by Tricia Goyer
Charlotte hurried to the pie booth, knocking on the back door to be let in. Rosemary opened the door and stood in the doorway, not letting her through.
“What are you doing here?” Rosemary asked with mock sternness. Yet she couldn’t hold the frown for long and broke into a smile.
“I came to work, cut pies maybe. Just as long as I don’t have to make change. It’s been a busy week, and my mind feels like mush.”
“No, I didn’t make myself clear. You’re not supposed to be working today. A few of us added an hour to our shifts to cover yours.”
“Are you serious? Why?”
“I left a message with Bob. Didn’t you get it?”
Charlotte shook her head. “No, but he has been a little busy. Last time I saw him he was helping one of the cameramen hook a camera up to his tractor so they could film the ground from the tractor’s point of view, although he wasn’t too happy about it.”
Rosemary laughed. “Well, that sounds, uh, interesting, but I can’t believe he didn’t tell you. Would have saved you a trip.”
“Well, I don’t mind. Thank you for doing that. Maybe I’ll just walk around and check out some of my exhibits. Would you believe, I haven’t even checked on my entries yet.”
Rosemary shooed Charlotte along, and she wandered back to the homemakers building. Charlotte had spent so much time within these walls that walking in almost seemed like returning home.
She loved seeing the bright colors of the canned fruits and the pies baked to perfection with artistic designs cut in the tops for steam release.
There were all kinds of pies displayed on tables with risers so those near the back could be seen.
Charlotte took her time and didn’t hurry to the end to see how her pie had placed.
She knew all the ins and outs of pie baking. The rumor was that cherry pies always showed better and placed higher because the bright redness looked so nice through the flaky lattice crusts. Knowing this, Charlotte purposely didn’t enter cherry pies at the fair. It was almost her way of proving that idea to be false, and over the years she’d won with everything from apple, to blackberry, to lemon meringue.
She paused for a minute to look at the brownies because many of her friends enjoyed entering that division. Glancing down at the dried-up dark chocolate bars, she wondered how some of them had won a prize. It just made her realize how many days had passed. Having done this for so long, she knew that three days earlier they’d been elegant displays of dark, moist chocolate, chopped walnuts, and light dustings of powdered sugar.
Charlotte finally reached the end of the row where her pie sat. Her throat tightened and her heart fell when she noticed a red ribbon on her apple-caramel. She looked closer, unsure if she was seeing that correctly. Charlotte felt foolish, but she couldn’t remember ever receiving a red ribbon in any category before. A new sympathy for Christopher washed over her.
She saw other people walking down the line, viewing the pies, and she moved on. She’d entered pies enough times to know they were judged on texture, taste, and appearance. Where had she gone wrong? She shuffled on, moving to the next aisle.
In the past she’d always admired the handmade crochet items—mostly pastel yarn that was crafted into doilies, afghans, and sweaters—but today her eyes barely skimmed them. How could she have gone wrong?
Charlotte moved to the quilts next and wasn’t surprised to see that Rosemary had again won best of show. At least two of my family members succeeded.
Charlotte dutifully moved from one exhibition to the next, letting her eyes scan the produce: the apples, various squash and pumpkins, and all the potatoes—the big bakers, the red new potatoes, and even the yams and sweet potatoes. She tried to act interested, but instead her mind turned to the pie booth and she suddenly felt horrified that she’d attempted to replace all the pies that had been smashed.
What was I thinking? I’m a red-ribbon winner.
“How are you doing, Charlotte?” A voice interrupted Charlotte’s thoughts, and she turned to see the high school receptionist, Margo Needleman, standing there.
Margo patted her strawberry blonde hair and then gave Charlotte a quick hug.
“I’m doing well. Are you ready for school?” Charlotte forced a smile.
Margo had been the receptionist for a dozen years, at least, and was the go-to person for anything at the high school.
Margo chuckled. “I’m never ready for summer’s end, but at the same time I’m looking forward to seeing all the kids. They always change so much over the summer—especially the boys. And what about you?” Margo asked. “Are you having a good day?”
