. That’s a good idea.”
“Yeah, so tell us about yourself, Ava,” I jump in, trying to change the subject.
“Well, I’m here with TravElegance. A travel magazine my brother started. We’re doing a feature story on Whispering Meadows! So, I’m here to take it all in. I want to experience everything the guests do. I also want to see how everything comes together in the background.”
“That’s boring work stuff. Tell us about you, Ava.”
“Mia, don’t be rude.”
“It’s ok. That was a lame, canned answer. So, about me. I am Ryder’s much younger sister, as you know. I live in an apartment in the city. I’ve been writing my whole life. I’m also working on a little novel, which is a side project for myself. I love pop music and dancing, and I’ve never really been around a horse. Well, that is if you don’t count the time I sat on one for a few minutes when I was a kid.”
“What! You’ve never ridden a horse? How is that possible!” Mia squealed.
“Well, there aren’t a lot of horses in the city! On top of that, my parents died when I was little, so Ryder brought me up. We didn’t have much money or time for extracurriculars until the magazine started to take off.”
“I’m sorry your parents died. My mom is dead, too.”
“Mia, please.” Sometimes, I wish this girl had a filter.
“Sorry, I’m supposed to say, ‘My mom passed away when I was little,’ but I thought you wouldn’t mind since you know what it's like.”
“I don’t mind at all. Being in the dead parent club isn’t something anyone wants. You don’t have to soften it for me.”
“Thanks,” Mia smiled. I can’t be mad at the girl when she flashes me that smile.
“I also love playing games, doing puzzles, drinking coffee, and running. What kinds of things do you like to do, Mia?”
“I love cooking with Roberta. We make the best chocolate chip cookies. You’ll get to have some this week. We always make them for our guests. Oh, and I like music, too! And horses. I love horses. So much. Especially Shadow. She’s mine–or more like I’m hers. She claimed me.”
“Oh, I can’t wait! Maybe you can introduce me to Shadow?”
“I’d love to! How about after dinner? Dad, is that ok?”
“If Ava is up for it, that’s fine by me. But you have to give her some space to work, too.”
