The Blue Moon Rising

By Toby Joyce

What if there was a place with an atmosphere for soothing whatever was ailing the mind, body, and spirit? The Blue Moon Motel is such a place. Nestled in the heart of California wine country, this charming motel is the picture of tranquility.

The hope of restoration has drawn two couples and two individuals to this rustic motel. Blake Hamilton, a famous mystery writer has been experiencing writers-block. Actress Devon Donnelly and director husband, Trent Herrington, are considering divorce after seven years of marriage. Honey Rawley, founder and CEO of a successful enterprise is extremely defensive, which has interfered with her relationships. Mark and Mary Hampton, owners of a prestigious art gallery, haven’t had sex in their marriage for several years although they still love each other.

Will the mystic air of the Blue Moon change the lives of these guests, and of Gina Gallagher, the owner, and Jack Logan, her nearest neighbor?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Torrid Books
• Release date: Aug 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781682992456

Book preview

Chapter 1

Regina Gallagher stood behind the counter in the lobby of her recently acquired motel. She marveled at how a hint of an idea had come to fruition, and subsequently changed her lifestyle completely.

It was quiet as the sunlight filtered through the round stained-glass windows near the top of both entrance doors. They were among the first improvements she had made, shortly after signing the papers with the realtor. The windows were created to resemble full moons.

Regina’s thoughts took her back to less than a year before, when she had been a successful financial advisor to some of the wealthiest and most famous clients in Los Angeles, California. For over twenty-five years she had worked in the city, managing the wealth of those who put their trust in her. She had thrived on the stress and the hectic environment of the business that she had cultivated and perfected over the years.

That part of her life was behind her now, since she had become the proud owner and proprietor of a small, charming, rustic motel and lounge nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez wine country, thirty miles northeast of Santa Barbara, California.

Her journey and transformation had begun by accident, quite literally. While she was leaving the parking garage of her downtown Los Angeles office, a drunk driver sped through a red light and crashed into her car. The driver impacted her so hard that emergency responders had to cut her out using the jaws-of-life.

Because of the injuries she suffered, her doctors insisted she take a minimum of one month off work, to give her body time to heal and her mind a chance to recover. It was the first time in her long career that Regina had taken any more than one week at a time off work. Reluctantly, she turned the day-to-day operations of her business over to a trusted associate.

Naturally the accident was unnerving. Once away from the daily grind of her job, she began thinking about the lifestyle she had pursued and been so completely dedicated to.

It was while she was recovering that Gina viewed the motel and lounge that would eventually become her new passion. The complex consisted of seven guest rooms in the main building, two downstairs and five upstairs, plus four fully contained cabins, located near a slow-moving river that ran through the property. There was also a separate two-bedroom townhouse attached to the main building for the manager or proprietor, or more rental space if wanted or needed. Next to, and included with, the motel was a combination restaurant and lounge.

Native Americans and longtime locals considered the river to have healing powers for the body, mind, and spirit. The river, Aroostook, was named by the indigenous people and translated, the Good River.

Of course, there was no way to prove the healing powers of the river, but something kept drawing Regina back to the property while she was deciding to make a major change in lifestyle. She knew from personal experience that when she was in or near the river, a calmness and hopefulness came over her, soothing the restlessness that had bothered her for the year before the accident.

Regina, sometimes known as Gina, had a twenty-four-year-old daughter, an only child, named Gabrielle Gallagher. Gabby was an artist, known in the art world simply as GG, the signature on her pieces. When she was fourteen her father, Nick Gallagher, was accidentally killed on a mountain-climbing trip. A climbing enthusiast, Nick was considered an experienced climber. His death had devastated both Gina and Gabby, and each had coped in different ways. Gina became a workaholic, and Gabby became consumed with her art. Gina had been a widow ever since, and had not been in a serious relationship. Gabby and Gina had remained very close, and had a wonderful relationship.

Gabby had been extremely skeptical about her mother moving to the country. Begrudgingly, the well-known artist agreed to go with her mom to visit the motel that she had apparently fallen in love with. After being there for two hours and ending up at the bank of the river, Gabby had a complete change of mind and heart. She agreed that it was everything her mom said it was, and gave her mom her complete support.

That all seemed like a long time ago now, with only two days before the grand opening.

Gina moved out from behind the counter of the office into the small lobby, and stood in the middle of the floor. Everything was in place, and it looked beautiful. The brochure display was located to the right of the service counter, between two chairs. Activities offered to the guests included wine-tasting tours, inner-tubing down the river, hiking, fishing, and trail horse rides. In the adjacent restaurant and lounge were a pool table and a dart board. Playing cards and board games could be checked out, and for the very hardy, there were horseshoe pits behind the main building. She envisioned the guests at her motel relaxing while enjoying the natural environment.

While puttering around the empty lobby, Gina remembered when she had first met her nearest neighbor, Jack Logan. He owned the General Store and JTL Trail Horse Rides, and had lived in the Santa Ynez valley his entire life. His beloved wife of twenty-two years, Tammy, had died of cancer five years earlier. Jack had had to sell twenty-five of his thirty acres of land to pay for the treatment to try to save her. He had remained a widower since then.