“I’ll be doing better after I have a little snack.” Charlotte patted her stomach. “I’ve been promising myself a funnel cake all week, and I haven’t had any yet.”
“Those things are addictive, aren’t they?” Margo chuckled. “I told myself not to eat more than one or two a day this year. Both my bank account and my waistband will thank me for it.”
Margo just stood there, smiling, and Charlotte had a feeling there was something the woman wasn’t saying.
“So, I heard a rumor that Pete is going to be the new hunk in Shae Lynne’s music video. I’ve heard that his girlfriend Dana Simons is quite upset about it.”
Charlotte laughed. “Well that’s a very false rumor. Pete does have a part, but I think it’s farmer number two. Bob is farmer number one.” She smiled. “I can assure you, there is a very hunky hunk on the farm, and playing that part would be the last thing Pete would do.”
“Are you sure?” Margo cocked an eyebrow. “I heard it from Dana’s mother herself.”
Charlotte was about to refute the idea again when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
“Hi, Charlotte. I was hoping to catch up with you. Do you have a few minutes to talk?” She glanced up into the face of Misty Roberts, one of the reporters at the Bedford Leader.
“Uh, I guess so.” Charlotte turned to Margo. “Can we finish this later?”
Margo seemed reluctant to go, but she took the clue. “Yes, uh, of course. Maybe we can catch up over mini-doughnuts sometime.”
Charlotte turned back to Misty. “Thanks. You just saved me from a very awkward situation. How can I help you?”
“Well, I wanted to do a story …”
Charlotte held up her hand, stopping the woman’s words. “I’m not the one you need to talk to. If you go to the office, you can talk to Hannah or Betty. They’re the ones in charge of all the PR stuff for the fair. Or, I have Hannah’s cell phone number if you’d like it.” Charlotte dug into her purse, looking for a piece of paper.
“Oh, no. I didn’t want to talk about the fair. I wanted to interview you about the video. I was just out at the farm and interviewed Shae Lynne, but wanted to get a comment from you before I turn in my story. I’m right up against my deadline.”
“I don’t really have much to say except that we’re honored that we were given this opportunity, and we hope it will benefit the fair as well.” Charlotte hoped her voice didn’t sound too firm. “Speaking of which, shouldn’t the fair get top billing?”
Other people stood at a distance, close enough to listen in on the conversation but not too close that it seemed they were eavesdropping.
An uneasiness crawled over Charlotte like a dozen of those daddy longlegs spiders that Christopher liked catching.
Misty readjusted her camera bag on her shoulder and didn’t seem hindered. “Yes, well, this story does have to do with the fair. After all, Shae Lynne is being touted as the grand finale.”
“That’s true, but I just don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”
“Oh, everyone will be just fine. Thanks for your comments. Now I’ve got to interview the lady who won the best of show in the pie division. They’re a new family in town, and the woman’s son Hunter won in the barrel races. I thought it would be nice to spotlight the family.”
“Chloe Norris.” Charlotte mumbled.
“Yes, that’s her. I
forgot she’s your neighbor,” Misty said.
“They bought the old Schnurnberger place. Yes, Hunter is a very nice boy.”
Charlotte glanced at the pies again, focusing in on the one with the purple best-of-show ribbon. “She sure does make a pretty pie.”
“Oh, and so tasty too. She brought one down to our office,” Misty exclaimed before remembering who she was talking to. She cleared her throat. “I’m sure the judges had a tough, tough choice picking best of show; that’s for sure. You always make great pies too. I requested a slice of yours from the Amen Pies booth. I hope you’re not too upset.”
“Upset? Why would I be upset?” Charlotte patted her cheek. “No, I’m just tired, that’s all. This is what the fair is about, friendly competition. We all encourage each other, learn from each other.”
“Oh yes. Well, here comes Chloe now.”
