Chapter 6: El Valle Grande (The Big Valley)

Ana---I was sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee when GG walked in. She was smiling from ear to ear. She poured her coffee and sat across from me.

“Travis knows about us.”

“NO! How? I am sorry if I...”

“Don’t worry it was not anything you did. He asked so I told him. I do not want there to be any secrets between us. Everything is fine. Tell me about Dr. Willard O’Shea.”

“Will, he hates Willard and believe me we are way passed being formal with each other.” That made her laugh before she could continue.

“Ana, would you believe he has a big cock? Well, he does! And better yet, he knows how to use it. I could fall in love with this man. I mean he is smart as hell. He can talk about anything. Did you know he can speak Spanish? He does. Did I mention he has a huge cock?”

Now we are both laughing as Angel and her crew walk into the dining room. Breakfast was delivered buffet style. As we were just finishing our second cup of coffee the elevator bell rang. When the doors opened off stepped my father!

“Good morning my dear.” He extended his arms and hugged me.

“What are you doing here?”

“I have made all the arrangements for your trip. Everything is ready to leave when you are. Introduce me to your friends.”

After the introductions were made, he sat at the table while the rest of us rushed off to pack. I threw what clothes I wanted to take on the bed and asked Travis to pack while I talked to father.

“What is going on? I thought you did not want to be part of this project?”

“I don’t. But I wanted to meet this new friend of yours, Travis. Nice looking man. You serious?”

How does my father know about Travis? Who knows for sure? He has spies everywhere!

“Very serious. It was love at first sight for both of us!”

“I’m happy for you. I am looking forward to getting to know him, so I have decided to go with you. I have the cars waiting, hurry up.

When everyone was packed and ready, Father called the lobby and in minutes an elevator arrived full of bellhops. Our luggage along with Willard’s boxes disappeared into the freight elevator.

In front of the hotel was a convoy! There was a black SUV with two guards followed by two vans each with a driver, then another SUV with another two guards.

As we sorted out who was going to ride with who, GG announced that she was taking her SUV. I do not remember inviting her to go with us! Besides, doesn’t she have to work today?

“I called in sick this morning. I told them I may be sick all week! HAHAHA!”

Willard, or should I say Will, hugged her. She pulled her car up behind ours and he got in.

All the luggage was loaded so I got in the van with Angel and Joan. Dad shut the door and said he Travis and Billy Bob would follow us. I admit I was a little nervous about my father being in the van with Travis but maybe it is a good thing.

About half an hour into the trip, I heard my father’s voice over the radio say that we are stopping for lunch in Conception, a small village located at the turnoff to the road to the dam.

Two hours later we pulled into a small restaurant that advertised grilled chicken as their specialty. Father ordered for everybody. I sat next to Travis. All seemed well. I kept asking what father and he had talked about, but he just grinned and avoided answering my questions.

While we waited for our food GG and Will excused themselves and walked out the front door. They were back just as the food arrived.

The meal was good, not great but filling. When everyone was finished eating, GG handed everyone a Dramamine tablet.

“This road has over 200 switchbacks. I suggest everyone except the drivers take a pill. It should keep anyone from getting motion sick in the mountains.”

Everyone took her advice and three hours later we pulled up in front of the Reception Center/Hotel. This place is so beautiful! So peaceful! So quiet! The silence was broken only by the sound of birds singing or a fish splashing in the lake.

As we exited the cars we just stood and looked around. We had crossed the dam but had not seen any workers. On the steps up to the hotel entrance stood an older lady and man, the caretakers. Since this is my party, I take charge. I walk up the steps and extend my hand.

“I am Ana Gomez. I hope you were told to expect us today.”

“We were Ms. Gomez it is just that we were told there would be 6 in your party. How many of you will be staying the night?”

“All of us I’m afraid. Is that going to be a problem?”

“Heavens no! Jose and I will enjoy the company. How many rooms will you need?”