Sunflower Serenade

by Tricia Goyer

  The producers wanted to film the same scene they’d done earlier, only this time they wanted to film it in the twilight of the evening. Lights shone on the porch, but the rest of the farm was dark. Only the fading sun on the western horizon cast a faint glow.

  “Hey there.”

  Emily heard a soft whisper just behind the tree. Her heart jumped to her throat, and she let out a little squeal.

  “Shh,” the voice said. A shadowy figure walked around the tree and sat down beside Emily. She placed a hand over her pounding chest and then she let out a long, low breath when she realized it was Miss Simons.

  “What are you doing, trying to kill me with fright?” Emily whispered.

  “Shhh, I don’t want Pete to know I’m here.”

  Miss Simons buttoned up her sweater.

  “Where did you park?” Emily looked over her shoulder at the gravel road.

  Miss Simons leaned close to Emily, whispering in her ear. “Way down at Hannah’s house. Then I walked down.”

  Emily’s gaze searched the woman’s face in the dim light and noticed her frown. “I thought you didn’t want to watch.”

  “I don’t, not really. But I couldn’t stay away either.” Miss Simons shrugged. “I thought it might be a good idea to get a peek of it now. You know, before millions of viewers watch it on CMT.”

  “Yeah, well, I’m not sure that’s a great idea.”

  “Okay, action!” Will called again.

  As they watched, Pete reached out his hand toward Shae Lynne and guided her off the porch swing. Then, with a laugh, he picked her up and swung her around, nestling his face close to her neck.

  “Ugh.” Dana let out a low moan. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

  Emily looked over and noticed Miss Simons covering her face with her hands. “Miss Simons, it’s just acting. You should see him after each scene cut. He looks like a lost puppy. Maybe this isn’t a good idea. Why don’t I walk back to Hannah’s with you?”

  Dana stood, wiping her palms on her jeans. She didn’t answer, but she nodded.

  They silently, secretly moved from the lawn to the gravel road, walking in the ditch so as not to be seen.

  As soon as they were a distance away, Dana kicked up a huge cloud of dust with her tennis shoe. “I can’t believe Pete agreed to this. I can’t believe I said it was okay.”

  Emily thought about reminding her again it was just acting, but she knew better then to say anything. Growing up, it was a lesson she’d learned from her mom. Better to hold your tongue than say the wrong thing at the wrong time.

  “I don’t understand. Did you see the way Pete looked at her? He doesn’t even look at me that way.”

  “Well, think of it this way.” Emily tried to sound upbeat. “In a few days, that woman will be gone—completely out of the picture. And then you’ll have Pete all to yourself again.”

  Miss Simons didn’t comment, so Emily continued on. “Yeah, in a few weeks school will start. We’ll all get back into our normal routine.”

  They continued on, nearing Hannah’s house, but Dana still didn’t answer. Emily’s heart felt heavy, picturing Miss Simons going home alone, thinking about Pete and Shae Lynne.

  “Hey.” Emily placed a hand on Miss Simons’s arm. “I think there’s something you should know … about the video and all that stuff.”

  Miss Simons paused and wiped her cheek. For the first time, Emily realized she was crying. Emily also realized she too was starting to get mad at Pete for doing what he did.

  “I’m not supposed to say anything, but I heard Pete telling someone that he was doing the video for you.”

  “For me? Ha!” A disbelieving laugh burst from Miss Simons’s lips.

  “No, seriously. He said he didn’t mind being a dork for a few hours because it paid well and that meant he could do something nice for you.”

  Dana stood there, studying Emily’s face as if trying to decide if she could believe her or not.

  “Are you s-serious?” she finally sputtered.

  “Yup.” Emily placed a finger to her lips. “But don’t tell anyone. Uncle Pete would kill me if he knew I told you.”

  Dana nodded and turned, and then she continued on to Hannah’s with lighter steps.

  When she’d almost reached her car, she paused. “Emily, what do you think it is? Do you have any clue what the surprise is?”

  Emily shrugged. “Well, Uncle Pete didn’t give any hints.” She looked at Miss Simons’s left hand. “But I think I have an idea.”

  Dana nodded and pressed her lips together. “Yeah, well, maybe we shouldn’t guess. I don’t want to jinx the, his, uh, surprise or anything.”

  “Good idea.” Emily twisted her fingers near her lips as if she were locking it up with a key. “The secret, whatever it is, is safe with me.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Front page!”

  Dwayne Cook pushed the small red and white cardboard boat away from him. A minute ago it had been filled with hash browns, but now only a glob of ketchup and a few overcooked potato shreds remained.