Charlotte turned and noticed Hunter’s mom approaching. She was tall and thin and looked far too young to have a son Hunter’s age. She looks great in blue jeans, has a smile that lights up a room, and can bake an award-winning pie too. Charlotte forced a smile.
“Misty, are you ready for the interview?” Chloe asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Just finishing up with Charlotte here.”
“Hello, Charlotte.” Chloe’s eyes were warm and friendly.
“Congratulations on your big win,” Charlotte offered, with what she hoped sounded like sincerity.
“Thank you. You know, I almost didn’t enter the pie competition because I’d heard you were impossible to beat.”
Charlotte attempted to chuckle. “We can see that’s not true. Your pie is beautiful, and I’ve heard quite tasty too.”
“Why, thank you. Maybe I should drop one by tomorrow. I’m sure Shae Lynne would love a pie.”
“Yes,” Charlotte nodded. “I’m sure she would. Speaking of which, I better get home. I left Bob to oversee things, and I want to make sure he’s not too frazzled.” Even as Charlotte said the words she remembered the fair board meeting. Would it be so bad to miss it just this once?
“Great. Well then, tell Shae Lynne to expect a pie from me.” Chloe’s singsong voice followed Charlotte out the door.
Charlotte nodded and hurried out of the building. One day people were upset because of her connection to the singer, and the next minute Charlotte felt like the most popular girl in school. Charlotte didn’t know which was worse.
She hurried over to the staff parking lot where she’d parked and climbed into her car. Quiet and peace, at last. Yet even as she watched the fairgrounds growing smaller in her rearview mirror, she couldn’t leave the heavy feeling behind.
A red ribbon.
Charlotte certainly wasn’t up to her usual standard. Mixed with her disappointment was an uneasy feeling that she shouldn’t be so upset about something so silly.
But even as she thought that, deep down she knew it was more than that. She’d been going through the week trying to force everything into the box it had always fit in before. The hardest part was not being able to accept the week for what it was. Accept the changes for what they were.
Life changes. Expectations are dashed. Lord, help me to be okay with whatever you bring to my path. After all, if it’s here, it’s from you. Help me to remember that.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Charlotte arrived home to find Pete on the front porch swing with his arm around Shae Lynne. A small group of people were circled around them including the lighting guys, the producers, and the cameramen. Pete and Shae Lynne were laughing and smiling at each other, and instantly Charlotte’s stomach fell.
“Isn’t it cool?” Sam hurried to her as soon as she climbed from the car.
“Isn’t what cool?” Charlotte asked, narrowing her gaze at the singer and her son.
“Shae Lynne said the other guy they brought in looked like a Vegas bar dancer, not a Nebraska farmer. She asked Pete to be the main lead, and he agreed.”
“He did?” Charlotte paused mid-step. “And why on earth did he do that?”
Sam shrugged. “I don’t know. He wouldn’t say. He just told me he had a surprise for Dana, and it was worth acting like a dope for a few hours.”
Charlotte nodded and then quietly approached Bob, who was leaning against the fence post, watching. She approached and motioned for him to lean down so she could whisper in his ear.
“Does Dana know?” Charlotte whispered.
Bob’s eyes were focused on the scene on the porch, and he didn’t seem to pay attention to her question.
Charlotte motioned for him to lean down again. “Do you think Pete’s going to use the money for an engagement ring?” She whispered louder.
Bob shrugged and placed a finger over her mouth, shushing her. Charlotte could take a hint. She pressed her lips together and watched as Pete stood, stretched out his hand, and pulled Shae Lynne up from the swing. Then he drew her into his arms, and they began to dance to a song playing in the background, sung by Shae Lynne.
If Charlotte wasn’t here, seeing it with her own eyes, she would never have believed Pete to be so … smooth, carefree, romantic.
“Okay, cut!” Will yelled.
Immediately Pete dropped his hands, releasing Shae Lynne, and stepped back. Then he moved to the front porch steps and sat down with his elbows resting on his knees and his hands on his chin like a nervous schoolboy waiting for his next assignment.
