“I asked why you were trying and not doing,” JC blandly asked while he moved his plate to tackle a heaping portion of Claudette’s cobbler.
“Oh, well, um,” Jessie stumbled by his rather abrupt question, “I am doing. Your cousin, who is just so charming” she intoned sarcastically, “has helped me really tune up the house. Just trying to figure out what’s my marketing hook to draw in some business.”
“Ol’ Bette always had a houseful during the festival,” James added as he reached over for more rolls.
“I know,” Jessie said, “But I’d like to have some business year-round. So I’m looking for some packages to put together. Thing is, the more I think about it, I’m not sure how to draw in clientele without a lake nearby or attractions like museums, gourmet services or spas. And I don’t have any horses, and don’t want the responsibility of keeping livestock. I’m just not sure what anyone would do for more than a stay-over if they’re visiting relatives.”
The Turnbull boys just nodded and chewed while Kat patted her hand, “You’ll do just fine once you put your mind to it.”
Jessie sighed a bit, “That’s what I’ve been doing while you’ve been here. I mean, let’s face it, past breakfast I can’t cook like you or Claudette- so gourmet dining is out. I think Creekside is gorgeous, but it’s not a luxury spa destination… I don’t know. I thought I did, but I’m not so sure now.”
“Hmph,” JC muttered quietly under his breath.
Jessie was getting a bit perturbed by his demeanor and cut him a look out of the corner of her eyes. What is this guy’s problem?
She put on her best smile and took a sip of tea, “Sorry to talk shop at the dinner table Claudette.”
“Well I luuuuv it here,” Kaylie said as she topped her mashed potato mountain with a black eyed pea. She then proceeded to smash and start consuming her potatoes. “It’s tumms off fum.”
“Yeah!” said Kyle. “Cousin Jimmy said next time we was in town at the station he’d let me give a shout out to my peeps. But I told him I ate ‘em all at Easter.”
That got a smile out of JC. “Looks like you’ve underestimated Chancy,” he said to Jessie.
“Really?” Jessie half turned in her chair. “I adore this town, just how have I underestimated them?” She was about to get riled up with these monotone comments of his. Her tone made everyone at the table pause before their next bite.
“Well, as a local artist, I find it a bit insulting that you say there are no artistic attractions. Both Case and I are opening small showing rooms. And who better to teach you to cook or heck cook for you than these two women,” he waved down the table toward Claudette and Kat, “And as far as spa services, I don’t know of any experiences a resort might have that Carlene couldn’t bring out to your guests given the chance.” He put down his fork and wiped his mouth.
“And if you thought a little out of the box I’m sure there are plenty of farmers or ranchers around that could use the extra income for offering hayrides or riding on their property. You’ve got a goldmine right under your nose if you just pulled it out of your pre-packaged idea of what a business should be.”
“Well…I…um…” Jessie stuttered.
