“All right, fine,” he conceded. “I’ll be knocking on your door in a week. One week, Ry.”
“Not a moment sooner,” I told him as he pushed off the seat beside me and sauntered back over the stacked redhead with the hungry green eyes and blonde with the pouty lips and barely there dress.
I stood soon after, grabbed a bottle whiskey from the table and left the backstage area and the concert venue, sparing one final, wistful glance at the perfect send-off. Without a word to my brothers, I made my way back to the hotel and slept peacefully, knowing it would be the last hotel bed I slept in for months.
Chapter 4
Pippa
“The first thing on my list is to find a job.” It felt ridiculous, no, it felt pathetic to be starting over at forty years old, but this was my reality and I was determined to make the best of it. “A restaurant job would be ideal, but at this point I need to start earning some money.”
Valona’s big sage green eyes narrowed in confusion. “I thought you just got your severance pay and a big fat settlement.”
“I have it and it’s going in the bank today, well as soon as I have an actual address. But I can’t live off that money forever, Val.” As far as I could tell, there still weren’t many restaurants in Carson Creek. It had given us the perfect excuse to make the hour long drive into Nashville every weekend as teens. “I was hoping to stay here, but if that’s not possible, there’s no point searching for a house.”
“There is an option, but I’m not sure if you’re gonna like it.” Valona’s face was etched with worry.
“I’m listening. Tell me everything.”
Valona nodded and got up from the kitchen table, her long legs taking a direct path to the coffee pot which she brought back to the table. “There’s a property on Mulligrew Drive called The Old Country House.”
“That overgrown eyesore on the dead end street?” That place had served as fodder for our childhood imaginations, and then a semi-secret place where we could drink and kiss boys when we shouldn’t have been.
“That’s the one. It’s no longer overgrown or an eyesore. Margot bought it and turned it into a whole events complex.”
“Like a wedding venue?” I shook my head. “I don’t want to oversee caterers, Val. Is that even a job?”
She smiled and shook her head. “This is much bigger than that. Margot owns the land and the gorgeous plantation house the property is named for, so she gets a cut of everything. Carlotta Montgomery is the event planner. She specializes in weddings, but she does it all from debutante balls to bar mitzvah parties, bachelor parties and even divorce parties. I take photos for the events, usually on the property, but sometimes the couples want engagement photos and when I find studio space, I’ll do them there when the situation calls for it.” She smiled proudly, and it was downright contagious.
“That’s great, Val! It’s like guaranteed business for your new business.”
“Thanks,” she answered shyly, a small blush staining her cheeks. “Anyway, there’s a restaurant on the property that’s open to the public, but will also be used for events. The place is new and in search of a manager.”
That was music to my ears and I felt excitement pulse through my veins. “Seriously?”
Valona nodded.
“Way to bury the lead, woman!” I reached for my phone at the end of the table. “What’s the name of this place.” Valona was silent and I looked up with a question in my eyes. “Well?”
She nibbled her bottom lip before pushing the words from her mouth. “It’s called Dark Horse.”
“Cool name. Is it some type of saloon? Never mind, found it.” The photos of the place were spectacular, decorated in dark wood and burgundy leather. “It’s fine dining?”
“It is, with a bit of a rustic flair.”
My leg started to bounce excitedly. “Val, if I get this job then I can stay here in town, spend more time with you and the girls.” What are the odds that a fine dining restaurant would open up in small town Tennessee just as I was looking for a job in fine dining? “It’s kismet,” I declared and stood up. “I have to go there. Right now. Is this a situation where you have to know the right people?”
“As far as I know you can show up with your resume. But Pippa, there’s something you should know.”
“I have to find something to wear. Something that looks like I’m a pro, but that I can fit in with the people of Carson Creek.”
Valona laughed. “You are the people of Carson Creek, Pippa Carson.”
“You know what I mean. I haven’t lived here in a long time and some might consider me too citified.” I stopped in the doorway and waved Valona along. “Come help me pick out something to wear. Please?”