As soon as the director yelled cut, everyone seemed to spring into motion. Hair and makeup people hurried toward Shae Lynne for touch-ups. The lighting guy reset the large light on the stand, and Emily came running toward Charlotte from where she’d been sitting by the tree.
“Grandma, did you hear? Uncle Pete is going to play Shae Lynne’s boyfriend in the video.” Emily squealed the words with excitement.
“Yes, I heard it at the fair, and now I see it.” Charlotte placed a hand on her hip and lifted one eyebrow.
“Isn’t that the coolest thing ever? I never thought I’d be related to someone famous.”
“Yeah, me neither.” Charlotte focused her gaze at Pete. He glanced up, caught her eyes, and then quickly looked away.
“Well, I’m heading over to do the evening chores.” Bob said, looping his thumbs over the buckles on his overalls. “It’s going to take me twice as long though. With Trudy thinking she’s a star and all, she’s asking for solid-gold hay in her stall.” Bob winked at Charlotte.
“Oh yeah, well, I don’t think this is very funny. Any of it.” Charlotte kept her voice low, but she could tell by Bob’s face that he knew she meant business. “I mean, having the video people here is fine. I can deal with the people at the fair talking. I can deal with everyone wanting to stop by the farm to see it for themselves. That doesn’t bother me. But has anyone asked what Dana thinks about all this?”
“We know what Dana thinks.” Bob placed a hand on Charlotte’s arm.
Charlotte glanced up, surprised.
“She was here earlier. She didn’t want to stay around and watch—mostly for Pete’s sake. She thought he’d have a hard time acting with her around, but they talked about it, and she said she was okay with the idea.”
Charlotte swatted his arm. “I asked you that earlier, Bob. You could have said something instead of having me stand here and seethe.”
“You asked that?”
“Yes, when I first walked up. Oh, never mind. I just feel bad, thinking about poor Dana, wondering how she feels about other people moving in …”
Charlotte felt tears pooling in her eyes, and she quickly blinked them away, wondering what her problem was.
“Why don’t you join me in the barn, Char? Maybe Trudy will give you an autograph,” Bob joked, but his tone was gentle. He waved Emily away, and their granddaughter got the hint and headed back to her spot near the tree.
Bob wrapped an arm around Charlotte’s shoulders. He pulled her close as they walked. “So you want to tell me about it?”
Charlotte shook her head. “Not reall
y.”
“Is it the video crew that’s bothering you? There are a lot of people here.”
“No.”
“The fair board?”
She shrugged. “Not really.”
“The fact that Pete’s dancing with some girl other than the one you envisioned him marrying and settling down with?”
“I guess not. I mean, it’s just acting.”
“Okay.” Bob paused at the entrance to the barn. “What is it?”
Charlotte felt her chin tremble. “I got a red ribbon on one of my pies.”
Bob tried to hide the small smile, but Charlotte wasn’t fooled.
“I know. I’m just being silly. I’m an old fool.”
Bob shrugged. “Should I repeat what I believe you told Christopher … that the whole point of the competition is cheering each other on and doing one’s best?”
“You don’t have to remind me.”
“Well, good.” Bob lifted her chin and kissed her forehead. “Now, woman, get inside and make me some dinner, and if you’d like, I’ll give you a blue ribbon. Heck, I’ll even borrow Christopher’s crayons and color one myself.”
Charlotte smiled and then headed toward the house, but as she hurried up the porch steps even the idea of Bob coloring a blue ribbon for her didn’t make her feel better. She remembered that there was another fair board meeting in the morning and the special fair edition of the Bedford Leader would be out as well, reporting all the winners. The fact was that the drama of the fair wasn’t over.
In fact, it might just be gearing up.
EMILY LEANED HER BACK against the porch and took another large bite from the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Just after Grandma had gotten home, Will had surprised everyone with another catered meal from Mel’s Place. Everyone except Emily was excited about the ribs, but she didn’t want to make a scene. So instead she slipped inside and made her own sandwich, and now she was settling down to watch the filming again.