Chapter 117
The two doormen sprang to life as soon as the limo pulled up and stopped in front of the impressive entrance to the Fairmont Palliser. A moment later two valets with rolling carts joined them. Amy took the doorman's hand and stood, immediately put on her hat, thanked the gentleman with a smile and waited for Erma, Sally and Meg to join her at the stairs while the valets and driver emptied their luggage onto the carts. This was Calgary in January, aside from the bulky coats, gloves and hats, they each had two bags and were packed for an Alberta winter in the foothills followed for most by a stop in Montana and Arizona.
.
The doormen had gone by them and were ready when they reached the top, doors open as the four walked through and stopped a few steps in to examine the huge lobby built as a welcoming showpiece for the city. Completed in 1914, the only existing luxury hotel from the era. It was ostensibly built to impress investors and management by and for the Canadian Pacific Railroad and to move past Banff when it became accepted that Calgary was quickly becoming the premier business location in the area.
The enormous 2 story lobby was impressive, white marble columns, with lush carpeting and seating areas highlighting the warm oak wainscoting. Amy led the crew to the front desk where a very proper young woman stood with a welcoming smile.
"Good morning and welcome to the Fairmont Palliser, how may I help you ?"
Amy returned the smile "Checking in please Rachel, Amy Fleming and party." She had her passports out and laid them on the marble counter along with her American Express card.
"Oh yes, here you are, the reservation is under Pegasus Holding and I see you're here to be pampered, you have the Penthouse Heritage Suite and 6 adjoining Fairmont Gold rooms. I also see you have spa reservations for lunch along with an afternoon of relaxation and dinner reservations for 7 PM at the Hawthorne, excellent. Let me get your key cards and one of the bell staff will show you upstairs where you'll be met with your luggage."
Each of Amy's companions placed their passports along with Amy's and received them back along with a key card.
"Could you possibly call up and let us know when our other party members get here, they're on the way."
"Of course Ms. Fleming, if you need anything please don't hesitate to call the front desk or the concierge."
"Can you ask whoever handles these things around here to send up a couple pitchers of Bloody Mary's and some snacks please ?"
"Of course Ms. ?"
"Potter."
"Yes ma'am, I'll call room service and it looks like Sarah will be accompanying you to your rooms and she'll show you around and point out the amenities."
As the clerk indicated, they turned to another bright smiling young woman dressed in a smart uniform "I'm Sarah, welcome to the Palliser. If you'll all follow me, I'll get you settled."
The elevator was large enough for them all, their suitcases wheeled off to another elevator. It looked original as far as any of them could tell, gilt and brass on what appeared to be oak walls. The carpet was a plush oriental.
"How old is this elevator, it looks original ?" Amy asked.
"The interior is original, the shell was changed to meet safety standards three times, once in the 30's and then again in the 60's and most recently in 2005. You're on the penthouse floor, beautiful views. Unfortunately the balcony is off limits, Calgary in the winter I'm afraid."
Amy laughed "Alberta born and bred, I grew up in Hudson, you couldn't pay me to walk out there."
"You're on Penthouse 1, never found out why they call it that since it's the only one, no one knows actually, I've asked. It's probably easier to show you the main suite first ?"
"Works for me, that's where those Bloody Mary's are getting delivered." Erma said.
Amy laughed "what's up with you Erma ?"
"Must be the fresh, non livestock air, I'm a farmer on vacation sis."
"I'm in" Sally added with a laugh.
They moved as a group 12 steps from the elevator to a set of double doors that Sarah grasped and pushed open in to a large open room with huge ceiling high windows that spanned from end to end. The view was breathtaking.
"Bet they charge extra for that." Meg whispered.
"I love this view and you're over the park, may be the best view in Calgary." Sarah said before starting her practiced tour of the suite and the iPad interfaces that ran the curtains, lights, ordering, hotel requests and the multi media center. Each individual bedroom had a mini interface that handled their room exclusively. At one point the small walk-in at her side beeped low and Sarah excused herself for a moment.
"Ms. Potter ?" She asked glancing up quickly to see Erma with her hand raised.
"They have a Bloody Mary buffet they can bring up, it's nice for a brunch."
"Works for me" Erma said, "how long does that take ?"
Amy giggled again.
"Within the half hour I'm sure." Sarah answered before moving on.
When Sarah left they each went off to unpack in their rooms. In the interim Amy received a text that Ashley and Lou were on their way up. Done with her unpacking she walked out into the main space and answered the door as soon as the knock came.
The rest joined them as Amy welcomed each with a big hug.
"Right on time, you two came by limo ?" Amy asked dropping down into a plush lounger chair.
Lou smiled and came over to sit across from her after shrugging off her coat. "Ash drove, Val's in Florida, we took her Benz."
The knock came at that point and Erma sprung to life opening and holding the door for the two cart Bloody Mary set-up to get wheeled in. She signed for it, told them to just leave it and have it picked up after noon since they'd be heading down to the spa at that point.
"Now that's what I'm talking about" she said immediately grabbing a goblet to fill with two gulf shrimp which she covered in Bloody Mary adding celery and other veggies to the top. She also grabbed a shrimp for Amy, walking over and holding it as Amy bit down.
"Mmmm, mmmm" Amy exclaimed taking the second part of the shrimp in hand from Erma. "I should get a plate."
She sidled up to Sally who smiled "so this is nice."
"It is Sal, glad you came ?"
"You have no idea, I was going stir crazy."
"So what's the schedule of events ?" Ashley asked walking up and loading shrimp into a goblet like Erma.
"My schedule is ridiculous," Amy answered "spa and dinner today, closing tomorrow morning, lecture tomorrow afternoon, cocktail party at night, Hudson the morning after."
"Ok if I crash the cocktail party ?"
"Sure, I'd love it, but why ?"
"Maybe I'll meet a handsome single Alberta vet."
Amy turned and smiled "Ok, we'll ask Cass to help, she'll probably know a bunch of them."
"Works for me, a cute single Alberta vet, I can deal with that."
"Lou ? Amy called out. "Want to join Ash trolling for single vets tomorrow night ?"
"Tomorrow night ?"
"The cocktail party."
"What about dinner at Rouge?" Meg asked.
"You three take a limo over and we'll meet back here." Amy answered. "My treat."
"Why not" Lou answered "I'll have to figure out something to wear though. I didn't come equipped for a cocktail party."
"Neither did I Lou, nice shop in the lobby though or we can head to the Chinook after the closing." Ashley answered. "Let's stop on the way to the spa and see what we can do."
"Then it's settled." Amy chimed in thrilled she had people to accompany her, she really hated these events. Ashley, Cass and Lou made up a good group.
