Kayla
The city of Dallas grows smaller and smaller in my rearview mirror and I have no idea what to expect as I head toward the tiny town of Rock Springs, Texas.
I grew up in the city. My parents started a new multi-billion dollar company and as an only child, it was drilled into me that I would take over someday.
That someday was four months ago when my dad stepped down as CEO and became a board member, and I stepped up as CEO. I know many of the guys think I'm only in the position because of my dad, which is why I work twice as hard to prove to them I deserve to be there. But I know they’re all waiting for me to fail.
Like my dad, I trust my gut and it's never let me down. I went all out in my presentation to the Board when I pitched the idea to franchise the little honky-tonk in the town of Rock Springs where an award-winning chef works. Surprisingly, the Board gave me the go-ahead. They want to see what happens.
Translation? They don't think it was a good idea and want to see me fall on my face.
"Take the next exit and turn right on County Road..."
My GPS informs me I'm finally at my exit and I move to the right side of the highway.
But Rock Springs isn't even listed on the exit sign. In Texas, that means the town is too tiny to even mention. Great.
After I take the exit, I start practicing my pitch for the owners. I know this is a good idea and I intend to prove the Board wrong. I can't let my first big acquisition as CEO be a flop. Even more importantly, I can’t let my parents down. They’ve always done so much for me.
They’re the kind of parents who, while running a huge company, were still at every ballet practice and performance. No matter what they had going on, they were always there and didn't miss a thing. They still managed to build this company together, and I won't let them down.
After miles and miles of cows and horses, I finally see signs of life, and the welcome sign lets me know I'm in the right place.
Welcome to Rock Springs, Texas.
Making the turn on Main Street, I slow down to take in the tiny town. There’s a sign for a B&B on my right, and up ahead is WJ’s where I’ll be having my meeting. It’s currently closed, and they have no idea I'm coming.
On my right is a small cafe which seems to be bustling with the entire population of the small town. I grab a parking spot and head inside to grab some coffee and kill time. I pull out my phone to check if I have service here, and the next thing I know a solid hunk of muscle barrels into me.
Before I even look up into his face, I know he's a cowboy because of the cowboy boots and Wranglers he’s wearing. If we were In Dallas, I'd tell him to watch where he was going and keep on walking. But I've done enough research to know that everyone in this town knows everyone, and I don't want to piss people off before I have Jason and Nick's signature.
So, pasting on a smile, I look up at the gentleman in front of me.
"You should get yourself a pair of boots. You’ll break an ankle around here in those things," he says, nodding to my heels.
"Thanks, but I'm just in town to talk to the owners of WJ's." I point across the street. "Any idea when it opens?"
"Anytime now. Jason's wife cuts hair at the beauty salon. He likes to come in early with her so he might be down there," he says, pointing down the street behind me. "I'm happy to tell him you’re looking for him, Miss…?"
"Kayla," I say, offering nothing more. My surname will reveal too much. It’s better I’m only known as Ms. Bartrum right now.
"Well, the diner here has some good food while you’re waiting,” he suggests.
I shake my head as I look through the window next to us. "Thanks, but I’m here on business."
The diner is like something out of a movie. Everyone has turned in their chairs, not even trying to hide their curiosity as they watch us through the big picture window.
"Okay, city girl, you be careful." The man tips his hat at me and walks over to his truck.
Something about our interaction feels... off. Different. Like there’s something I’m missing that I can't quite put my finger on. When he reaches his truck, he turns to look back at me and our eyes lock for just a moment before he nods at me and climbs behind the wheel.
Shaking it off, I take a deep breath and head into the diner. I’m greeted by silence and everyone is openly staring at me. The customers are all dressed in jeans, cowboy hats, and dusty boots, so I stick out like a sore thumb in my pencil skirt, heels, and silk blouse.
"Can I help you?" The woman behind the counter asks in a slow, southern Texan drawl.
"Umm, yes, a large coffee to go, please," I reply, walking over to the counter.
As I pay for my coffee, she turns to fill my order. "What brings you to Rock Springs?" she asks, and I can see everyone in the entire place watching intently.