LITMIR.BIZ

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where have I heard that before?” Tapping a finger to her lips, Grace pretended not to look at him. A move that only served to further annoy him.

      Sami stepped between them, her dark brown gaze fixed on Kaleb. “Mom and I were talking about this just a little while ago. You know that we all want Mountain View Tours to be a success. However, we also know that you have some huge hurdles to overcome.”

      He couldn’t argue with her so far. No matter how much he might want to.

      “Which means you need to do whatever you can to overcome some of those hurdles.”

      “Like replacing all of the tour trucks and rental fleet? I’ve already done that.”

      Sami jammed a fist into her hip. “That’s not what I’m talking about.” She strode to the counter, spread out a swath of papers then stabbed them with her finger. “This is what I’m talking about. Just look at these before and after photos I found online.”

      He didn’t want to look at them. But curiosity got the best of him.

      Easing toward the desk, he cast his sister a wary eye. “Those are some pretty dramatic changes.” Not to mention costly.

      “Yep. All with little more than paint.”

      Grace sidled up beside Sami, no doubt pleased to have someone else in her corner. “I like how they incorporated the brick wall into the design of this one.” She pointed from the picture to the brick wall behind his reception counter. “With the right color paint, some rustic elements, you could really make that stand out.”

      “Though they don’t look like much right now, Kaleb’s got some great pieces around here he could use.” Sami turned. “Like that old Coke machine.” She pointed across the room. “That thing is too cool to be hidden in a corner.”

      Grace strolled over to the vintage machine. “It’s not often you find a soda machine that offers glass bottles. Does it work?”

      “Yes,” said Kaleb.

      “Sami’s right, then.” She faced them again. “You need to move this someplace more prominent. Keep it stocked and you’ve got another source of income.”

      Kaleb tried to hide his annoyance. Not only due to the bossy women in front of him, but the fact that he hadn’t given more consideration to the Coke machine.

      “So what do you say, Kaleb?” Sami looked like a kid begging to open just one gift before Christmas. “We’re only talking about the cost of materials. Mom and I are both willing to paint.”

      “Me, too.” Grace thrust her arm in the air like a second grader. “It’d be fun. As a matter of fact—” She waved a hand then dropped it to her side. “Ah, never mind.” Her narrowed gaze drifted to Kaleb. “I’ve learned to keep my suggestions to myself.”

      “Oh, no. You’re not getting off that easy.” Sami inched toward her. “Out with it, Grace.”

      Grace looked from him to Sami, as if deliberating whether or not to divulge her secret. “What if you had a grand opening? Something that invited people to come in and check out the new Mountain View Tours.”

      Sami’s eyes grew wide. “That’s an outstanding idea.” She whirled toward Kaleb. “We could do it Memorial Day weekend. You could have your new trucks on display, offer discounts on tours... We could have cookies, balloons—”

      He held up a palm, cutting off his sister. “No. I appreciate the suggestion. However, something like that involves a lot of work. I think we best focus our energies on bringing in business.”

      “That’s exactly what we’re trying to do.” Returning her fist to her hip, Sami scowled at him. “Besides, wasn’t it just the other day I heard you say that you were looking for a way to separate the new Mountain View Tours from the old?”

      He hated it when she used his own words against him. “Yes. But a party wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.”

      “Then what did you have in mind?” His sister’s smug grin only served to irritate him.

      He didn’t have a response. All he knew was that painting and parties took time. Time that he didn’t have.

      “Kaleb,” Sami continued, “you’ve said a million times how important this first season is going to be. Why not do it right?”

      Grace cleared her throat. “All you’d really have to do for a grand opening is set up shop outside. Go to the people instead of waiting for them to come to you.” She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “We’re talking very little time and effort. However, the payoff could be worth it.”

      His sister’s expression softened. “So what do you say, big brother? You going to go big or go home?”

      He definitely didn’t want to go home. Not only would he be letting his investors down, he’d be lost. He’d been working toward this goal for years.

      Scanning the bare-bones office, he could see where it might seem a little cold.

      We need to appeal to folks from the moment they walk into Mountain View Tours, if not before.

      Of course, the more appealing things were, the more likely people were to be drawn in.

      He eyed his sister. “You and Mom will do all the work?”

      “And Grace.” Hope lit Sami’s dark eyes. “When she’s not doing things for you, that is.”

      “And you’ll get the work done quickly?”

      “As quick as we can. After all, Memorial Day is right around the corner.”

      He lowered his arms to his sides. Even though he was ready to say yes, he paused for effect. “Okay, you can redecorate. So long as I approve all ideas and colors first. Got it?”

      “Got it.” Sami’s grin was so big, he thought she might burst. “And what about the grand opening? Scott and I would be happy to help out. I’m sure Mom and Dad would, too.”

      Honestly, the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea. Though he didn’t have to let his sister or Grace know.

      “We can probably work something out.”

      “Yes!” Sami charged him then and hugged his neck so tight he could barely breathe. “Okay.” Letting go, she began her retreat. “I’m going to run over to the hardware store to look at some paint chips.” After a final scan of the place, she continued. “I can’t wait.” She yanked open the door. “Oh! Hello, Donna.” She held the door for Grace’s mother.

      “Hello, Sami.” The woman in her late fifties continued inside, looking as well dressed as ever in her tan slacks and flowing blue shirt. “Kaleb, I hope you don’t mind me dropping by to see my daughter.”

      “Not at all.” He could use a break. Being ganged up on by two headstrong women was enough to do any man in. “This’ll give me a chance to run and pick us up some lunch before we get down to business.”

      “It’s so good to see you.” Donna embraced her daughter. Her short auburn hair was a contrast to Grace’s long dark brown. However, they shared the same hazel eyes.

      “Hi, Mama.” Grace’s hug seemed a bit more tentative. Even awkward.

      Perhaps because he was there.

      “Grace? Burger or sandwich?”

      Her mother released her.

      “Burger’s fine. With everything, please.”

      “Done.” He started for the door. “See you later, Donna.” Outside, he crossed the street and headed toward Granny’s Kitchen.

      Scrubbing a hand over his face, he let go a sigh. Talk of redecorating and a grand opening, while both great ideas, also added to his angst. There was so much to do and so little time in which to do it.

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