Jack’s biggest concern had been that an investor would buy the motel and lounge, bulldoze them down, and put up some trendy new motel with flashing neon lights that would constantly glare down the hill onto his property. He was relieved to meet the new owner and find out that she wanted to keep the motel basically as it was, with just a few minor restorations. She assured him that the new signs would not have flashing neon lights.

Gina and Jack got along well, so Jack decided to present a business proposal to her that he felt would be mutually beneficial. Jack’s businesses were located down a long, gradual slope from Gina’s businesses. He had been thinking that a walkway connecting their properties would give them both more amenities to offer their customers. He suggested building a wooden walkway of approximately seventy-five steps, about half the distance, then a nice, large landing area like a deck with sitting benches, followed by seventy-five more steps. He was confident that he and his thirty-year-old nephew Brett could build it. Brett Logan lived in a house he had built himself, on a plot of land that his uncle Jack owned. He helped his uncle with the two businesses after his Aunt Tammy had passed away.

After careful consideration, Gina agreed it was a good idea, and each paid for half the cost. It was built beautifully, and from then on, Gina and Jack had a connection both geographically and romantically.

Their fondness for each other came about gradually and naturally, and they were both grateful to have each other nearby.

Gina moved into the townhouse, leaving one bedroom for her daughter whenever she could visit.

Gabby lived in Santa Monica, but became a frequent guest at her mom’s motel, since there was a thriving art community in Santa Barbara County. Gabrielle had noticed Brett one day while visiting, when he was building the walkway between her mom’s and his uncle’s properties. Hearing hammering, she looked down the hill and saw the perfect specimen of a man. He was wearing a white tee-shirt, damp with sweat, clinging to his muscular chest and biceps.

Gina had yet to meet Brett, so she and Gabby walked down the hill for introductions.

Both men stopped working when they saw the ladies approaching. Brett removed his cowboy hat, to reveal a full head of sun-streaked brown hair matching his gold-flecked brown eyes. He had done a little internet research on the new owner, and had found out that her daughter was a well-known artist. When Gina introduced Gabby to her new neighbors, Brett charmed Gabby by talking about her art.

Later on that same day, Gabrielle had an encounter with, in her words, a huge, hideous, and probably rabid wild animal with filthy claws, that hissed and showed his long, ugly fangs. She screamed bloody murder, and when Brett heard her, he came running up the hill. He saw Gabby standing on the top of an old picnic table bench. She had tears in her eyes and her body shook as he took her in his arms and carried her to a safe place. The animal that had scared her so badly turned out to be a large possum. Being a beach-city girl, she had never seen one before. Ever since that day, there had been a strong attraction and chemistry between Brett and Gabby.

Now all of Gina’s planning and preparation had come together. She hoped it would pay off, but only time would tell. She knew in her heart and mind that she was doing what she should at this time in her life. The Blue Moon Motel and Lightning Bolt Lounge, with the beautiful and enchanting river that ran through the grounds, had given her life new meaning. She felt confident, calm, and more fulfilled than she had thought possible.

Chapter 2

Gina called a staff meeting the day before the grand opening. She and the staff members were wearing new uniform shirts, with the Blue Moon-Lightning Bolt logo embroidered on the upper left side.

She stood in front of the assembled group, and smiled as she addressed all nine of her employees. You all look very nice and professional in your new shirts. I hope you like them. They all nodded in agreement, while looking at one another.

As you know, our first guests will be arriving tomorrow. Again, everyone nodded. I have complete confidence that each of you will represent our motel and lounge in a professional manner. Wear a smile, and make everyone you come in contact with feel like the most important person on earth. In that way, word will spread quickly that the staff at the Blue Moon Motel and Lightning Bolt Lounge give exceptional customer service. She stopped to smile at each of them. Also, she added, I expect our motel to attract celebrities and other famous people who want to get away and be treated like normal people. Every guest should be treated with equal respect, with no extra special treatment for celebrities. Stargazing or asking for autographs or photographs is not acceptable or permitted. She paused briefly to assure that her instructions were acknowledged. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to come to me or Gabrielle about anything. No concern is too small. If it is a concern to our guests, it is a concern to us. You all know your jobs, and I’m anticipating a flawless grand opening. Are there any questions?

The staff looked around at each other, and then at Gina. No questions were asked, but the night bartender, Gus, spoke up. I think I speak for everyone when I say, thank you for the opportunity you’ve given us. We’re gonna try our best to make this the best place that anyone ever stayed at. The others nodded in agreement.

Thank you, Gus, and all of you. Get a good night’s rest, and we’ll see you tomorrow.

Clapping broke out spontaneously from the employees, as well as from Gabby, Jack, and Brett, who stood nearby in the lobby. Touched by their support, Gina smiled as the clapping subsided and the staff filed out the doors.

It’s going to be great, Mom, Gabby said as she went over and gave her mom a hug.