About an two and a half hours later the conversation had changed as the two groups that had split up for their massages joined together for a lavender sauna.
"I could marry that masseuse." Meg said stretching against the wooden wall and reaching down to her feet. "Shiatsu, can we get that at home ?"
"I don't know Erma" Amy sighed "I'll ask Richard when we get back." Richard was Amy's Equine Acupuncturist, he would know.
Sally was splayed flat on a towel on one of the benches across from the seated group "This is amazing, what's next ?"
"Facials and body exfoliation." Ashley said leaning back against a cushion eyes closed. "If it's anything like the massage I might never leave."
"Call me anytime you're in Calgary Ash, I'm in." Lou murmured.
"It's interesting going from the coconut aroma for the massage and the lavender here. I wonder if that's a thing, is there an aroma thing next Ash ?" Amy asked.
"Apricot or chocolate truffle."
"Seriously ?"
"I know right, chocolate truffle."
"I've gotta get that." Amy answered "I mean….."
"I know." Erma agreed with a sigh. "Sounds positively decadent, lunch after ?"
"And then mani-pedis." Ash finished. "So tell me about Chuck and Robin's wedding, Charlie told me it was amazing."
"He was thrilled and a mess, Amy too." Meg answered.
"And Betty" Amy laughed "we were all a mess."
"It was a beautiful wedding Ash." Sally told her "Light snow overnight, the chapel, the sleigh ride to the ranch, really perfect and Robin positively floated and glowed the whole time."
"They're at the mountain house now ?"
Amy nodded "they are Lou, 10 days, Charlie and Robin's folks are there and I think Georgie and Wyatt are joining them for the last weekend. I talked to Charlie yesterday, they're having a good relaxing time. They've done some day trips, Robin and Chuck go for a long walk everyday, he said it was nice."
"Georgie and Wyatt huh ?"
"Georgie and Robin really hit it off, she says Robin's a blast. I've always loved hanging out with Robin myself, her personality is, I don't know, bright and catchy ? Is that a good word ?"
"I loved working with them." Erma added. "He was so sweet, whatever she wanted was perfect for him and she chose with him in mind."
"It was beautiful Erma, really."
"Thanks sis." She answered with a shy smile at Amy.
Lunch was an assortment of fish dishes, seafood and salads, basically light spa fare set up for the party as a small buffet. It was served with a small assortment of fresh juices and herbal iced tea. Ashley ordered two bottles of Krug Gran Cru champagne for those drinking. They went from there to manicure and pedicures which would end their spa day as they all opted against hair and make-up consults.
Back in the suite they split to change from robes into something to hang it in for the few hours they had until dinner. Amy was first out followed by Erma who found her making a pot of tea.
"Tea ?" Amy asked.
"I'd love a cup, are there cookies ?"
"There's a tray of biscottis." Amy answered popping the plastic top off the tray and moving it to the breakfast counter fronting the small kitchenette. She then moved four cookies to a small plate and made her way to the love seat where she had laid a folder, plopped down and swung her legs up on an ottoman.
"What ya got there sis, work ?"
"My lecture notes for tomorrow."
"Topic ?"
"Veterinary Naturopathy."
"Sounds thrilling, what are you gonna wear ?"
"Not sure yet." Amy answered looking up, "what do you think, dress or pants ?"
"If we're talking about the cocktail party, definitely a dress, Lou and I are going shopping tomorrow after the closing." Ashley said sitting down with a cup of coffee.
"Talking about the lecture Ash, I'm wearing a cocktail dress to the party."
"One of those slinky things you wear for Ty ?"
"I don't wear slinky dresses Erma, besides Ty loves when I dress up for him. You know, I'm not dressing for the lecture, I'll wear nice jeans and a blouse and I'm wearing my hat, it's Alberta."
"You go girl." Sally added sitting down.
"So you gonna cause a ruckus and yell about drugging horses ?"
"That's definitely going to happen Erma and I won't yell, I will calmly explain."
"You should gentle a horse, that'll teach them a lesson."
"Thanks Lou, unfortunately they'd probably frown at a colt in the building. Ash, what time does the limo have to be here tomorrow."
"I can drive."
"We have the limo for the day."
"Fine, just the day though, what about Wednesday ?"
"They're dropping off a truck first thing Wednesday morning, I think by 8."
"So how controversial is what you teach ?"
"Well Lou, let's say it's less controversial to a younger audience than to older professors. I don't blame them, a large whack of antibiotics is fast and easy and what they've always done and it's what most clients expect but they are scientists, they should at least listen with an open mind. I don't get the flack at Cornell anymore and being at Cornell means something in the veterinary world."
"And Pegasus." Meg mentioned.
"Among large animal vets yes but the day to day vet is probably not as familiar with our work."
"How long is your speech ?"
"Not a speech Lou, a lecture and I have no idea, all I have is notes, I'll fill time with questions. It's scheduled from 1:30 to 3:30. The party's at 7:30. I'll hopefully be back at 4 or so."
"And the party's here at the hotel ?"
"They thought it would be easier for me that way Meg, who am I to argue."
She begged away to her bedroom for an hour before they had to dress for dinner, they'd be casual but not jeans. Basically, her plan was to treat this as a beginning lecture at school and see where the questions took her. She was so used to speaking at this point she really wasn't nervous though she knew there would be unfriendly eyes in the crowd in the form of staid vets who would need to be swayed or shut down in her answers. She was used to it and would handle them with a smile.
A text arrived when the new book sets were delivered to the school. She insisted that students with ID's would be given soft cover copies as gifts, paid for by the foundation, copies, both hard and soft cover would be available for sale at the UC bookstore for professors and others interested.
She lost track of time and smiled when there was a soft knock and Erma popped her head in.
"We should get ready sweetie, everything Ok ?"
"Fine, just lost track of time."
"Thinking about Wednesday ?"
"You know, I haven't really been."
"Well, keep that up then, anyway, get dressed. We'll head down in like 15 minutes."
They all wore dresses down to The Hamilton which was the restaurant in the lobby of the hotel. They matched style-wise, the restaurant having been there as long as the hotel. Amy, Erma and Sally all wore boots and hats downstairs, this was Calgary and boots and hats were fairly normal.
Being Monday the restaurant wasn't crowded except it seemed for hotel guests. Monday was never a busy restaurant day which is why many close for the evening. The Hamilton was open to handle room service and feeding hotel guests. It worked out well for them as they were a larger group than normal and not quiet by any stretch.
They steered clear of ordering beef as they were sure they'd be served the best at Heartland, pretty much guaranteed steaks or roasts their first night in Hudson. They also decided to have their desserts sent up to the room with coffee as they wanted a break after eating. There was some talk about a walk but the temperature had dropped precipitously through the day and none of them relished the idea of freezing.
