“A ranch. Out on Silverton Road.”
Jack frowned. “The old Weatherby place? He didn’t die, did he?”
“No,” Muriel said. “Finally decided to give it up and go live near the kids.”
“I didn’t know it was even available,” Jack observed.
“I don’t think it was. I’ve been working with a Realtor for a few years now, looking for property. I think she went visiting, telling people she might have a buyer if it was the right place. And this was the right place. Did you know him?”
“Nah,” Jack said, giving the counter a wipe. “He was an old-timer when I got here a few years ago. He’d already sold off most of his stock, kept a couple of horses, couple of dogs and a nice garden. He was already retired. I met him a couple of times in the bar. Had a slew of kids and none of ’em stayed around.” He laughed. “You know—you make it your life’s dream to get your kids a big education and, in the end, no one wants the ranch.” He glanced at the tittering women. “Madge and Beatrice,” he explained. “They are all stirred up. Newcomers rate some attention around here.”
“I suppose that’s the case,” she said.
“Doesn’t that Weatherby place need some work?” he asked.
“Some serious restoration,” she said, sipping her soda. “But it’s solid, has a good barn and corral, and there’s a guesthouse. What was Weatherby doing with a guesthouse?”
“As I understand it, his late wife used to like to paint, so she built herself a studio. After she died, a long while back, he turned it into a little apartment he could rent out to ranch hands or loggers. Sort of a bunkhouse.”
“Oh, that explains it,” she said.
“Explains what, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“It’s a good little room with a lot of windows. But it was filthy. Like it was rented to men and not cleaned in between.” She sipped her cola. “The Realtor got a crew to clean it up real nice. I gave it a coat of paint, decorated it in a small way, bought a big area rug and can live in it while I work on the bigger house.”
“You looking for a contractor?” he asked.
“Not yet. I’m sure I’ll need some help, but I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time and I want to do most of the work myself. I mean, I’m not crazy—I’ll need help if I ever have to wire, plumb, lay flooring or put on a roof. But I’m hell with a paintbrush. And, believe it or not, I’ve mastered seamless wallpaper.”
“What about cabinets, countertops, tile, wallboard, et cetera?”
“I’m very handy. I plan to restore it, not upgrade it. It’s got a lot of spirit. Some women do needlepoint, some sand and varnish.”
That got a big laugh out of Jack. Right at that moment, Mel came in with David on her hip and her big belly preceding her through the door. He lifted his chin in greeting, but before Mel could make it to the bar, she was summoned over to Madge and Beatrice, who leaned their heads together and spoke intently, glancing at Jack and the woman, eyes round.
Muriel glanced at the woman and baby; no doubt about it, that would be the classy blonde who married Jack. She smiled.
Mel passed the baby over the bar to her husband, gave him a little kiss and then grinned at Muriel. She put out her hand. “Muriel St. Claire,” she said. “Hi. I’m Mel Sheridan. How exciting.”
Muriel took her hand. “How do you do. I guess you know this guy.”
“Know him real well, actually.” Mel laughed. “You have those women over there in a fluster. They can’t believe it’s really you.”
“Oh, it’s really me. I just moved here.”
“Summer place?” Mel asked.
Muriel shook her head. “Retirement place. Permanent.”
“Really?” Mel asked, lifting a brow. “An early retirement?”
“Hardly.” Muriel laughed. “I’m so ready for a change of pace. Jesus, I’ve been making movies for forty years!”
“Okay, wait a second here,” Jack said. “I’m totally lost.”
“Of course you are, Jack. Muriel St. Claire is an actress, very famous, and has been since she was about…”
“Fifteen,” Muriel supplied.
Jack did the math. “You’re fifty-five?” he asked, his eyebrows shooting up. “Wow.”
“Good maintenance,” she said, brushing off the compliment. “I’m fifty-six and sick of acting. Well, not acting so much as the lifestyle that goes with it. I’ve been shopping for a ranch for a few years now. My parents lived in these mountains many, many years ago. I have a couple of horses and can’t wait for delivery on a couple of dogs. I have a chocolate Lab being trained in Kentucky—she’s a beauty. And a Lab puppy coming in a couple of weeks. Both hunters, I hope.”