Love In The Wild West

“It would be,” said Kurt nodding slowly. “So what do you suggest we offer?”

“I think you should get some new horses and offer your guests the chance to ride,” said Lila. “This would be something new and exciting for them. And you know what else would be really great? A cattle roundup.”

“A cattle roundup?” asked Kurt. “Wouldn’t that be a bit too strenuous for these guests? I would not want them to think that they are being forced to work hard when all they want to do is just sit back and relax.”

“That is what they can do,” said Lila, “if that is what they want. I am not saying that you should force these guests to do anything. Just offer it to them, see how many people agree to it. Start off small like with horse riding lessons. The people that came here were attracted by the ranch and cowboy theme, they must have been, because that was the main pitch of this place after all. If you work at it, you might be able to offer these people something that they have never seen before, and that will really be worth the effort that you put into this.”

“You know what?” said Kurt. “You are absolutely right! I am going to get some new horses tomorrow and have them here the same day. We are going to go riding, and everyone is going to come! I am sure that a lot of people would be interested in it. After all, it’s an interesting thing, it’s different from the same old lounge and relax vibe that all of these other hotels offer.”

“Exactly,” said Lila.

The bartender came up to them and asked them what they would like to drink. Lila ordered herself a whiskey on the rocks and Kurt did the same.

“That is impressive,” said Kurt. “Most women I know drink wine, and a choice few drink beer. I have never known a woman that wanted to down a nice bourbon like a real cowboy.”

Lila laughed as she sipped at her drink, saying, “I am not trying to be different or anything, I just prefer bourbon to other drinks. It was the first thing I ever drank, if you would believe it.”

“Wow,” said Kurt. “You really are something, Lila.”

Lila was glad that she was black because it meant that Kurt would not be able to see the blush that crept up across her face. He was such an incredibly handsome man, Lila had honestly never felt this way about anybody before. She had been attracted to men before, but there was something really different about Kurt. There was an earnestness to him, something that was undefinable. She was not used to being in front of somebody that was so genuinely interested in what other people had to offer, that was so genuinely intrigued by the idea that there was something that everyone could contribute to a conversation. Lila wanted to help him get his ranch back together. She wanted to help him make sure that everything he did worked out in the end, because she believed that he had something good here.

They drank for a few hours and then Kurt had to leave. He had come to this particular ranch so that he could check the books and talk to his accountants. It was late and he had to get back home, but he promised Lila that he would bring the horses tomorrow. They exchanged numbers and parted ways for the night.

Lila strolled back to her room, feeling very content all of a sudden. She had spoken to the owner of this hotel and he had agreed with her that this place was not all that it could be. He agreed with her that there was a lot of room for improvement, and that meant that there was something or the other that could be done about the whole situation.

She entered her room to be greeted by Louise’s snores. Lila showered and got under her quilt. She felt extremely comfortable, and the alcohol that she had consumed was loosening up her body a great deal. She wondered what tomorrow would bring. She had started this day excited, had gotten disappointed and was now ending the day on a hopeful note. It had been a good day, because it started well and ended well, and that was all that mattered.

As Lila drifted off to sleep, she could not help but think of Kurt. He was so handsome it was ridiculous, and she really felt like he was a good man. She had noticed him staring at her a certain way, she had noticed the glint of attraction in his eyes. She was glad that she had met him in this moment and that she would be able to meet him again tomorrow. Now that she had met Kurt, there was so much that she could start doing. She had something to look forward to, something that would make her week long stay here something quite enjoyable.

It was Lila’s birthday week, and it had started off quite well indeed. She looked forward to all of the exciting things that she would be able to do over the course of it, and as she drifted off to sleep she wondered what tomorrow would bring. If the last couple of days were any indication, the days to come would bring no small number of surprises.

And she looked forward to them. Lila looked forward to each and every one of these surprises.