Wildfire Creek (20 page)

Ginny shivered at the cold wind, which had picked up as she approached the boardinghouse. She pushed the door open, seeing Suzanne’s brows arch in surprise as she poured coffee for a couple at a table near the front. Ginny shook her head in a slight side-to-side motion and held the palms of her hands out. Suzanne nodded once, letting her know she understood the silent message, then returned to her customers.

Ginny shrugged off her coat, her mind wandering to thoughts of Nicholas Barnett as she walked down the hall to her and Mary’s room. It had taken a while for her heart to settle down after he’d startled her. Everything about him intimidated and fascinated her. He knew too much and offered little in the way of answers. At least she’d learned the Dixie belonged to him and his partner.

She tossed her coat on the bed, then walked to the kitchen where Mary sat at the table. She ruffled her sister’s hair and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as Suzanne came in from the dining area.

“What can I do?” she asked, humbled at the hectic pace Suzanne kept up each day until the last customer walked out the door.

“Grab four plates and add potatoes and vegetables.” Suzanne sliced thick pieces of roast and set one on each plate Ginny held out to her. “They’re for the four people at the corner window.”

Ginny made quick work of delivering the meals, then returned to the kitchen as Suzanne cut six pieces of pie.

“I get them ready early as most of my supper customers order it.”

The routine continued for another hour until Suzanne locked the front door. She poured a cup of coffee and took a seat next to Mary, watching as Ginny dried the last plate.

“Tell me what happened tonight.”

“Amos decided he could no longer afford me.” She sat on the other side of Mary and folded her hands in her lap. “He gave me a week’s worth of pay, which he didn’t have to do.”

“Well, it’s something anyway. The new saloon must be having a big impact on his business.”

“You should see how few men come in now that the Dixie is open.”

Ginny needed to bring up the subject which most worried her. “I know you don’t have enough work to use me more than you already do. I’ll start looking for another job right away.”

Suzanne took a deep breath, wishing her situation were different than Amos’. “I wish I did have enough work to pay you cash. Suppers are still busy around here, but since the other restaurant opened, my breakfast and dinner customers have dropped quite a bit. The new place serves a variety of meals, and I just offer one choice for dinner and one for supper. I don’t think I can manage adding more, and I can’t afford to hire anyone to help.”

Her situation had been perfect. Ginny worked for room and board. The cash she made came from Amos, which now meant there’d be nothing available to pay for the doctor, clothes, or the house she hoped to buy someday.

“There must be some way to make the change. I’d be happy to help you add more menu items until I find another job.”

“Let me think about it.”

Ginny sat forward and set her arms on the table. “I met the owner tonight.”

Suzanne cocked an eyebrow. “Of the Dixie Saloon?”

“Yes. Have you met him?”

“I heard the owner hadn’t come to town. There’s a manager who arrived before the saloon opened. Tall, wears a black hat, has an eye patch. A little rough-looking.”

Ginny smiled at the description. “That’s him. His name is Nicholas Barnett. When I asked about the saloon’s name, he said his partner is from the South.”

Suzanne thought over this information. Being from the South would leave out Tolbert as a partner, or anyone else she would have guessed. “How did you meet him?”

Ginny stroked Mary’s hair as her sister placed her arms on the table and lowered her head. She glanced up at Suzanne, still a little embarrassed at being caught peering into the Dixie. “I heard the music from their piano as I left the Rose and decided to look through one of the windows. The saloon was full, not even any space at the bar. I didn’t hear him come up behind me.”

“So tell me what you thought of him.”

“I’m not sure, we didn’t talk too long. He seemed curious about me, although he already knew my name and that I worked for Amos.” Ginny thought a moment, trying to decide her feelings about the man. “He’s somewhat intimidating.”

“I saw him in the bank, meeting with Horace Clausen, but didn’t actually meet him. He appeared to be about the same age as King Tolbert.”

“You may be right.” Ginny stifled a yawn. She hadn’t realized how exhausted she felt. “I’d better put Mary to bed.”

“Goodnight, Ginny.” Suzanne poured another cup of coffee, not yet ready for sleep, even though her body protested the long hours. Over the years, since her husband and daughter died in a massive snowstorm, she found peace could only be achieved by working long hours. She pushed herself until exhaustion took over, leaving little time for the nightmares. Besides the boardinghouse, her one other solace had come from Ginny and Mary.

For a while, between the time Abigail Tolbert’s mother died and King sent her away to school, he’d allow his daughter to visit Suzanne in her kitchen. Abby’s departure to the school back east had created another void in her life. With Ginny losing her job at the Wild Rose, something told Suzanne she should begin emotionally preparing for another change.

Chapter Fourteen

“I’m afraid she’s not improving. At least not enough to resume her duties at the ranch.” Uncle Charles sat in the kitchen with Rachel and Hank after examining Bernice. As always, the doctor had presented a positive front to his patient, although he saw the doubt in her eyes. The illness had taken a tremendous toll on the older woman.

Rachel filled cups with coffee and took a seat. She’d been afraid of this ever since his last visit. At least Bernice hadn’t gotten any worse.