It was an early evening for the group as most had left New York early and with the alcohol, spa treatments and a large dinner they mostly started to fade. Back in her room and in bed Amy Skyped with the family as it was still early enough in the East for everyone to still be awake. She found them in the bedroom as always with her chair occupied by one of the dogs.
When the Skype notification sounded Jackson grabbed the iPad that was sitting on the small coffee table.
"Hey mom !"
"Hey Jackson, how are you doing sweetheart ?"
"Oh great, everyone's here."
He was holding the iPad on his lap so all she could see was him.
"How about letting someone set the iPad on a stand so I can see you all ?"
"I got it mom" Maddie said getting up "give me a minute and we'll shift people around."
It took a second, Betty shifted to Amy's chair, Jackson shifted onto Ty's lap and the girls moved to the floor between the adults. Maddie set the iPad on it's stand on the table.
"I saw the temperature dropped and you guys are expecting some snow." Ty said leaning back in his chair with Jackson against him.
"Yeah, we had talked about a walk after dinner but it's really cold."
"You in bed Amy ? It's still early."
"I know Betty, long day and I still want to run through my notes for the closing and the lecture. Lou and Ash are coming to the cocktail party with Cass so that's changed."
"And the rest ?"
"Keeping the reservation at Rouge, the party is at the hotel so they'll take the limo, Cass is staying over and we'll have the big truck first thing in the morning. How was your day girls ?"
Charlie piped in and of course Maddie nodded the whole way through. "School was great and we told Sandra about those 4 horses that are good to go, they rode great today."
"They're vetted ?"
"They were checked today and final bloods taken but they're fine, they'll travel with instructions for a high protein diet for the time being." Ty answered. "How's the hotel ?"
"And how was the spa ?" Maddie added.
"Both are very nice, I had a chocolate truffle exfoliation."
"What's a sfoli whatever."
Amy laughed "exfoliation, it's a skin treatment, it feels good."
"I don't get it."
"It's Ok Jackson, I don't get it either." Ty added laughing.
"Girl thing ?"
"Definitely." Ty agreed.
Betty smiled and shook her head "Why don't we say our goodnights to your mom and let her get her work done."
30 minutes later Amy was closing her files having decided on how the lecture would go and ready for sleep when her Skype notification piped up.
"Did I wake you ?" Ty asked. She saw that he was still sitting in his chair.
"No, soon though, everything Ok ?"
"Oh yeah sure, just wanted to touch base."
"Your day go Ok, the kids ?"
"Fine, Jackson stuck with the girls. He misses you."
"And you ?"
"I miss you too Ames."
"Yeah, let's try not to dwell on it."
"You ready for tomorrow ?"
"Closing, lecture, cocktail party, what's not to be ready for ?"
"It is primarily a business trip Ames."
"I know, it'll be a long day."
"At least you got Ash and Lou at the cocktail party, how did that happen ?"
"Ash realized there'd be single Alberta vets. Lou really didn't need much convincing. That and they get to shop for dresses."
"Do you actually smell like chocolate now ?"
"No Ty, it all gets washed away, I left smelling like lavender actually."
"You should get to sleep."
"I should, I love you Ty."
"Love you too Ames."
She woke to silence having slept the night through and after a quick stretch checked the main salon and found it empty. She took a second and grabbed a robe to start coffee in the kitchenette before heading to the shower to get ready for her long day. She took the time to get her hair done and lay out clothes before stepping out again to find Sally and Erma sitting with freshly brewed coffee.
"Thanks for starting the coffee Amy."
"No problem Sal have we ordered anything ?"
"They're sending up a platter of assorted stuff, we'll head down for breakfast or order up when everyone's awake. You have plans ?"
"I think Lou mentioned stopping for breakfast on the way to the closing."
"So what's the deal, the location good and all that ?"
"I think so Erma it's on the way to work for a lot of people and two blocks from the Calgary Stampede grounds. Oh and easy on and off for a bunch of those work people.
It's just signage change on the outside so they can focus on interior stuff and they can do that in the winter. I assume all that is good, Charlie and Trev like it, Lou likes it. Sounds good to me."
"You should get a food truck."
"I'll pass that on Sal, why ?"
"It's the thing now isn't it and it's like advertising on wheels."
"The kids love them." Erma added.
Amy smiled and nodded "Like I said, I'll mention it, I'm really trying not to involve myself too much."
Lou took them to a place called OEB Breakfast just a few blocks from the new Maggie's. It was good but pretty upscale and expensive without much of a take out business it seemed. Maggie's was counting on a brisk stop off the highway take away traffic as well as tack business and sit down turnaround. They were also 50% cheaper and way more laid back.
As they had planned they got to the diner around 30 minutes early to give Amy a chance to see the place before buying it. She'd seen pictures and an architectural drawing of what it would look like when done but she thought it silly she was buying it without seeing it as it is.
"What do you think ?" Lou asked as Amy walked and looked. It had been a working diner until recently so there were tables and a counter.
"Well it's bigger, I like it, think you can get it open by May ?"
"That's the contract, soft opening around April 15th, they start on the interior Monday, the new neon's ordered then it's just stock for the tack room, staff and advertising, mostly social media and hopefully some news pieces."
"Sally suggested we should think about a food truck, they're all the rage."
"Jen mentioned one for events like rodeos and the like, would you, uh ?"
"In for a penny Lou, today first though."
The closing went smoothly enough and really took more time between Ash and the seller's attorney crossing T's and dotting I's than Amy, Lou and the seller's signatures. Lou watched in almost jaw dropping awe as Amy calmly signed over a transfer of 1.4 million Canadian dollars in cash for the purchase of a piece of prime Calgary real estate.
Once the closing was done and they were alone, Ash had Amy sign the construction loan papers which would translate into a $200,000 dollar account that the diner could draw on. They would convert this amount into an operating loans over the next few weeks. Amy would hold the property as a real estate asset and investment as part of her portfolio.
They had arranged for a locksmith to start changing the locks as they closed on the property and waited until the two men were done and laid the keys on the table in front of Lou who signed the work order and handed over the check, The first check written on the Maggie's Calgary Stampede Diner construction account.
They walked into an interesting conversation back at the hotel with Sally showing off the new pickup Tom ordered that morning. It was time, Bobby, slightly older than the girls was getting his Junior License which in Upstate New York meant the ability to drive certain places at certain times and for certain reasons alone and accompanied by one passenger under the age of 21. It was an interesting development in the group.
"I can't pay you to keep the old truck ?" Amy asked looking at the iPad.
