Chapter 24 – Ainsleigh
twenty-four
AINSLEIGH
Ihated Monday mornings.
After morning chores, Gentry had me set me up in the store today to take inventory and stock the shelves. I’d finished my tasks by lunch and decided it was now or never to have the talk with my dad.
I told the other two staff members I was headed out for lunch and made my way over to my dad’s office.
I opened the door to find Loretta who greeted me with a smile.
“Good afternoon, Ainsleigh. How’s your Monday been so far?”
“It’s been good. How about yours?” I asked as I made my way over to her desk and gave her a hug.
“It’s been good so far. Are you ready to take my place?”
I turned my head to the side and gave her a questioning glance.
Loretta had been with our family for as long as I could remember. She’d always joked about retiring, but my dad just laughed her off.
“I put in my notice this morning. It’s time for this old gal to enjoy her grandbabies,” Loretta admitted with the biggest smile on her face.
“You’re really going through with it?” I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that we wouldn’t see her smiling face anymore.
“It’s time. We want to travel and make more memories before we’re too old to do so.”
If anyone deserved to do those things it was Loretta and her husband.
Tears filled my eyes as I congratulated her.
“When’s your last day?” I managed to choke out.
“Four weeks. I wanted to give you or my replacement plenty of time to catch up before I clocked out for the last time.”
Could I fill Loretta’s shoes?
“I can’t believe you’re leaving. But you deserve it. Is my dad in his office?”
“I mean it this time even if your dad can’t accept it. Yes, he’s in his office. You can head on back,” she said as she picked up her lunch bag and headed to the small break room.
I knocked on my dad’s office door and waited for him to respond before I entered.
“Come in.”
I opened the door and walked through. My dad sat behind his oak desk staring at something on the computer monitor.
“Hey there, Daddy,” I said as I shut the door behind me.
I walked over to his desk and sat in one of the leather chairs in front of his desk.
“Hey there, baby girl. What does this old man owe the pleasure of your visit on this beautiful Monday afternoon?” he asked with a smile as he turned to face me, whatever he was focused on long forgotten as he gave me his undivided attention.
“I wanted to talk to you about my plans and let you know I’m staying in Texas. After spending the past few days with everyone, I realized I’ve missed so much, and I don’t want to miss anymore.”
“You have no idea how happy you just made your old man. Did Loretta tell you she’s retiring?”
“She did. I’m shocked you’ve accepted it.” I didn’t withhold my laughter.
“She gave me no choice. Trust me, I don’t want to, but she deserves to spend time with her grandchildren.” He paused for a second and said, “I thought you’d be perfect to take her place.”
His confidence that I could fill her shoes filled my heart with joy. But I was nervous.
“What if I mess it all up and cause the ranch to fail?”
I couldn’t be the reason something horrible happened and the ranch failed because of me. Not when my dad had put so much blood, sweat, and tears into building the ranch into what it was today.
“Do you think I’ve not made mistakes along the way?”
Never. Not my daddy.
I shook my head.
“I’ve made plenty. You know what I did when something failed?”
“What’s that?”
“I fixed it. And if it couldn’t be fixed, I pivoted.
You know this ranch just as well as I do.
And we need a fresh set of eyes around here.
A younger person to give us the edge we need to gain even more reservations.
I’ll give you a few days to think it through.
I can’t wait any longer than that because I need someone in Loretta’s place and training, so they are ready to go when she leaves,” he said as he stood.
He walked around his desk and pulled me into his arms.
“You can do anything you set your mind to, baby girl. I have all the faith you’re exactly what we need.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Now get your butt outta here and get something to eat. I’m meeting your mama for lunch.”
I grinned at the thought that my mama was waiting for him with a home-cooked meal to eat lunch with the love of her life.
We walked out of his office together.
I stared at Loretta’s desk as my thoughts began to wander to the possibilities of how I could take Courtright Ranch to the next level.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket and checked the social media pages and website for the ranch.
We had all the socials we needed and the website was okay, but it all needed a makeover and more consistent posting.
The posts could also use more branded images that fit the business for a more cohesive look.
My thoughts ran rampant at the possibilities and how I could better the business with just a few hours of dedication a week.
A notification popped up from one of the companies that I’d applied to in Virginia.
I gave my phone a questioning glance as I closed the social media pages and opened the email.
Dear Ms. Courtright,
I’m writing to you in regard to your interest in the marketing position at Lundry Media.
While you interviewed with our Virginia office, a position has opened in our corporate office located in Austin, TX.
I noticed on your resume that you’re originally from Texas, and was wondering if you’d be interested in interviewing for this position.
Please respond via email and let me know if you’re available to interview on June 4th at 2:30PM.
Best,
Delilah West
Executive Assistant to Sampson Lundry
This was totally unexpected. And this position was in Texas where I wanted to stay.
I responded back to the email and confirmed the date and time for the interview and immediately texted in the group chat I had with Aspen and Dylan to tell them the good news.
Ainsleigh: I have an interview with a marketing firm next week.
Aspen: OMG that’s amazing. Where’s it located?
That was her subtle way of asking if it was in Virginia or my home state.
Ainsleigh: It’s here in Texas. I applied to this company before we graduated college, just at the Virginia office. They loved my resume and a position opened in their corporate office.
Dylan: Heck yeah. I’m so happy for you. You’re going to knock it out of the park.
Ainsleigh: Thank y’all. I’m nervous.
Aspen: Don’t be. You’re going to nail it. I just know it. Did you tell anyone else?
Ainsleigh: I just found out. I haven’t had a chance to.
Dylan: That’s understandable. But remember secrets have a way of revealing themselves. What about working on the ranch?
Ainsleigh: Yeah, I know, but I’ll figure it out. Loretta’s retiring, and her position is mine if I want it. I should tell my dad soon because if I don’t take it he needs to start interviewing candidates. I just don’t know if I want my identity to only be a Courtright, if that makes sense.
I loved my family and everything about the ranch, but there was nothing wrong with seeing what else was out there. The world was filled with endless possibilities, and I wanted to make sure I chose the right one for me.
Aspen: You’ll figure it out, and whatever you choose you’re going to be amazing.
That’s one of the reasons I loved her. She always gave the best encouraging advice.
Ainsleigh: Gotta get back to work. Love y’all.
Everything was looking up.
With a pep in my step, I set off to finish my lunch break and get back to work. I had an interview to prepare for and a decision to give my daddy. It felt good to have options.