by Tricia Goyer
“Are you all jealous?” Hannah jutted out her chin. “Is that what this is about?” She sat on the metal chair with a flourish.
“Well, the Stevensons’ farm did just win Adams County Farm of the Year. Is it fair that they get chosen for this too?”
“It’s not that we went looking for it.” Charlotte heard her voice rise an octave, and more than anything she wished Bob were here.
“Jealousy is not the point,” Dwayne injected. “It’s just that the fair has put out a lot of money to bring Shae Lynne into the area.”
“Yup, a lot of money. More than we’ve ever spent before,” Ned echoed.
“And?” Charlotte glanced around at the faces around the table. A few of the board members looked her in the eye, but most of them focused on everything but her—the walls, the ceiling, a piece of Scotch tape stuck to the table.
“We just think that maybe since we paid so much to bring Shae Lynne in some of that money they’re paying for the use of your farm should come back to the fair,” Ned’s wife Betty commented.
Charlotte felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She didn’t know what to say, or even what the right answer was. So she just sat there, in silence, wishing she was anywhere else.
“Now, don’t think we don’t understand you probably need that money to help with your grandkids, but I’ve heard people talking, Charlotte,” Dwayne continued. “All around town everyone is going on and on about the music video. It’s fair week, and they’re not even talking about the fair.”
“What if attendance drops?” Ned stuck out his chest, as if making his point stronger. “I mean, what if instead of attending the fair people head out to your farm to watch the making of that video?”
“Now, that won’t happen.” Charlotte felt her hands tremble. “We’re not going to let anyone on the farm. What do you think? We’re going to be selling tickets or something?”
She took a deep breath. “Here you go again. Do you hear yourselves?” She scanned the faces around the table. “This is exactly the flip side to what we were just talking about a few days ago. First, we were wondering about how to spend all the money we’re going to make. And now we’re worried about not making any money at all. Don’t you think …” Charlotte felt her emotions building, and she tried to swallow them down. “Don’t you think that we should wait and see how the week goes?”
Charlotte considered mentioning that she and Bob saw this extra money as an answer to their prayers. Or mentioning that she’d rather not have the video people there either. Or commenting on how excited the kids were at this opportunity. Instead, she just sat there, questioning where the fun in fair week had gone.
They continued on with their meeting, and thankfully no one brought up the video or the money again. Instead, they talked about the rodeo, fair security, and a hundred other minor details Charlotte was no longer concerned about.
Thirty minutes later, the meeting was over, and Charlotte attempted to slip out of the office as quietly as possible. She’d barely gotten outside the door when she felt an arm slipping into hers. She knew without turning that it was Hannah.
“Hey, you okay?” Hannah rested her head on Charlotte’s shoulder.
Charlotte shrugged. “Yeah, I suppose.”
“You need to remember, Charlotte, that they’re just volunteers. They’re not professionals doing this, you know. They haven’t been trained in human relations, and this is the first time anything like this has come up.”
“Yes, well, it’s not like this happens every day to us, either,” Charlotte said, trying to keep her voice even, telling herself that Hannah was only trying to help. Reminding herself that the fair would go on, this week would pass, and the country music star would drive off into the sunset.
“You going to talk to Bob about it?”
Charlotte shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not sure. I really don’t want to upset him.”
“You should say something, Charlotte. Bob has broad shoulders. You need to remember that he can take a lot. More than you’d think sometimes.”
“You’re right.” Charlotte offered a soft smile. Yet inside she questioned why all of this was happening. Why this? Why now? Why us?
The questions were there, but no answers came. Instead, Charlotte just listened as Hannah went on about the latest news concerning their neighbors.
As Charlotte listened, she realized that while Hannah was talking about the latest news concerning others, people around the fair were most likely talking about her and her family, yet again.
Oh, the joys of living in Bedford, where everybody’s business is your business.
And vice versa.
Chapter Thirteen
Charlotte was thankful to see Pete’s truck sitting in the driveway when she arrived back at Heather Creek Farm. Yet she could hardly see Lazarus because of the large vehicles surrounding it. On either side of Pete’s truck and behind it, long trucks were parked. Men and women scurried around unloading props and equipment.
Charlotte parked in the gravel just beyond the driveway and climbed out of her car. Christopher jumped out too, pausing in the driveway with wide eyes.
“Whoa,” he said. “It’s like Hollywood landed on our front lawn.”
“Whoa is right.” Charlotte swallowed down a lump in her throat.
Up ahead, Pete was talking to a group of people on the porch. Charlotte quickened her footsteps. Christopher tagged along behind her.
“Who needs the fair when we have this?” Christopher squealed.
Yeah, who needs the fair? Charlotte thought. Mostly because her heart still felt a little hurt from the comments of the other fair board members. Then again, weighing against that hurt, she also couldn’t wait for the fair to officially begin and to feel the energy of the fairgrounds and see all the smiles. She couldn’t wait to walk through the exhibition halls and to peek inside the food building and check for ribbons on her pies. She’d won best of show six times, and she wondered if this year would make seven.
She tried to forget the comments from the other fair board members and instead decided to focus on welcoming the group of strangers to their farm.