Sally laughed "This is happening Amy, we'll have the new truck in 8 to 10 days. Bobby can officially pick up Charlie from 9 to 5 starting in April."
"And to go to school."
"Thanks Meg."
"What's the issue ?"
"It's not an issue Lou, Bobby's getting his license."
"I don't get it."
"This group of 4 has always pretty much been a group of 4."
"Ah, the ability to split the twins."
"And the ability to take my daughter away from me."
"Does Ty know ?"
Amy giggled "yeah, no Ash, I haven't mentioned it yet."
"That should be fun, he's so cute when it comes to them" Meg added. "He likes Bobby though, so there's that."
"Bobby's perfect." Amy sighed "no denying that. Ty will be fine, I think, he's still finding his legs."
"You should also probably remind him of the age difference, he was 18 you were 15."
"Not for long Lou."
"Long enough, and it doesn't stop there Amy, 19 and16, 20 and 17, it'll help to remind him that Bobby isn't 18."
"Or on probation." Ash added, "just sayin', Bobby's group home squeeze isn't showing up at the ranch."
"That's true." Amy agreed with a smile. "You all heading off to shop ?"
"We didn't want to leave you alone."
"Don't worry about me Erma, I've got calls and I could go over my notes again. Scott and Cass are picking me up, I'll just order lunch up and relax. You all go, take the limo, have a nice lunch out."
"You sure Amy ?"
"Absolutely Lou, go ahead, I'll be back by 4:30."
A half hour later she ordered a sandwich and a small salad and sat back to read over her notes again. After she dressed, she called Sandra and Bridgett for updates and touched base with Ty who was in his office at Cornell. She was on her cell talking with him when the room phone rang and Amy excused herself to let the front desk manager know that sending Cass and Scott up to the suite was fine before letting Ty know she had to get off the call.
After firm hugs and hellos they determined that they had at least a half hour before they had to leave and they settled with coffee on the couch.
"So what's it like traveling as the controversial professor from Cornell ?"
"I'm not that controversial Cass."
"UC is not Cornell Amy."
"I know Cass and I sort of fell into Cornell's good graces through the back door but we prove everyday that horses and animals in general are over medicated especially when it comes to antibiotics, the numbers don't lie, we're using incrementally higher doses across the board. Horses are remarkable animals, a good nutritious diet which includes their having an extensive diet available while grazing, exercise and stress relief are very often all they need. They've lived wild in small family herds through generations.
"Good answer, you'll do just fine. You've been moved to one of the larger lecture halls."
"Great, and ….."
"According to Brian, our 4th year intern, the pre literature about your book attracted a good audience amongst the students and a surprising number of professors.
"Good thing I'm there to talk with the students and those others that will at least listen with an open mind, don't worry Scott, I'm used to it."
"Cass and I've been gauging the ranchers about nutritional work ups and the reaction seems very positive. It's cheaper to feed your stock well than pay for us. It's not what most people would consider a fiscally sound business plan boss."
"Give it some time Scott, we're not planning on closing down the office, dogs, cats, bunnies and cows, all are and will be welcome to keep the doors open but our focus, at least you and Cass to start will be equine care and orthopedic surgery, I guess we should go, by the way, sure you don't want to come to the cocktail party with us ?"
Scott laughed as they walked out, coats and hats in hand. "You might as well be asking Jack Amy."
"You good running the overhead Cass ?"
"Nothing to it, Georgie set it all up and we went through it twice."
They pulled up to a booth at the vet school faculty lot and after speaking with the guard Scott pulled the clinic truck up to a reserved spot where moments later they were met by a middle aged woman and an older man both in white coats.
"Scott, Cassandra, it's good to see both of you again."
"Robert, Holly, good to see you two also." Cass said. "Amy Fleming, I'd like you to meet Robert McConnell and Holly Sparks. Robert is the Interim Dean and Holly teaches large animal surgery, primary equine orthopedics."
Amy smiled and shook both their hands.
"Professor Fleming, a pleasure to meet you."
"Amy please Dr. McConnell, alright if I call you both Robert and Holly ?"
"That's fine, why don't we get inside ?" The dean said sweeping his arm along.
"So I should warn you, it appears your reputation as a lecturer precedes you Amy, the lecture's been moved to a larger space."
"A little birdie warned me Robert, that's fine, perhaps I could ask that actual students be placed up front, I hate speaking to scowling veterinarians."
"I'll let the building staff know, we have about a half hour, can I offer you something, refreshment ? Tour ?"
"How about a cup of tea ?"
"Perfect." Robert agreed.
They were immediately noticed walking into the faculty lounge, besides Amy and Cass' looks, the cowboy hats and boots clashed with the white coats and suits. The dean's presence also didn't go unnoticed.
Amy and Holly were the only tea drinkers the rest settling with coffee.
As they helped themselves at the tea side of the small kitchenette, Holly glanced over "So I spent 6 months at Cornell around 8 years ago."
"Let's see, 8 years ago I was probably in France with the French National Equestrian Team. What did you do with your time ?"
"Orthopedics, I needed something, you know ?, I did some work with Bert, assisted on a couple procedures."
"Really ? He didn't mention it."
"Oh, he probably doesn't even know I'm here, we never kept in touch and with what you two have been up to I can't imagine he's thought of me."
"I'll mention you to him."
"And you're married to Ty Borden, he was one of my students for a rotation."
"I assume most of you had a piece of him."
"How's he doing ?"
"He's doing well, pretty busy for the next few weeks I imagine, new dad to 3 and all."
"So you work together ?"
"Technically we all work for Amy Holly, including Bert." Cass said smiling.
"Someone might mention that to Bert." Amy muttered eliciting giggles from the other women.
"Anyway," Holly continued sitting down across from Amy, "I'm fascinated by your books and the rehab work, I've been slowly introducing your papers into the equine curriculum here."
Robert looked across at her, "several of our professors have defended your positions among the faculty and have added some of your theories to their lectures."
"And the Dean ?"
He smiled at her, "And the Interim Dean, well, I can't find fault with the theories or the published results."
"And there are politics involved, I get it, these things take time Robert, focus on the students."
"That's the advice I got from my predecessor. We should go."
Amy waited with Holly as the Dean walked out onto the stage. She peeked out for a second and was surprised to see very few seats open in what appeared to be a 250 seat or so auditorium.
"He's not going to go overboard out there is he ?"
"Robert's not that guy so I doubt it."
