Cowgirl Up and Ride (Rough Riders #3)(78)

AJ’s ears perked up and she shuffled aside. “Change?”


“My sister and I are opening up a shop here once we can get the changes approved from the landlord.”


“Landlord? Doesn’t Dewey own this building?”


“It’d be easier if he did. He sold it last year. Any changes have to get approval from this mysterious owner.” The woman’s vivid blue gaze narrowed. “Why?”


“Because Dewey neglected to tell my friend that. She’s talking to him about taking over his restaurant.”


Blue eyes finally smiled. “Dewey is a miscreant. Let’s crash their meeting and see how old Dewey reacts.”


AJ led the way. Dewey blinked rapidly when he saw the woman behind her.


“Now, Dewey, please tell me you aren’t misleading this lady? She does know you don’t actually own this building anymore?”


Silence.


Macie said, “Dewey, Velma is gonna be majorly pissed if that’s true. And you know what she’s like when she gets a burr under her saddle.”


“B-b-but it’s not what you think. The owner gave me full authority to turn over the restaurant to you, Mrs. McKay. You still have to submit your remodeling plans, but he already gave the go-ahead to proceed, if you’re interested.”


“Who the hell owns this building?”


“I’d say that I can’t say, but the truth is I doan know. All our communication is done through email. I send my rent checks to a P.O. Box in Denver.” Dewey swallowed nervously. “Never talked to a live person, it’s some sort of architectural firm specializin’ in historic Western preservation.”


The blue-eyed woman demanded, “I still haven’t received approval on my proposed changes and I signed the goddamn lease a month ago.”


“Maybe because you’re puttin’ in a tattoo parlor, Ms. Ellison? Not the same as upgradin’ a restaurant.”


AJ whirled around. “A tattoo parlor? In Sundance? That is so cool!”


“Yeah,” Macie chimed in, “I’d like to hear what you’ve planned for the space, since it appears we’ll be neighbors.” Macie thrust out her hand. “Macie McKay. This is AJ


Foster.”


“India Ellison. Come on over and take a walk on the wild side.” India winked. “I’m prepared to be the new resident bad girl who leads this sleepy Wyoming town into the temptations of body art.”


Macie filled India in her tentative plans for the restaurant while AJ explored the space, which’d been a hair salon in a former life. A couple other eclectic businesses had tried to make a go of it, but none succeeded.


“Only half is for tattoos and piercing. We’ll use the front half as a salesroom for the products my sister manufactures.”


“What’s she make?”


“Natural skin and hair care products made in Weston County. Ever heard of Sky Blue?”


“I have,” AJ said. “But you can’t find it here. You have to drive to DeWitt’s Pharmacy in Moorcroft to get it.”


“Which is why Sky wants to expand to Sundance. We both fell in love with this building, plus the third floor spans the entire length. I’m waiting for approval on changes to make it an apartment for when I move here permanently.”


“Where do you live now?”


“Denver.” India sighed. “So, help me out, guys. I’m looking for a reputable construction company to do all the remodel work if I ever get approval. You’re local.