  “Do you think that’s right?” He flashed the newspaper for all the other board members to see. “I’m sure as responsible members of the fair board the Stevensons would have declined letting the reporter onto their farm.”

  Charlotte had awakened early and had hurried to get breakfast on the table before heading into the fair board meeting with Bob. The video shoot had run late last night, and now her eyelids felt like sandpaper. The last thing she needed was for Dwayne to make a big deal about the newspaper story that had shown up under today’s headline.

  Charlotte took a sip of her coffee, and tried to think of the right way to respond. Even without looking at him, Charlotte knew Bob was about to explode. His hand that rested on the wooden table was curled into a tight ball. She set down her coffee and placed her hand over his, patting it.

  “The concert is part of the fair, not the other way around,” Dwayne continued.

  “I don’t see why we allowed the video shoot to be on the Stevensons’ farm in the first place,” Betty butted in. “Just a few months ago they got that award … what was it for?”

  “Adams County Farm of the Year.” Hannah jutted out her chin. “And I think it was well deserved.”

  “Yes, that’s it. Adams County Farm of the Year,” Betty continued, ignoring Hannah’s glare. She patted her white hair and softened her tone, peering at Charlotte like a kindergarten teacher who just wants her student to obey. “I mean, I was fine with that award because I knew the family could probably use some good news after all the difficulties of the past year, but there are other farms in the area that are struggling. Those people could use some publicity too.”

  Charlotte opened her mouth, preparing to again explain that she and Bob hadn’t sought out the producers. But before she could get one word out, the conversation exploded again.

  “And now they have the front page too?” Dwayne patted the paper. “I think the Stevensons are a great family, but enough is enough.”

  “Grandma?” Charlotte felt a tug on her arm and turned, noticing Emily standing there. Emily and Christopher had ridden in with Charlotte to watch the 4-H showmanship events that some of their friends were involved in. After the morning events, Christopher was going to spend the rest of the day hanging out around the fair with Dylan. And Emily, she hoped, was going to make amends with her friends.

  “Grandma is everything alright?” Emily asked and Charlotte could tell from the look on her face that she’d heard more than she should have. Emily had enough to be concerned about with Nicole’s ugly comments. She didn’t need to worry about adult problems.

  “Everything’s fine, dear. What do you need?”

  “Grandma, you were supposed to meet me over at the arts and crafts barn,” Emily whispered. “The lady from the newspaper wants to get a photo of me with my best of show ribbon. I’ve been waiting.”

  “Oh, Emily, you’re right.” Charlotte glanced at her watc
h, shocked by how long they’d been sitting there discussing things that should be non-issues to the fair board. “I’m so sorry, I completely forgot.”

  Charlotte rose, attempting to ignore the conversation.

  She patted Hannah on the arm. “I’m not sure what they’ll decide, but just give me a call later.”

  Hannah nodded and gave Charlotte a sympathetic smile.

  “Bob, are you coming?” Charlotte leaned down and whispered in his ear.

  “No, Charlotte. I’m going to see this out. This is our reputation they’re talking about. How I see it, news is news, and I don’t need anyone’s permission before I talk to anyone about what’s happening on our farm.” Bob jutted out his chin.

  Charlotte nodded and led Emily out of the building.

  “So they’re upset about the video?” Emily finally asked just before they got to the arts and crafts building.

  “I wouldn’t say upset.” Charlotte placed an arm around her granddaughter’s shoulders. “This is a stressful time for a lot of people, and the video just put another kink in their knotted neck muscles. Just ignore it.”

  “Yeah, I’m trying to, but it seems like everyone’s talking about it. When I was in the exhibit building, waiting for you, I heard two women talking about Shae Lynne. They were saying that she’s dating Uncle Pete. I thought I should set them straight, but then I remembered how you and Grandpa always tell me to respect my elders.”

  “That’s right, Emily. I’m proud of you. And for the most part, I’m just trying to refute anything that’s adding fuel to the fiery rumors. And …” Charlotte sighed. “I just look at it this way. A week from now the fair will be over, the video will be done, Shae Lynne will be at a different fair, and we’ll still be a part of this community. There’s no need to argue or fuss. And in a month those who are blabbing the loudest now will have forgotten what got them so riled up.”

  Charlotte slowed her footsteps as they entered the building. Sure enough, Misty was there waiting for them. “Now, go ahead and give her your best smile,” Charlotte told Emily. “Let’s not let anything take away from this moment.”

  Charlotte watched as Misty snapped photos of Emily, thankful that her granddaughter was getting the attention. As she stood in the doorway she felt someone brush against her and was surprised to find Sam, Jordan, Arielle, Natalie, and another young woman standing there.

  “You guys are up early. Are you taking a break from the video shoot?” Charlotte glanced at the faces of the teens.