"Good afternoon, I'm pleased to see that our guest has quite the following. Amy Fleming has had an intimate relationship with horses since she was 5 years old. First through her mother and then on her own. She's been known here in Alberta as a horse whisperer, healer, advocate, trainer and, as I learned on YouTube this morning, the Miracle Girl. She is the driving force behind the Marion Bartlett Fleming Foundation and the Pegasus Corporation. For our purposes though she is here as a Professor of Veterinary Naturopathy, Equine Health and Nutrition at Cornell University and the author of a new and exciting veterinary text, Heartland, which, from my reading so far, is a comprehensive statement on the naturopathic care of horses. So, without further ado,
please welcome Professor Amy Fleming."
Holly watched as Amy took a deep cleansing breath, took off her hat for a second to shake out her hair before putting it back on along with her signature smile. A moment later she heard her name and walked out as she did that day at Ty's lecture waving at the crowd and smiling until she reached the Dean and shook his hand. As he left she tipped her hat as a pure Albertan and nodded her thanks to the crowd before taking a step back and lifting herself back and onto the desk behind her. She grabbed the small mic set up she was handed by Cass and took a second to fit it to her blouse.
"There" she said testing the volume and nodding at the tech who was watching her from the wings.
"I've never really known how you're supposed to start these things but I guess I should thank you all for coming, especially the students." She nodded at the group up front and was heartened to see that the students took up a large section of the audience. She also noticed Lisa and Jack sitting with Scott a few rows back on the aisle.
"Heathy as a horse is an expression first coined in England hundreds of years ago. We know how horses work, we know what makes them sick in captivity and we know what keeps them healthy in the wild. The most important thing we as healers know about horses is that by volume horses have 4 times as many white blood cells than almost any other creature on earth. Knowing all that we know about horses, treating them should be a no brainer, and yet …."
She worked her way through two case studies Pegasus had commissioned and several papers they had published on Naturopathic methods, taking the time to build the horses natural defenses and feeding those white blood cells to allow a natural healing rather than one using drugs which Amy claimed with some results often did more harm in the long run than good in the short.
40 minutes in she decided to take questions she noticed Jack stand and walk towards the stage.
"Grandpa ?"
"Uhm, Georgie said to give this to you when you stopped for questions" he said handing up a thermos.
"Thanks you Grandpa." She said smiling and stopping at the desk for a second to pour herself a cup of steaming licorice tea.
After a second sip she turned back to the audience smiling past the cup as she laid it aside and jumped back onto the desk. Though there were hands amongst the faculty she spent most of the time speaking with the students, drawing them in and holding them with her passion. Based on the questions she took she structured the next 40 minutes and focused on what seemed to interest the students the most which was the nutritional additives to normal feed that they tailored based on blood panels. She was thrilled to see that this younger generation of Northern vets was as attuned to nutrition as their Southern compatriots.
Having been put through and dealing with the scowling professor wringer at Cornell she didn't really have a serious issues with several professor's pointed questions. She didn't blame them really, her books weren't available until today and she doubted anybody actually read them through yet. They'd read the lit ads and galley proofs that the publisher put out. She wasn't against the normal barrage of vaccines or completely against the use of antibiotics and other drugs. She understood their place and respected them. Her point was always exactly that, having respect for the drugs, which she lectured had to come coupled with concern over the side and long term effects of using them for nothing more than expediency.
She was not surprised by the standing ovation when she closed the lecture, even the most boring guest lecturer got them though she looked for and saw a slightly more exuberant response in the eyes of the students which she found as personally satisfying as the line of well wishers when she joined the audience.
Once the line of admirers had disappeared she found herself standing with her core group, Scott, Cass and now Lisa and Jack along with Holly and Robert who Amy introduced to her grandparents.
"Lisa ?"
"Georgie called and suggested we drop off the thermos and when we called the woman we spoke with in the Dean's office told us she'd leave passes and invited us to the cocktail party so …."
"You're coming to the cocktail party ? Grandpa ?"
"Can't be worse than the polo club can it ?" He asked waiting for the loving swat from Lisa.
Amy smiled and leaned a bit towards him before whispering loud enough for everyone to hear "that's where you'd be wrong Grandpa, but I'm glad you're coming."
Robert laughed, "Sorry Amy, academic politics require we offer a drink and a snack. The beer will be good Jack, I promise."
Amy insisted that Jack pull up to the valet rather than self parking around the corner and immediately had their room shifted to their floor and her account.
"Amy."
"Really Grandpa ?" Amy sighed "I spent a million bucks this morning, the cost of this hotel room is like a gnat on a horse's ass."
"It makes me uncomfortable Amy."
"He's all yours Lisa, pick a room Grandpa and hand over a card." She said taking her card back and nodding her apology to the front desk clerk who was serving them.
"Yes sir, on which floor ?"
"The floor they're on please."
"A one bedroom king suite on the Penthouse floor is $456 plus tax."
"What ?"
"Yes sir, a one …."
Jack put up her hand to stop her "I heard, how about our original room ?"
"$294.50."
Jack stared across the counter then turned "Lis ?"
"Don't you look at me Jack Bartlett, you're perfectly capable of making a hotel reservation and choose not to and just for this reason. This is not a Motel Six."
"Ok, Ok, let's do this" Amy said, "Lisa, I'm so glad you could join us for the evening and would love it if you were to stay as my guest."
"I'd love that Amy, thank you."
"Grandpa, sleeping alone ?"
"Not sleeping alone." He muttered stepping back.
"Ma'am, checking in ?" The clerk asked Cassandra.
"Yup, Dr. Cassandra O'dey, her floor and her bill please." Cass said smiling handing the clerk her driver's license.
"Yes, Dr. O'dey, I have the reservation here, just give me a second."
With the luggage whisked away to be brought to their rooms the group declined being escorted upstairs and they followed Amy to the elevators.
Upstairs, they met the bellman who opened each of the rooms, set the luggage in and handed off the key cards. Amy told them to settle in and when they were ready to head down to the double doors across the hall which was the large suite.
The shoppers had returned and were sitting in the large living area when Amy came in.
"Cass here ?" Ashley asked.
"And my grandparents apparently, they're coming to the cocktail party."
"Lisa and Grandpa ?" Lou asked "I had no idea they were coming."
"Neither did I or they actually, I think they wanted to come to the lecture and called Georgie for an excuse and when they called the Dean's office for passes they were invited to both the lecture and the party. Lisa's excited, Grandpa, not so much."
"Well, it'll be nice to visit."
"We're going to Hudson Erma, we get to visit anyway."
"I know sis but I'm half tanked on this wine."
"That reminds me, I have to order dinner, Lou, Ash, you going to eat ?"
"They'll have food, won't they ?"
"It's a cocktail party Lou, they'll pass around, it won't be enough if you're drinking." Ash said, "I'm in, maybe a burger and fries or something simple. We should wait for the other three."
