Kirsten Osbourne [Osbourne - Moonstruck Marine

Melinda Chase leaned forward as she talked about her plans for the restaurant she now managed. I really want to do more with it than Michael ever did. I dont think he ever really saw the potential, and I do. Her voice was both professional and earnest as she tried to convince the owner to let her do the things she knew would make it better.

Bob Quinn, owner of the restaurant and the hotel it resided in, tilted his head to one side as he listened. I think that sounds reasonable. What do you have in mind?

Lets make it the fanciest restaurant in Quinn Valley. Even your family goes to the pub or out of town for a night out. Why not bring them here? I think we upscale the menu. Steak, lobster, better quality meals. Well keep a good house burger and some chicken fingers for the kiddos and more plebian tastes, but I want the restaurant to reflect the rest of this beautiful resort youve made here. With four restaurants here, you need one that serves a better cuisine.

Bobs lips quirked into a smile. It is pretty incredible, isnt it?

Yes, it really is! Ive never seen anything like it. And the restaurant is just a place where people plop down after a day at the poolif they dont head out and go to the pizza place or some other random restaurant in town. Melinda shook her head. We need this to be a sanctuary people want to come to for celebrations, not where people wear their wet swimsuits. She frowned for a moment. About that

Bob jumped up at that moment. Bobling! Youre finally home!

A man in a Marines uniform walked to Bob and hugged him tight. Hi, Dad.

Melinda watched them closely, having heard more about Bobling than shed ever wanted to know about anyone.

Your mother is going to go insane. Youre a day earlier than expected.

Bobling shrugged. Isnt that what you taught me? Never do what people expect of you, or youll get into a rut? Under-promise and over-deliver?

It sure is. You look good. Bob looked over at Melinda, who was watching them. This is Melinda. Shes taking over the restaurant here at the hotel, and were discussing options.

Bobling smiled at Melinda. Hi. Im Jake.

Melinda blinked a couple of times. Ive heard you referred to as Bobling for the entire two years Ive worked here.

Jake. Please. He sat down beside Melinda in another chair. Id love to be part of the discussion on what to do with the restaurant.

Bob took his chair behind the desk again. Youve never shown much of an interest in the hotel before.

Im home now. Ill be showing a lot of interest in things that will surprise you. Boblingno, Jaketurned toward Melinda. Id like to see some vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. So many people come to this area to get healthier, and I think well find they sell quite well. Also, some good lean cuts of meat, prepared without oil and using little salt. Then my dad can eat there without worrying too much. So maybe you do a vegetarian menu, with things that are also vegan clearly marked, and a heart healthy menu on top of the other things youre planning.

Melinda grinned at him. I was just about to get there in my plans for the restaurant. She was surprised to hear Boblings ideas for the place, because she hadnt expected to like him. Hed been built up too much in her mind by everyone around her. I want to change the name, Bob.

Bob frowned at her. I like the name Bobs Restaurant.

Im sure you do, but it doesnt bring people in. Im thinking Impressions. I want people to leave with a good impression. I know you like the casual restaurants in the hotel, Bob, but even the employees dont eat there.

Bob sighed. You think all these changes would be good for the bottom line?

I think theyd be wonderful. She caught sight of Jake nodding out of the corner of her eye. Your son agrees with me.

My son has always agreed with beautiful women. Especially ones who smell like food all the time. You should see how close he is to his mother. Bob leaned back in his chair with his hands folded in front of him. Lets do it. Ill think about some advertising for it as well.

Dad, let me do the advertising. I know what will sell it. And when can I start at the workout center? Im ready to start helping people.

Melinda turned to Jake, her interest piqued. Wait... what are you going to be doing in the workout center?

Personal training. It probably wont appeal to a lot of the guests, but it will appeal to people in town. Lots of them get memberships to the workout center from what I recall.

Bob frowned. Thats changed in recent years. Its never used now.

Melinda ignored Bob as she faced his son, feeling her excitement building. Really? I want a session first thing Monday morning, if you have time available.

He laughed. Youre the first person Ive talked to about it, so sure. You let me know what time, and Ill make you sweat.

Lets say nine. I have to work at eleven, but I can do an hour with you, and then hit the showers. Melinda was excited to work out with him for a multitude of reasons. She wanted to get healthy, but more than that, she wanted to spend more time with the mysterious Bobling shed heard so much about. But Boblings mystery had nothing on Jakes sexiness.

Perfect. Ill see you at nine, then. He got to his feet, holding his hand out to his father. Im going to head out. My master sergeant got out of the Marines the same day I did, and he wants me to show him around town. I talked about it so much that hes interested in settling here.

Fresh blood is exactly what Quinn Valley needs. Look at Melinda here. Shes looking at something I didnt realize was broken, and shes finding ways to fix it. Yup. New people are needed in this valley of ours. Bob looked at his son for a moment. Plan on being at the house around seven for supper. Well surprise your mother.

Im sure she already knows Im here, Dad.

Shell pretend to be surprised, then! Bob watched as his son left, finally sitting back down and looking at Melinda. I cannot tell you how much joy it brings me to see that boy back in Quinn Valley where he belongs.

Melinda smiled. Ive heard a lot about him during the years Ive worked here. Now, lets talk about the restaurants dcor... its perfect for being a place where people lounge after swimming, but its not good for people who want to take their love out for a nice night on the town...

* * *

Jake walked through a couple of long hallways to get to the lobby of the hotel. As soon as he was there, he spotted Jackson. Raising one hand in greeting, he smiled and strode toward the other man, who was still in uniform as well, stopping before the other man and saluting. Sarge.

Jackson saluted back, and then he grinned, grasping Jakes hand. If youd reenlisted, youd have had my job.

Oh, no one could replace you, sir. Jake smiled. Lets go see my little town.

Its not quite what I expected. The way you talked, I was expecting there to be double rainbows leading you to the center of town, a golden sidewalk, and leprechauns throwing luck at you wherever you went. And none of the houses even have golden roofs. Its definitely not living up to my expectations.

Jake laughed. Its home, sir. I think everyone feels the way about their home that I do. He walked out toward the parking lot. I know this town, so well take my truck.

This is the only time Im going to let you get away with driving me anyway, Jake.

Jake stopped short when a very pregnant woman dropped something on the floor.

Bobling! she squealed, throwing herself at him with gusto, ignoring the papers shed dropped.