Chapter 1
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.
"I have a meeting."
"It’s never a good thing when city folk show up in town. The last one wanted to do something with resort condos.”
“How do you know I’m a city girl?”
“The way you’re dressed. No one around here dresses like that.”
I cock an eyebrow at her.
"Maybe I dressed this way to purposely intimidate the other person?"
I know how this small-town works. The moment I’m out the door, everyone will be on their phones spreading the news, and I lose my upper hand. Tough. I don't like to lie, but it might be for the best.
"I have a meeting with a rancher outside of town. I'm just stopping for coffee to kill a bit of time."
"Mmm," she says, handing me my coffee, her tone letting me know she doesn't believe me.
"Thank you." I smile, and as I make my way out of the diner, I decide to have a bit of fun.
"When you all make your calls about me, be sure to mention that the shoes are Jimmy Choo, Give them the really juicy gossip." With that, I wink, then head out the door just as a truck pulls into WJ's parking lot.
Game time.
I get back in my car and check my makeup. It’s still in place. Then I drink some coffee and reapply my lipstick before backing out of my parking space and driving over to WJ's. As I park, a second truck pulls in right behind me and a guy gets out. I recognize the guy from my research. It’s Nick, the chef who won all the awards.
"We aren't open yet," he says, sounding mildly irritated as I step out of my car.
"I'm Kayla Bartrum. I’d like a moment to speak with you and Jason," I say holding out my hand.
Nick doesn't move. He just looks me up and down before nodding toward the door.
"It’s only a handshake. I promise, I’m friendly,” I smile.
"You’d better tread carefully. My wife would beat you down with those fancy Jimmy Choo’s if you touch me."
Damn, news travels fast here–faster than I was expecting. At least he holds the door open for me as he gestures for me to follow him inside.
This is the first time I've been inside WJ’s, but I've seen photos and videos of it online. Plus, earlier this month, I sent one of my employees to check the place out.
The place has an authentic Texan feel. There’s a stage for live music and a dance floor. Worn wooden planks line the walls bearing the brand marks of local ranches. Wooden tables and chairs fill the space, and there's also an outdoor seating area as well. When WJ’sthey started serving Nick's food, the place became more family-friendly and began to make a name for itself. Which is why I think it’s the perfect place to franchise out.
"Jason!" Nick calls as he enters the bar behind me.
The man standing at the bar–Jason, I assume–is huge. Behind him is an American flag made from red, white, and blue beer cans.
"Who's this?" Jason asks as I approach the bar with Nick.
"Kayla Bartrum," Nick replies, joining Jason behind the bar.
"We say no, so they send out some chick to seduce us? Save your time, sweetheart. We’re both very happily married and not interested in anything you have to offer."
I take a deep breath. I wish I could say this is the first time someone has had this reaction but I’m aware that many companies employ the tactic of sending the hot girl to stroke a male ego or two to secure a potential business deal.
"I'm insulted that you think my company would do that. I’m the CEO, and I can assure you this is not a method we employ. If a company has to stoop that low, they don't deserve your business." I say, keeping my chin held high.
Jason and Nick glance at each other before returning their gazes at me.
"Then, why are you here?" Jason asks.
He’s a bit taller than Nick, but they’re both in Wranglers, flannel shirts, and sporting a five o'clock shadow. You know, the cowboy uniform.
"I believe in this idea, so at least let me give you my spiel before you kick me out," I say, stalling them as they open their mouths.
"Fine. You can talk as we set up the bar,” Jason says.
I launch into my pitch, telling them how being a part of a franchise in Texas will benefit them. Nick will create all the signature recipes, and they’ll have control over designs, as well as being the face of the company, while we provide the financial backing and split the profits. I lay it all out, complete with graphs, predictions, and marketing.
They let me talk and look over it all, but the moment I'm done they don't hesitate. "Our answer is still no. I'm sorry you wasted your time today," Jason says. Nick nods his head in agreement.
I cock my head. These two are hard to read. Usually, something in my presentation catches a client's interest but they couldn’t have cared less.
"Can I ask what you don’t like about my proposal?" If I know their objections, I have something to work with.
"We’re small town folks,” Nick says. “I could work in any restaurant in Dallas, but I stay here because of my family and the people."
"When I inherited this place it was just some hole in the wall,” Jason adds. “Yeah, I've expanded it but it's still WJ's Rocks Springs. You want to take the personality out of it and mass produce it. You want to take it from a mom and pop place to a major chain. Look around this town. There’s nothing here. No chains but the Dairy Queen."
"All this corporate stuff isn't for us. Let me walk you out," Nicks says.
"I'll take her. I need to go talk to Ella, anyway,” Jason says. “She and Megan will be wanting the gossip as soon as this one leaves town."
"Tell Ella to pass it on to her sister so she isn't hounding me all day, too," Nick smirks.
They must read my confusion as I'm packing up my papers.
"Nick is married to Megan, who’s my wife's sister," Jason says.
"Business partner and family. It really is like an old country song," I say as I turn to leave. "Thank you for your time. But I don't give up so easily."
"Don't suspect you do. It’ll take a lot more than you’ve come up with to win us over." Jason opens the door for me.
I walk across the dirt and gravel parking lot and turn to tell Jason I’ll talk to him soon when it all happens in slow motion.
As I turn, the rocks under my foot move, and my heel catches. When I try to steady myself with my other foot, it ends up in a small pothole and twists. I hear a snap and my legs give out.
Jason can't get to me fast enough and a searing pain hits my temple as I fall. Then the world goes black.