"Lou, pull up the menu on the iPad." Amy asked pointing at the small table next to her sister. "Here it is, seems perfect, the Hawthorn Burger, Brioche, Cheddar, Iceberg Lettuce, Tomato, Frites."
They were all fine with the burgers, ordered medium rare with a coke for Amy and 2 bottles of red wine Lisa chose from the wine list.
They were all pretty much leaving together, Meg, Erma and Sally to Rouge by limo and Amy and crew to a cocktail party one floor below the Penthouse. There were several places to eat in the room and those not eating joined small groups of those that were.
Erma sat with Lou and Lisa and immediately fell into Georgie's wedding. Cass, Ashley, Meg and Sally formed a group which left Amy and Jack together.
"So how much is a burger and fries."
"I have no idea Grandpa probably $20 to $30."
"Really, for a burger."
"It's a good burger."
"Mmmmm" Jack mumbled through a bite.
"So hows everything in Hudson, I hear the Alpaca arrived in good order."
Jack nodded "Not really like cows at all."
"Almost exactly the opposite."
"They came in four double deckers, would have thought 8."
"They lay down, very cooperative creatures, easy to feed, excellent manure."
"Sally and I swear by it Jack." Erma added from the next couch over. "They watch our yearlings once they're weaned."
"August was telling me you don't immediately wean your calves."
"My folks started that, my mom hated separating them and we had heard that some of the farms back home had started fence-line feeding where the calves are allowed to feed from the mom through a fence a couple time a day with supplemental feedings at other times. Much healthier animals but we don't even do that. We're not a milk farm, I do limited artisan cheese and the truth is without the stress I think we get a better product and I think they make up most of the volume you lose when you separate them."
"Well the proof is in the pudding I guess" Jack said "Your cheese is as good as any I've ever had Erma."
"Why thank you Jack, that means a lot."
Lisa stood up and straightened her pants "We should start getting ready I think."
"Especially if I'm doing faces, am I doing faces ?" Meg asked.
Ashley raised her hand immediately and nudged Lou who raised her hand. "Ok, Ok Ash. I still can't believe you made me buy that dress."
"I didn't make you do anything."
"It looked amazing on you Lou." Meg added.
"Well, I can't wait to see it." Amy answered getting up.
"Face Amy ?"
"I don't know Meg, it's vets."
"Well if you change your mind."
Amy smiled and turned to her room as the rest left to theirs. She thought about showering but didn't see the need so she tied her hair back and headed to the sink. She checked the time and figured she would dress and then call home.
Her cocktail dress was a long sleeved dark burgundy stretch satin with a draped V neckline. It sheathed her silhouette perfectly. The dress dropped to her knees where it met a pair of nude seamed stockings. She had two pair of shoes and decided on a 2 inch satin black Jimmy Choo's with an ankle strap.
She had her hair cut and styled just days before so after brushing it pretty much fell fine. She did her makeup simply though she did highlight her eyes somewhat a trick she'd learned from Trudy which focused them on her face serving to draw attention and make the person she was speaking to feel like they were the only one in the room. Along with her disarming smile and down to earth manner, Amy Fleming could charm the pants off anyone.
"Hey mom ! Wow, you're all dressed up !"
"Well hello there Jackson I expected your dad."
"I'm right here Ames, we had a change in schedule, Jackson's pool time was changed for today so we're all going."
"I'm getting ready, how's Canada ?"
"Canada's just fine sweetheart, where are you sisters ?"
"Next door waitin', Gran's coming too, she's downstairs. We gotta go."
"Ok well I don't have that much time either, maybe I'll call later, you finish getting ready and give dad the phone."
"Wow is right, look at you." Ty said looking at Amy on the iPad.
Amy smiled and walked over to the mirror to give him a full body shot.
"I don't know what to say Ames, that's some outfit."
"You like ?"
"I'd like it better if I was there, you're gonna turn some heads."
"I'm the star of the show anyway, might as well dress to impress."
"I guess, I spoke to Scott in my 5 minutes free today and he said the lecture went great and Jack and Lisa showed up ?"
"The lecture was fun and they did, they're coming tonight."
"You've got quite the entourage at this stage." Turning his head a second as she though "Get your sisters and they can say hi and bye Jackson. He's ready, hold on."
"Hey mom." Charlotte said waving.
"You look awesome."
"Thank you Madeline. I guess I'll let you all go and call later."
She grabbed her matching satin black clutch and tucked her phone in its' bespoke pocket before one last check for her makeup, credit card and license and heading out to meet the others whom she found all turning towards her as she stepped into the room.
"Wow sis, you polish up well."
"Thank you Erma, it's just a dress ladies."
"It's really beautiful Amy." Lou said,
"Ok enough, you are all gorgeous and that is some dress yourself Lou."
"You don't think it's too much ?"
"It's not too much." Ashley cut in "You've got a killer bod Lou, you should show it off."
"Not too shabby yourself Ash."
"Thank you Margaret and I love my face."
"My pleasure."
The group had decided to wait until everyone was ready so they could get some pictures of everyone dressed for the evening.
"That's a beautiful dress Lisa, it suits you."
Lisa smiled "Sebastian made it when I got the wedding gown, I saw the fabric in the back room when we were there and fell in love. I can't get over the fit."
"And you Grandpa, handsome suit."
"That English place in the city, Ty insisted."
"Well, good for Ty then, it's a wonderful fit."
"That's some dress you have on Amy and you Lou."
"Is that a compliment Grandpa ?"
"It is, I'm sorry Amy, sometimes it's hard to see you both, uhm,…"
"I get it Grandpa. I feel that way with Georgie sometimes." Lou agreed.
They left when the front desk called that the Ithacans limo had arrived and was waiting which made them a few minutes late for the start of the cocktail party. The partygoers took the elevator down one level from PH to 11 where the doors opened across from two open double doors to a large luxurious space filled with plush seating area tucked around an open floor. It was directly under the Pegasus suite and so the view matched almost perfectly with the exception of the doors to the balcony which didn't exist on this floor.
"Wow, that's a crowd huh." Amy muttered as the doors opened.
"Good thing we dressed." Ash said standing next to her "Let's go birthday girl" she finished taking her hand.
Thee room was larger than the open saloon space upstairs as the space used by the bedrooms in the suite was open area here. There was a small quartet playing light jazz off to the side and the space that was the kitchenette was a bar down here.
They watched as heads turned when the group entered the room and the dean broke off from a group and walked over accompanied by a woman he introduced immediately.
"Amy, welcome." He said a big smile on his face. "Amy Fleming, my wife, Presley."
Amy smiled as his wife put out her hand "Professor, it's good to meet you, I'm sorry I wasn't there for the lecture, the dean wouldn't let me cut class."