It sure is, Ms. Gallagher, Brett said as he walked over closer to her and her daughter.

Regina smiled, and acknowledged their votes of confidence.

If you don’t mind, we’re going out to the lounge now and make sure it’s fully stocked, Gabby said as she put her arm through Brett’s arm at the elbow.

Thank you both, I appreciate it!

After Gabby and Brett left the room, Jack walked over to Gina and put his arms around her. They embraced in a comforting hug. Are you nervous? he asked her.

A little, she admitted. I’m so glad that Gabby took the weekend off to be here with me, and of course knowing that you and Brett are nearby makes all the difference in the world.

He loosened his hug to look into her eyes, and with gratitude said, We have rides scheduled for every day next week. Thank you, Gina.

It’s my pleasure. I know you and Brett will make it a fun activity for them all.

She moved to the service counter, and perused the guest list for the next day. The reason for her slight nervousness was that she recognized some of the names as well-known business owners, writers, and an actress and movie-producer couple, as well as some business associates from her life as a financial advisor. All seven rooms and all four cabins were booked, some for the weekend and some for three to seven days.

Jack recognized her apprehension as he walked over to the counter. Now who’s on that list that’s makin’ you look so worried?

Well, Gina said as her finger moved down the list, There is Honey Rawley, the founder and CEO of Raw Honey Enterprises. Blake Hamilton, the famous mystery writer. The actress Devon Donnelly, and her movie director and producer husband, Trent Herrington; Mark and Mary Hampton, owners of the Happening Gallery in Santa Barbara—just to name a few. She looked up and smiled to see Jack’s face with a slight wrinkle of concern across his forehead. And, she continued, there are four different former clients, all influential and powerful.

Oh, I see. He slowly moved his head up and down with his hand on his chin, now sharing Gina’s nerves. They all sound like pretty important people. Then he realized his comment had not helped, so he smiled and put his arm around her shoulder. Don’t you worry about a thing. You are very well prepared, you’ve put the work in, and it shows. Everything is in place, and your guests are going to love it!

Thanks, Jack; you’re right. I just want to make a good first impression.

And you will, I guarantee it. He paused for a brief moment, then said, Now, I think I’d better get back down and make sure we’re all ready for your grand opening. I’m glad you let me know about all the famous people who are going to be riding our horses and visiting the store.

They gave each other a quick kiss on the lips before Jack went to the walkway to go to his businesses. Before he did, he poked his head into the lounge and saw Brett and Gabby laughing and flirting. When you’re all finished here, would you come on down, Brett? I could use a little help.

Sure enough, I think we’re all finished here–for now, anyway. Brett stood up from the table. See you later, GG. He gave a confident smile, then joined his uncle as they began the walk down.

Is everything okay? You seem a little on edge.

Well, Gina just showed me the guest list for her grand opening, and it’s filled with famous and influential people.

Really? That’s great!

Great, but we want to make the best first impression we can.

Don’t worry; our place has never looked better. We’re ready, and you know I’ll be turnin’ on the charm.

Jack wished he had that youthful, cocky confidence.

You know what, Uncle Jack? Brett put his arm across Jack’s shoulder. Those people are comin’ out here because they want to be treated just like regular folks, incognito. Just treat ’em like you do all our guests, and they’ll love it here.

Brett was right. He had a way of calming Jack down, and making him believe that everything would work out for the best.

Maybe you should go up and have this same conversation with Gina. She needs a little reassurance, too.

I don’t know Ms. Gallagher well enough to talk to her like I do you. You’re the sweet-talker to her. Next time you see her, just tell her what I’m tellin’ you. Besides, Gabby will talk with her. She knows how to calm her mom down.

Okay, you’re right. Now, let’s get busy stocking the store shelves and putting out extra product.

When Gabrielle went back into the lobby where her mom was working on the computer, she said, What’s up? Is there anything I can help you with?

Then she saw the troubled expression on her mom’s face. She had put up a brave front until now, but Gabby recognized that look. Mom, what’s wrong?

There’s nothing wrong, but look at the guest list for tomorrow’s grand opening. She handed the list to Gabby.

Oh, wonderful; Mark and Mary Hampton are coming. Wow: Honey Rawley, Blake Hamilton, Devon Donnelly, and Trent Herrington? This is fantastic!

Gina wished she shared her daughter’s optimistic enthusiasm.

Don’t worry, Mom; I’m right here beside you. Mr. Logan and Brett are just down the hill. The employees are looking good, and they’re ready to serve. Everything is set. The motel and lounge are spotless, and your guests are going to feel right at home. Now, let’s make some supper and have a glass of wine, then go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep, just like you advised your staff.

Gina realized that Gabby was absolutely right. Her confidence came back, and by the time she called it a night and went to bed, she was more excited than nervous about the next day’s grand opening.

Chapter 3

She stood in front of the counter after giving her coffee drink order to the barista.

And your name? he asked innocently, so he could write it on the paper cup.

Honey. Then she cringed inside, because she had forgotten to use her coffee-shop alias of Cathy, and she knew there would be some kind of comment about her