Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five
Eris
When they found Master Lucas later, and by extension, Georgie and Sadie, Eris couldn’t wait for Gabriel to share the idea. She kind of blurted it out as soon as they found the trio, and all eyes turned toward her.
“I think I can help you with the maze!”
She pressed a hand to her mouth immediately after, shooting Gabriel an embarrassed look. Master Lucas looked curious, but Sadie was the one who spoke up.
“Help with the maze?” she asked, popping up from her spot on the floor.
Eris couldn’t quite see what the two Littles were up to, but she almost thought it looked like they were building a puzzle.
Georgie still covered most of what they were in the middle of, her curious eyes turning to follow Sadie. “Oh, Master Derek would love that!”
Blinking, Eris looked between the group, heat flooding her cheeks.
“Well, I, um, I thought I should check in first with you, Master Lucas, and see if you needed help. Not that you aren’t doing a great job.
The maze is amazing. But you said it’s a lot of work with all the Virginia Creepers and maintaining the space, plus adding in additions would be a lot of work on top of work and you said flowers aren’t your thing necessarily. Or, uh, maybe Gabriel said that—”
“Eris,” Gabriel interrupted, smoothing a hand down her spine. It calmed some of her nerves, and she couldn’t believe how jittery she was giving her hairbrained idea to the head landscaper.
“Deep breaths.”
She paused, composing herself as the trio watched, and Sadie gave her an encouraging smile and thumbs up before she continued.
“I am… planning to make a move to Montana. Nearby. I’m going to be living nearby.
And I love plants and I studied agriculture so I’m not a total novice but I have tons to learn.
And if maintaining the maze is a burden for you, maybe I could help?
Not exclusively of course, but somehow. Even with some maintenance and upkeep.
I don’t think I would be needed all day or all the time but… ”
Her voice trailed off, uncertainty returning, and she noticed Sadie turn and scramble off.
They were in the main lodge again, down the hall from the check-in area and Master Derek’s office.
Originally, they’d planned to look for Lucas first, per Eris’ request. She thought maybe if she spoke to the head landscaper first it wouldn’t sound so much like she was trying to encroach on his job.
There were other landscapers too around the property, but right now, Eris could only draw a blank on any of their names.
Master Lucas studied the two of them, stroking his jaw.
“Well, the adult play areas are kind of new. It’s mostly a free-play area.
Until now there hasn’t been a ton set up out there.
The maze is mostly natural, following the growth patterns between the trees and leading to the hedges.
Over time it will definitely be more work, and as more people use it, checking to ensure everything is safe would be a good idea. ”
Eris didn’t turn when she heard footsteps, too excited that she had someone agreeing with her view of things.
Sure, Gabriel agreed, but Gabriel also wanted her to stay in Montana.
“That’s what I was thinking! And I’m sure the other landscapers around here are already assigned areas, so then it wouldn’t create extra work for anyone. ”
Gabriel shifted as Master Lucas nodded, smiling before pointing over her shoulder. Finally, Eris turned too.
And there was Master Derek grinning at them, his arm wrapped around Sadie who looked like she might explode with joy. When he spoke, Eris almost thought she heard a note of pride in his voice. “So, Eris, you’re looking to become a permanent part of Rawhide Ranch?”