"First, it's Amy and I understand completely, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Then it's Pres, it's what everyone calls me or Presley if you'd like and before it bangs around in your head, yup named after the king, my mom was diehard."
Amy had hosted cocktail parties before and attended too many when they started the foundation but she'd never had one hosted in her honor and soon learned the rules. She didn't have to move much or mingle, most of the attendees approached her through the evening which provided a nice variety of faces and names she'd never remember and several short conversations with people she'd never want to meet again and several she was happy to meet. One of the latter group and someone who came by early on was a friend of Jackson's who Ashley brought over.
She sat him down across from Amy and moved to the seat next to her. "Amy, meet Ulrich Woerhl, he's the head vet at the Calgary Zoo who took us through behind the scenes."
"Dr. Woerhl, yes of course it's a pleasure and you've become one of Jackson's heroes."
"Please Professor, call me Uli."
"Then Amy, please. Ty sends his regards, he's sorry he couldn't get away."
"And my apologies for not making the wedding, I was in Germany with family for the break."
"Certainly understandable and it was short notice."
"I must say I'm fascinated by your work, we strive to create as natural an environment as we can for our animals at the zoo but it's never enough and many times the flora are the biggest problem. It's very rare that we can match an environment perfectly."
"In that I think our job is a little easier, horses are indigenous to North America and adapted and thrived in Europe, Asia, pretty much anywhere. I assume you try to supplement their diets here based on their diets in the wild."
"We do our best and work with the botany department."
"Feel free to call us if you think we can help, we have a few botanists on staff and work closely with the Cornell Botany department."
Dr. Woerhl made a very pleasant companion who wanted to hear all about Ty's new life and family and Amy enjoyed the conversation. It wavered a bit as others came by to shake her hand, offer congratulations or praise or ask a question. Several inquired after Ty as well which usually drove the conversation back to include Uli allowing the visitor a prime avenue to leave. He also commented on the visitors as they left or on their way over letting her know if they were friend or foe to her theories.
Cass also stayed with her and Uli the whole time and Lisa and Jack made the rounds and always ended up back in her group.
At one point needing to stretch Amy excused herself and went for a stroll in the room and Uli insisted on coming along. Cass walked off to return a few calls. She stopped at the bar for a ginger ale and helped herself to a few finger foods from a small buffet near the bar and off a couple trays making their way around the room with servers.
Uli led her around to favorable groups steering clear of those small pockets of what he termed "insurrectionists who would ban Veterinary Naturopathy from the earth."
Amy appreciated the heads up.
"You're very good at this Amy, I've never quite known how to back out of conversations or groups at a thing like this."
"I was taught by a very astute friend who unfortunately is no longer with us. She was amazing at the art of pure non-communication. Smile, pay attention, nod, give your non judgmental thoughts if they're asked for and smile for the exit excuse if you need one. Try your best to leave them wanting more but it's not a hard requirement."
"Sometimes you just have to get away." He added quietly.
"Sometimes you just have to get away." She agreed quietly with a smile.
"Let's see what's happening over here, did you meet my sister Uli ?"
"Ashley introduced us and in case you're wondering, along with the dean and his lovely wife are 4 single veterinarians, one a department head actually."
"Let's butt in then." She said with a big smile walking over and getting a hug from her sister.
"Ah Amy", the dean started, "Dr. Woerhl taking good care of you ?"
"I'm having a wonderful time Robert, who could have guessed ?"
Presley his wife laughed "Do you two know each other ?"
"Uli and my husband are old friends, Ty's sub specialty is with the exotic animal department, and Uli was nice enough to give a special tour of the zoo to my son when he visited a few months ago. He's been keeping me safe, and who are these 4 dashing gentlemen ?"
Amy was introduced to the four, two of whom were actually fraternal twins from Red Deer who owned and operated a vet clinic there which they inherited from their father. One, a general surgeon and one a general practitioner, they filled out the practice well. Both were intrigued by the galley shots they'd received and both were ready for a trip to Calgary to let their hair down. They both knew of the Hudson clinic and had met Ty, Cass and Scott before.
The third vet in order had been a practicing vet for a few years and was setting out on his own and struck up an interesting conversation with Ash and Lou about the benefits of buying an existing practice over starting one fresh.
Lastly Amy was introduced to Peter Stone an Assistant Professor in General Small Animal Care and whom Amy had known from some of his papers on nutrition. He was also a partner in a small suburban Calgary office.
"I've read some of your papers, seems we are of like mind on many things and I loved the papers on a natural raw food diet for canines."
"You raw feed ?"
"2 Australian Herders, raw fed from birth actually."
"Do you compete ?"
"No, but we herd, mostly Alpaca sometimes cows."
"You have a herd of Alpaca."
"She has 5 herds of Alpaca, she only keeps 1 at home." Ashley added.
"My dogs herd the one at home, about 500."
"And how do you feed them ?"
"Mostly meadow fed with supplements, remarkably easy animals to care for."
"They're adorable."
"They are adorable Pres, and profitable which is why I guess we keep buying them."
"And how many all told ?"
"I think we're hovering at around 4000."
"4000 ?"
"Over several properties."
"That's quite a number." One of the twins commented.
Amy nodded before Presley changed the subject. "And you mentioned a son, from a previous marriage ?"
"Never been, well I am now but never before, they're adopted, 2 daughters and a son."
"We have three, Cynthia 7, April who's 9 and Carlise, well Carl is 11. Sounds cliché with the ages I guess but that's how it worked out."
"Yours ?"
"Jackson is 7 and the girls are 15, Madelyn and Charlotte."
"Twins ?" One of the brothers asked.
"Identical, they're a trip." Lou added.
"And Ty ?" Robert asked.
"Keeping up I think, they love him."
"And push his buttons." Ashley muttered.
"Not that bad Ash, he's getting better."
She felt the staggered buzz through the bag before the quiet beeping which surprised Amy as the only calls her phone would allow were from specific people including family who all knew she was indisposed at the moment.
"Speaking of the devils, that's one of the girls I'm sorry" she said pulling her phone out and seeing the message from Maddie. She looked at it for a second "It's a video."
Amy turned down the volume and watched a video that showed Jackson standing on the edge of a pool lane and then a second later get into position and dive, amd emerge moments later about 50 feet in as he breached the water. She watched his arms swing around in a huge stroke which lifted him out of the water as he made his way to the opposite end and flipped to turn before swimming past Maddie as she panned the phone following him until he grabbed onto the handhold at the end. She realized at that point that a tear was passing her cheek and looked up.
"I'm sorry."
"Hey, it's fine, everything Ok ?" Lou asked moving over and touching her hand obviously concerned.