She approached the porch steps and waved to Will, Buck, and two women who were standing with them. Both women wore pointy-toed high-heeled shoes, and Charlotte couldn’t help but wonder how long those shoes would last in the muck and dirt of the farm.
Will stretched out his hand and offered a big smile. “Charlotte, I’d like you to meet Tami and Tracy. They are Shae Lynne’s assistants, and you’ll be seeing them around a lot.”
“Nice to meet you both.” Charlotte asked about their trip and what they thought about Bedford. They answered her questions but didn’t warm to her, even when she offered them each a glass of lemonade. They all declined.
From the corner of her eye Charlotte saw four men easing a large camera down a ramp, coming closer to her vegetable garden than she would have liked. Just as she was about to mention something about them squishing her tomatoes, she spotted Sam, Emily, and Jordan emerging from the barn. Charlotte didn’t want to be overbearing—or to act like a meddling old woman—so instead of worrying about the garden she asked the next question on her mind.
“Is Shae Lynne here?” Charlotte glanced around.
“No, sorry,” Tami answered curtly. “Shae Lynne will be arriving in town tomorrow or the next day. The film crew will do some scenery shots over the next couple of days, and she’ll most likely be joining us later in the week.”
Tami seemed bored by the conversation. She was petite and dark-haired with a pixie face that would be rather pretty if she smiled. But she didn’t smile. Not even close.
“Well, we’ll be eager to meet her when the time comes. It’s not a rock video, but I think the kids will be talking about this for a long time,” Charlotte explained.
“Yes, of course. It’s an event many people would be honored to be a part of.” Tami glanced at the approaching teens and then turned back to Charlotte. “I’m sure Shae Lynn
e would personally like to thank your family for inviting us to your home.”
The other assistant Tracy, who had blonde hair and large green eyes, smiled softly.
As Sam, Jordan, and Emily came closer, their words drifted ahead of them.
“Too bad this wasn’t a rock video.” Sam scanned the cameras.
“Dude, did you see that? They have a whole wardrobe thing filled with cowboy boots and cowboy hats. John Wayne would be jealous.” Jordan laughed.
“I can’t believe Shae Lynne’s really going to be here,” Emily commented, ignoring the guys.
A man walked by carrying a rhinestone jacket and chaps on a hanger, protected inside a clear plastic bag.
“Man, this is totally entertaining.” Jordan remarked as he slapped his leg and plunked down on the top step of the porch.
Sam and Emily joined him, both acting unsettled, as if unsure of what to do or say. Charlotte could tell they were more excited than they let on, but they also didn’t want to seem uncool in front of Jordan.
“Grandma, do you think I can take a few photos?” Emily asked.
Charlotte looked to Tracy, who nodded her approval.
“Yes, but remember not to get in anyone’s way,” Charlotte encouraged, trying to turn the conversation back to a more positive note. “These good people have a job to do.”
The men with the camera equipment moved toward the barn, and Charlotte watched as they propped open both front barn doors and set up two large lights outside. They hooked them up to an outside outlet, flooding the barn with light and most likely scaring the barn cats, which scampered about. Everyone seemed to be in motion.
Christopher was especially interested in all the cameras and how they worked, and he tagged along, close enough to watch what was happening but not too close.
Every few minutes, Emily lifted her camera to her eye, focused, and snapped a shot. Charlotte smiled as she noted that Sam and Jordan actually looked interested and that Christopher became even more involved when the guys started asking questions about the farm, questions Christopher was eager to answer. She watched as he chatted with one of the prop guys near the garden, pointing out and explaining what the different plants were.
With Christopher occupied, Toby paced back and forth among the house, the barn, and the trucks, sniffing people, equipment, and vehicles as she tried to figure out what was going on.
Charlotte watched curiously as a group of men directed Pete to start up a tractor and drive it out to the horse pasture. She held back a chuckle as she imagined what Pete would think about driving back and forth in the pasture while they filmed him. A spurt of laughter burst from her lips as she also imagined Pete having to go to makeup and wardrobe.
Pete drove around the field for a while, but it didn’t last long. Thirty minutes later the tractor was parked, and Pete was heading to his apartment to change into his overalls.
“I have to get to my chores,” he mumbled, striding by.
“Pete doesn’t seem too excited about them being here.” Jordan shook his head.
“Well, Pete doesn’t do well with change.” Charlotte said. “He’s used to the days passing just like they always do. In fact, I can think of only a few times he’s even left Nebraska. Speaking of which, what do you think of our state, Jordan?” She looked into Jordan’s face, trying to remember seeing him at Denise’s funeral. She knew he’d been there, but she didn’t remember much about that day except trying to comfort her grandchildren.
He shrugged. “Well, Nebraska’s okay, I suppose. A lot different from San Diego. I never guessed I’d be in the middle of something like this, but I suppose it will be cool to see a singer at work.”
“This isn’t commonplace? But you live in California.” Charlotte shielded her eyes from the sun to look into his face. “Aren’t there a lot of famous people there?”
“Actually, this one time—”
“Charlotte?” Will strode up, interrupting Jordan. “We were wondering if Bob has any more heavy extension cords around here. We need to set up lights by Trudy’s stall.”
