Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 57350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Bianca stared at him. “And?”
Clancy smiled thinly. “I thought we were maintaining professional standards here.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Well, I am. However, rumor has it you pretty much tried to blackmail the Willoughbys into giving up their house. That’s not how we work, Clancy.” She was definitely going to tell Randi about it.
Clancy rolled his eyes. “You’re criticizing me? Disappearing overnight in a town where we’re trying to build relationships doesn’t exactly scream responsible location manager.”
Ewan cleared his throat quietly. “Clancy.”
But Clancy kept going. “You know how fragile these small-town negotiations can be. People talk. Appearances matter.”
Bianca controlled her temper. “Clancy, if you’re worried I ran off and burned down the town’s reputation overnight, relax. I had an unexpected situation after scouting locations. It’s handled.”
His eyes narrowed. “Handled how?”
“That’s none of your business.”
Ewan choked softly on his coffee.
Clancy eased back again, studying her. “You look tired.”
Bianca took a slow breath. “Your concern is touching.”
Before he could respond, the door of the café opened behind them with a cheerful jingle.
Bianca glanced over automatically.
Maggie Willoughby stepped inside, brushing windblown hair away from her face as she looked around the café. She spotted Bianca immediately and walked toward their table.
Bianca smiled. “Maggie. It’s good to see you.”
Maggie reached them and offered a tentative smile. “Hi,” she said. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Not at all,” Bianca replied, standing. “You’ve met Clancy, and this is Ewan. Ewan, please meet Maggie.”
Ewan rose politely and shook Maggie’s hand.
Clancy remained seated, offering a curt nod.
“The ranch owner,” Bianca added.
Maggie clasped her hands together. “I wanted to let you know that I’m still working on my husband about the ranch, and I’m close to convincing him. We really need that additional fifty grand.”
Bianca chuckled. “Good, just let me know.” She could already tell that Maggie was in. Her mind calculated scenarios. “Also, how about the land near the mountain that you told me about? We could use some nature shots, especially if there are horses.”
Maggie tapped her bottom lip. “That would probably be fine. Are you sweetening the pot?”
Bianca laughed. “Absolutely. We could add five thousand to the total for that. Maybe ten, but I’d have to check.”
“That would be so awesome.” Maggie patted her arm. “Thank you. I’ll get back to you today with hopefully good news.” She held out her phone, and Bianca tipped hers with it, both of them accepting the new contacts.
“We’ll have some fun.” Bianca couldn’t wait to plan new flowers around the woman’s house.
Maggie grinned. “I’ll see you later.” She turned and walked to the counter.
Clancy’s mouth tightened. “That wasn’t a guarantee, and the crew is arriving soon.”
Ewan’s eyebrows lifted. “Give her a break. That was a yes, if I’ve ever heard one. Start drawing up the contracts.” He read over his laptop. “I already have the one for what everyone is calling the old Samuelson place. It’s perfect for the crew trailers and equipment, and it’s outside of town, so nobody will get in the way. A guy named Boyd has already signed.”
“Good job.” Bianca paused as the waitress bopped up. She ordered a latte and avocado toast before returning to the subject. “We are almost in place.”
Clancy blew out air. “All right. Email me the information about the Willoughbys and I’ll draft a contract. I think they’re gonna sign.”
“I’ll do that today,” Bianca said. She needed to start planning Maggie’s garden but wanted more time at the place to really look around.
Ewan sighed. “The crew gets here in less than a week. We need those contracts in place.”
“They will be,” Clancy said, finishing his bagel. He glanced at his watch. “Bianca, are you still heading down to the Texas site next week?”
Bianca shook her head. “No.”
Clancy looked up sharply. “Why not? As soon as those contracts are signed, we’re good to go. You’re needed on the next scout if this new company is going to make any money.”
“I want to stay here and stage a few places better.” She could probably leave after that, although she didn’t want to. But she needed to be a grown-up. “I also want to scout a few more outside areas like the river and mountain backdrops.” Were those just excuses to stay? Yep.
Clancy looked annoyed again. “So you’re staying.”
“Yes.” Bianca looked up gratefully as the waitress brought over her latte. Thank goodness. She reached for it and took a deep drink.
Outside the window, a truck rolled past the café. For a second her chest tightened. Adam’s truck looked exactly like that one. She stared into her coffee instead. She really liked him, and that complicated everything. Adam belonged in the town and obviously wanted to set down roots. She liked to travel. Sure, she wanted to plant gardens, but she wanted to create them all over, especially on movie shoots.
She’d inherited her mother’s travel gene, and there wasn’t any way to change that.