"He's swimming Lou, Phyllis let him go." She hit play again and held out the phone as heads turned to watch.
"Wow, he's 7 ?"
"He's 7 Pres, I'm sorry, Jackson has had several surgeries to repair damage done to his left leg when he was an infant, the latest and hopefully the last was this past November. Part of his rehab for years has been swimming as you can see, that's the Cornell competition pool. He's been back in for a few weeks now after being kept away, I guess his PT decided he can stretch his wings a little, he's been just loosening up and doing mostly strengthening exercises, that's about half speed for him."
"Well, I enjoyed the time I spent with him, happy, attentive young man."
"Thank you Uli, he's a good kid, if you'll all excuse me I think I'll go show this to my grandparents."
The endless line of goodbyes started not long after she joined Lisa and Jack. Thankfully they approached her sitting so she only had to stand for the more than smile goodbyes and most of those hung back almost by choice. Uli, the dean and his wife and a couple of the department heads were last to leave and saw Amy and her small group out into the hallway and up the one flight to their suite rather than a trip down first.
The dinner crew had returned and changed and Amy immediately dropped into a chair and undid her shoes. Erma came over with a cup of tea for her.
"Thank you sweetie, Sally, the iPad ?"
Amy sat back and called up the video that she watched again smiling and then handed it to Erma who sat down between Meg and Sally to watch.
"Look at him, that's great Amy." Erma beamed.
"Yeah, I should go call home and get out of this outfit" she said grabbed her tea and left her shoes and was zipping herself down a minute later heading into the bathroom. She texted Ty and asked if 15 minutes would work and he assured her they were fine and all in the bedroom. It was a little past 8:00PM in New York.
15 minutes later Amy had washed off her makeup, brushed out her hair and changed into long sleeved cotton jeans dress. She settled into one of the armchairs in her room and set up her iPad on the small coffee table and pressed the flashing button.
"Hey mom, did ya see ?"
"I did see sweetheart, you looked wonderful, I wish I was there, girls can one of you please …."
"On it mom." Maddie said as the picture shook for a second and Maddie settled it so Amy could see the group which had shifted into position.
"There you all are, thanks Mad."
"How are you Amy ?"
"I'm tired Gran, long day."
"Did you buy us a diner ?"
"I did Charlie, how was everyone's day ?"
After rundowns by the girls, Jackson and Betty, Amy tilted her head and looked at Ty. "Husband ?"
"Just drinking in your face Ames, I miss you."
"I miss you too sweetheart, all of you, so much" she answered choking up.
Betty saw where this was heading "why don't we let your mom go, she's tired and had a long day, we'll talk again tomorrow.
"Night mom, love you !" Jackson said.
The girls and Betty also wished her a goodnight and sent their love.
"I'll talk to you later ?" Ty asked getting up to see Jackson to bed and say his goodnights.
"I'll call when I head to bed, shouldn't be long I'm fading."
"Love you Ames."
"Right back at ya my love."
Amy joined the group in the living area and plopped down next to her grandfather and leaned against his shoulder. He had his suit jacket off but hadn't changed. "Not changing Grandpa ?"
"Actually I was waiting to say goodnight Amy, I'm on ranch time I guess."
"I'm feeling it too Grandpa." She said as he put his arm over her shoulder.
"How's everything at home Amy ?"
"Everyone's fine, I didn't ask about the ranch, Ty looked beat."
"April was absolutely beside herself with that video of Jackson swimming."
"Carson too, you'd have thought he was swimming himself."
Amy smiled at her friends "he's certainly got his cheerleaders."
Sally smiled "apparently it's supposed to warm up this week, Carson invited Stephanie to ride Saturday."
"Jackson can't ride yet." Amy said quickly.
"No, this would be an alone ride."
"An alone ride." Amy repeated. "That's uhm, interesting."
"At 7 ?"
"I don't know what to say Lou, Tom's going to call her folks tomorrow."
Erma tilted her head "I guess with Jackson and April it kind of makes sense ?"
"Charlotte and Bobby, when did that start ?"
"I don't know if we really know Lou." Amy answered sitting up and reaching for a chocolate from the tray on the coffee table. "I told Ty over Christmas week when we watched a movie at the Adirondack house that they've been holding hands in places like the movies for years."
Sally nodded, "I don't think Bobby has ever even looked at another girl, he's pretty smitten."
"So's Charlie, she plays it cooler but boys have actually asked her out and Brin told me she just stares at them like they're nuts." Meg piped in with a giggle.
"I hadn't heard" Amy added with a smile "I wonder if Mad's ever been asked out ?" She asked looking around."
"Brin sure has, but by jumping boys who didn't know. She just tells them she's seeing someone. I can't imagine it hasn't happened to Maddie."
"I assume." Amy said softly, "oh well."
Jack and Lisa were the first to leave which started the breakup. They all had full days and wanted a somewhat early start. Lou, Ash, Cass, Jack and Lisa were leaving earliest. Lou wanted to get back to Maggie's, Ash and Lisa had morning appointments in Hudson, Cass wanted to see her kids and get to her rounds after and Jack "needed" to get back to the ranch for some reason he couldn't really explain other than the mysterious things that needed doing.
Amy didn't want to stay late so with the truck getting delivered by 8:00 the rest of the crew decided on leaving earlier than later and stopping at Maggie's for breakfast. She showered before getting into bed and calling Ty whom she found alone sitting in their bedroom signing off on the last of the charts he needed to review before heading to bed.
"Hey you, still working ?"
"Almost done, the whole swimming thing pushed things off. What are your plans for tomorrow ?"
"Early in, breakfast at Maggie's and Fairfield for starters. Nothing solid after, but I guess Heartland."
"You Ok ?"
"I'm fine Ty."
"When are you going to talk to Jack about the house ?"
"Haven't decided yet, I'll talk to Lou, I'd like to see the plans first, we'll see."
"When would they start building ?"
"First thaw for the foundation I guess."
"Good luck with that, just uhm, don't, uhm push."
"Don't worry Ty, I don't think that part will be bad, he was willing to let Lou and Peter build a house. Upgrading the ranch house will be a harder talk. Maybe having Erma and Sally along would help that, they've upgraded and expanded several times over their 150 and 250 year old houses."
"Yeah, that might work."
"You know, Heartland has been upgraded obviously, Grandpa's just stubborn. I'm losing it Ty, I have to close my eyes."
"I love you Ames and miss you."
"I love you Ty, hold things together over there huh ?"
"I won't sell the ranch."
"Ok then, I trust you."
"Night Ames, talk to you tomorrow."
"Night" she said reaching for the disconnect.
She was asleep moments later.