“Well, I’ll see what I can find in a minute.” She turned back to Jordan. “What were you saying?”
He waved a hand at her. “No, go ahead. I’ll tell you about my one and only movie star experience later. These people need help.”
“You can say that again.” Will slapped his leg and laughed. “But for now an extension cord will do.”
Charlotte laughed and rose from her place on the porch. “Why don’t I call my husband and see where those cords are.”
“No need to call him. Here he comes.” Emily pointed down the gravel road.
Charlotte glanced around the farm at all the people and all their supplies, and immediately her stomach tensed. Sure, it was Bob who had said they could come, but she wondered what his attitude would be now that they were all here.
She waved as she walked to the road where he parked, forcing a smile onto her face.
Chapter Fourteen
Charlotte had called Bob three times, and he still hadn’t come in for lunch. She marched outside and found him encircled by a group of guys.
On the outside he appeared calm. He was sharing stories about the farm—about the time he delivered a calf in a blizzard and the recent tornado that had touched down— but Charlotte could tell that on the inside Bob wasn’t at ease. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his fists were balled tightly. Even as he talked, his eyes weren’t on the faces of his listeners. Instead, his gaze moved around the farm as he took in where everyone was and what each one was doing.
Charlotte hadn’t heard him complain this time as she had when they’d hosted an open house for being named Adams County Farm of the Year. Then again, he hadn’t had much time to worry about it or complain. Everything had happened so fast. Still, that didn’t mean the reality of all these people on the farm was easy for Bob.
Charlotte approached, trying not to interrupt.
“So, would it be possible to get some tape of the combine harvesting?” Buck asked.
Bob chuckled. “Well, no. The crops aren’t ready yet. We have another month or so before it’s time to harvest.”
“And we couldn’t fake it?” Buck asked.
“Oh, you could fake it, but it’ll ruin my crop and my machine in the process.” Bob’s voice was stern, and Buck nodded and walked away.
Seemingly unfazed, Bob turned his attention back to the cameraman and pointed out the best angle to get a good shot of both the front porch and the barn. As he spoke, Will approached and listened, jotting notes in a small notepad.
Charlotte stood by and listened for a while, hoping Bob would get the hint that she wanted to talk to him. Then she finally gave up and placed a hand on his arm. “Would you like me to bring your lunch out to you?”
“Do you have enough food for everyone, Char? We can’t let our guests go hungry, now can we?”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow, looking around at the numerous people and tried to calculate how she’d pull off lunch for everyone. The thing was, she knew Bob wasn’t offering to be hospitable. He was offering because he wanted to be able to eat and keep an eye on everyone.
Will raised his hands. “Oh, no worries here. A caterer from town should be out any minute. She came highly recommended and she’s bringing us all lunch.”
“Is it Mel from Mel’s Place?” Bob asked. “She has the best food in town.”
“Yes, I think that sounds right. You’re welcome to join us.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. What I meant to say …” Bob straightened his shoulders. “Is that Mel’s food is second only to my wife’s. I’ll be back out in thirty minutes or so, and then we can talk about the type of paint you need for those fuel tanks.”
“They’re painting the fuel tanks?” Charlotte placed a hand over her heart. “Did you tell them that repainting those has been on your honey-do list for at least three years?”
Charlotte glanced at the two fuel tanks not far from the barn. One ta
nk stored diesel for the tractors and the other had regular gas for the trucks and other farm machines. They were old and rusted, and had to be repainted every ten years or so.
“No, but now that you mention it, maybe I should give them the other items on the list too.” Bob was trying to be lighthearted, but she could tell from the look in his eyes that he was worried about what type of job they’d do painting the fuel tanks. Bob opened his mouth to say something; then he turned toward the house, and Charlotte walked by his side, wondering what to say, how to help.
They’d almost made it to the house when a shout split the air. It was a man’s voice, followed by cursing.
Charlotte turned around to find Britney saddled up and galloping through the front yard. A muscular man, dressed in tight Levi’s and a vest but no shirt, was chasing her. Two other guys, including Buck, were chasing the guy and the horse.
“What’s going on?” Bob shouted, and for the first time his calm exterior broke.
Buck paused and turned, catching his breath. Giving up the chase, he wandered over to Bob and Charlotte. “We were, uh, trying to get some shots for the video, and the horse went crazy, knocking our actor to the ground.”
“Who gave you permission to use my horse … to saddle her up?” Bob tried to control his voice, but Charlotte could hear the quiver of anger lacing his words.
In the distance, she watched as the two guys caught Britney and led her back toward the horse pasture by her lead. Charlotte was just about to head in that direction to offer a hand when Emily jogged around the corner of the barn, running toward them.
“Emily, do you know what’s going on? It’s not like Britney to act like that. Was anyone hurt?”
“It’s not Britney’s fault. They kept following her with the truck and camera thing, and it scared her. Besides, they didn’t even saddle her up right!”
Emily’s face was white, and Charlotte reached a hand toward her, pulling her granddaughter close.
Buck turned toward Emily, pointing a finger at her face. “Listen, little girl, my dad trained horses for years and …”