Page 57 of Peach Blossom Hollow

“He’s quite the gentleman,” Violet said, hoping to fill the awkward silence between herself and Mr. McGregor.

“You’re his girlfriend?” Mr. McGregor asked. “Or are you a new agent?”

“Friend. And, um, I’m actually the team’s mascot. I didn’t want to come alone, and had nothing to wear and so Leo said…” She’d run a hand over the skirt of her dress, realizing she could easily make Leo sound like some sort of opportunistic sugar daddy rather than the generous and sweet friend that he was. “He’s a very good friend. You’ll find him to be loyal and kind.”

Mr. McGregor studied her for a long moment and she wondered if he could tell that she was crushing on her friend. She could feel the heat in her face from not only speaking to him so confidently but also for complimenting Leo so blatantly.

“Well,” Mr. McGregor said, “it sounds as though you’re cut from the same cloth. He’s lucky to haveyouas a friend.”

Violet nodded, wishing the wordgirlwas in front of that last word.

“You found one,” she said, as Leo set a tall chair beside her. Mr. McGregor was sipping his drink, watching them. Leo gently touched her back, checking in with her.“Did you want a drink?” he asked.

“No, thank you.” Violet tipped her head toward the CEO, trying to mentally message that Leo should make his case quickly. She could sense Leo's nerves amplifying as he settled in his chair.

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” Mr. McGregor asked, focusing his pale gray eyes on Leo. The man’s voice was kind, but his demeanor meant business.

“I would like to work with you,” Leo answered. “Iam a clean-living man. I have experience filming commercials and representing a brand.”

“He’s convinced the Dragons’ charity team that they need to take all the sick kids to a Family Zone theme park once they’re well enough because he loves it so much and thinks they will too.” She looked at Leo meaningfully.

He chuckled and gave her a grateful smile that turned sheepish as he faced Mr. McGregor. “I think Family Zone is the best place ever. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s something for everyone. And I think it would be amazing for the team to be able to send kids and their family there when they’re feeling up to it.”

“It would.”

“I grew up on a ranch, and while we had a lot in many ways, we didn’t have much for vacations. When I was thirteen, somehow my parents scraped enough together for all of us to go to Family Zone. Honestly, we were in danger of losing the ranch and I think they wanted to build some good family memories before things got hard.”

Violet gave Leo’s hand a squeeze as he blinked back emotion. He inhaled slowly and audibly, but the fine lines of pain still carved through his cheeks and forehead. That pain was still there, still fresh.

“Leo gave up college scholarships to help his family save the ranch once he was out of high school,” she said quietly, hoping she wasn’t overstepping by revealing this. But she could see how Mr. McGregor was reacting to Leo’s story, and it was good.

Leo nodded.

“It sounds like your trip means a lot to you,” the man said diplomatically.

“It’s the only family vacation I can remember us taking together.”

“Family Zone is a special place,” Violet stated.

“It’s somewhere families can create special memories that never fade. I want to share that with more people. Especially families who are going through a tough time. I know many people feel your theme parks are just fun and entertainment, but they’re more than that. I’d love to work with your company in any way that you feel would be beneficial to you. I don’t have a family of my own yet, but as you’ll see by looking into my reputation with pro rodeo, I am steady and down to earth. I feel I’m suitable as a representative for your brand. I was a good representative for my sponsors and I can give you references, sir.” Leo stood. “I would love to work with your company if you can find a place for me.”

Mr. McGregor gestured for him to sit down again, then remained quiet for a long moment, while Violet held her breath.

“Tell your agent to call me on Monday. Actually, make it Tuesday. I need to talk to my team to see what we can find for a guy like you. I came here to check out the possibility of a hockey player representing us, unsure what that might look like. But talking to you tonight… Well, I’m getting an idea.” He stood, reaching out to shake Leo’s hand again. “I appreciate you sharing your story with me.”

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate your time.”

“And Leo?” Mr. McGregor sighed as though reluctant to do something. He fished around inside his jacket’s inner pocket. “Any chance youcould make a dad look like a hero to his sixteen-year-old daughter who’s crazy about rodeo?” The man slid a postcard-sized image and marker across the table, and Leo gave a chuckle as he recognized the image of him astride a bucking Brahman bull.

“Want me to sign it?”

Mr. McGregor nodded and mentioned his daughter’s name.

“I remember this.” Leo waved the card and said to Violet, “I won one of the bigger belt buckles that day.”

“My daughter watched all of your events. A big fan. Obviously, she made me bring this in case I saw you tonight.” The older man pocketed the signed card. “Thank you.”

“And thank you, sir.”

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