“Is there anything more I can do?” Hank asked, wrapping both of his calloused hands around the warm cup.

“You’re doing all you can. I’ve no doubt she’ll improve given time and rest. I just don’t believe she’ll ever be able to handle the same workload as before.” He looked at Rachel. “I’d suggest you start looking for a replacement, unless you plan to handle all the duties here, as well as your work at the clinic.”

“Dax and I have discussed it, and decided to try and find someone from town. Are you aware of anyone who may be looking?”

“Well, now, I did hear a rumor that Amos had to let Ginny go.”

Rachel’s eyes widened at the news. “Did Ginny tell you that?”

“No. I had breakfast at the boardinghouse before coming out here. Suzanne mentioned it.”

“She’d be perfect, except I know Ginny trades her work at the boardinghouse for room and meals. I doubt Suzanne would want to let her go.”

“I think it would be wise for you to speak with Suzanne. From what I gather, the new restaurant has cut into her breakfast and dinner business, even though her rooms are filled most nights. The boarders eat there, but many of her regular customers are switching between her and the new place. Having another room available might help her out.”

Rachel’s mind raced at the news. Ginny would be ideal, except for one factor…Luke.

“I’ll speak with Dax tonight, and if he agrees, I’ll talk to Suzanne right away. I don’t want to approach Ginny until I know Suzanne can afford to lose her.”

“I think you may be making too much of it, Dax. Why would Luke object to Ginny taking over Bernice’s job? She’s a hard worker, and according to Suzanne, a good cook.” Rachel couldn’t believe her husband’s negative reaction on approaching Ginny. Everyone knew how much Amos appreciated having her at the Rose and what a good job she did for Suzanne.

“I’m telling you, Luke will have stronger objections than what you’re hearing from me.” Dax thought the idea of hiring Ginny both perfect and insane. He turned to Hank, who’d been listening to him and Rachel going back and forth on the idea. “What do you think?”

“Well, I don’t know Ginny, so it’s hard to answer. From what I’ve heard, she’d do a good job, and I believe she and Bernice would get along just fine. Of course, Luke did have powerful objections to bringing your friends to his new house, Rachel. I doubt his thoughts have changed.”

“Yes, but I asked about visiting his
home
, not about her working here at the ranch. Besides, he’s the one who said we should hire the person we think best. He said it should be our decision since he no longer lives here.” She refused to back down, her instincts shouting she’d found the perfect solution to their problem. She focused her attention on Dax. “He’ll only be around her if he stops by for supper—”

“And when we meet in the study, and when he stops by in the mornings or during the day, and—”

“Fine. I understand you believe Luke wants nothing to do with her, and perhaps you’re right. My concern is finding someone who can handle all Bernice’s work and is used to sharing space in a busy house.” She pushed an errant strand of hair from her face, then crossed her arms. “Do either of you have a better suggestion?”

“Isn’t there anyone older who’d be interested? Someone who won’t turn the men’s heads?” Dax asked.

Rachel dropped her hands to her sides and lowered herself into a nearby chair. “I don’t know. Perhaps. Do you honestly believe Ginny’s presence here will disrupt the work?”

Dax stood, then walked over to sit next to Rachel, taking her hand in his. “It’s Luke I’m concerned about. I’ve never known him to intentionally put distance between himself and a woman, which he’s doing with Ginny. It tells me he either can’t stand her, or he’s fighting how he feels about her. Which do you think it is?”

“From the few times I’ve seen them together, it’s obvious he’s quite attracted to her. At the same time, he’s made it clear he has no intention of following up on his feelings. If that’s his decision, he should have no problem with her being here.”

Dax pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger, accepting he’d already lost the battle. “If you believe this is the best solution, I won’t try to stop you. Talk with Suzanne and also with the reverend’s wife. Everyone seems to confide in Ruth Paige. Maybe she’ll have some suggestions.”

Rachel flung her arms around Dax’s neck. “Thank you.”

“Keep in mind, you’ll be the one doing the explaining to Luke.”

She dropped her arms, her mouth tilting into a smile. “Why, General, I never thought of you as a coward.”

“Hell yes, I’m a coward when it comes to what you’re proposing. Remember, I’ve been on the receiving end of Luke’s anger and I don’t recommend it.”

Rachel couldn’t contain a chuckle, picturing two of the most stubborn men she knew going head-to-head. “Fine, just send him to me and I’ll battle it out with him.” She turned toward the door.

“Where are you going?”

“To town, of course. I don’t want to miss an opportunity.”

“These are wonderful ideas, Ginny. Preparing one soup and adding a second meat dish each night will give my customers as many choices for dinner and supper as the new place. I’m so glad you persuaded me to listen to you.” Suzanne read over the list Ginny prepared once more, adding her own notes.

“Badgered, you mean.” She’d finished the last breakfast plate and stacked it with the others. “You were smart to build the root cellar.”

“Each time it snows, I pack as much ice as possible in buckets and carry down chunks of ice from the frozen stream. A few of the boys come by after school and help out. I pay them what I can, but they usually just want a slice of pie. In the summer, I can’t keep meat for more than a few days without salting it, even though it stays cool down there.”