  “Actually, I’ve talked my new cousin, Trudy, into coming to the fair and hanging out with us for a while.”

  Charlotte glanced past Natalie to the petite blonde who was standing right beside her. “Shae Lynne?” Charlotte mouthed.

  Shae Lynne was dressed in one of Emily’s T-shirts and a simple pair of jeans. She slipped an old pair of sunglasses down her nose and smiled at Charlotte. “Well, I take that as a good sign that it took you a while to figure out it was me. You know, Jordan had a good idea. I don’t get time for myself to just hang out. They convinced me I could be an added cousin, and no one would be the wiser. Although I’m not sure how I feel about being named after a cow.” She glared at Sam.

  “So, I take it you’re done with the video shoot?”

  “Yeah, for the most part. I think they’re getting some final shots today. Thankfully we found a body double to fill in for the long kiss at the end.”

  “The kiss?”

  “You know, Grandma.” Sam nudged Charlotte with his elbow. “Every good country video needs to end with a kiss.”

  “Who did you find?” Charlotte’s eyes widened as she imagined Pete’s opinion about having to kiss a stranger.

  Shae Lynne leaned close to Charlotte’s ear. “Well, with a long, blonde wig and the magic of splicing scenes together, Dana was the perfect fit. I hope Pete doesn’t mind having to kiss her at least fifty times—you know how Will is about getting the perfect shot.”

  Charlotte laughed and then covered her mouth when Misty looked in their direction.

  “Okay, run along now. Have fun at the fair and don’t get sick on too much junk food.”

  “Are you kidding?” Shae Lynne pushed her sunglasses back up her nose. “I can’t wait to eat a corn dog and then get on the Squirrel Cages. I bet Jordan I can do it without puking.” Then, with laughter, the teens and Shae Lynne strolled toward the carnival rides.

  “I suppose, if anything, this is a vacation Jordan will never forget,” Charlotte mumbled to herself.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Sam couldn’t help but laugh at the dumb look on Jordan’s face. Even if people didn’t recognize Shae Lynne without her fancy hair and sparkly clothes, they should have figured something was up by the way Jordan strutted around with a huge smile, talking nonstop to “Trudy.” He was wondering if he might need to rescue her from Jordan’s crush.

  After eating a corn dog and hitting the rides, they decided to slow things down by walking through the animal barns. Sam had to admit it was kind of cute seeing the little kids with determined looks on their faces using shovels and big push brooms twice their size to clean up the stalls.

  On most of the stalls there were large, colorful posters telling about the kids and their animals. Shae Lynne stopped to read one written by a little girl about her lamb Marshmallow.

  “I can’t believe they are actually able to raise these animals and sell them to market. I’m too much of a sissy. I think I’d cave, buy it back and take it on my bus.” Shae Lynne glanced around. “I mean, I’d take it home and keep it forever.” She chuckled.

  “Yeah, well, that’s just the life of a farmer.” Sam straightened his shoulders, caught a little off guard that he actually meant what he said.

  They walked around for a while and the more they walked the quieter Shae Lynne became. As they walked through the arts and crafts building, Shae Lynne started humming a catchy tune and then added some words:

  “Ferris wheels that smell like grease. That hawker’s smile captivates, just like the men Mama told me to stay away from …” Shae Lynne hummed some more then softly sang, “The Tilt-A-Whirl has got me dizzy … or maybe it’s just the sight of you, baby. All I know is that my mind is spinning, spinning even after the ride has stopped.”

  Sam and the others circled around and gazed at Shae Lynne, both surprised by the way she was stringing the words together and the distant look in her eyes that told them that while she was still physically at the fair her mind was in another place.

  “Hey, Sam.” Shae Lynne removed her sunglasses and set them back on top of her head. “Do you know of a place that’s kind of quiet where I can write for a while? I have this song idea that’s going around in my head, and I have a horrible problem remembering. If I don’t get it down on paper right away, I lose it completely.”

  “Uh, sure. There’s a conference area in the back of the fair office. I’m sure if no one’s there they wouldn’t mind you popping in.”

  “Really?” Shae Lynne’s face brightened, and she patted his arm. “That would be great.”

  Sam turned to the others. “You guys can go ahead to the Country Kitchen, and I’ll meet you there.”

  Jordan seemed slightly disappointed, but Sam wasn’t too worried about that. What he was concerned about was getting Shae Lynne to the office before she got completely lost in her thoughts.

  He led her to the office, and Hannah seemed tickled pink to set Shae Lynne up in the back with paper and pen and a promise not to let anyone bother her while she worked.

  Sam hung by the door a few minutes, watching and listening. Partly because she didn’t tell him to leave but mostly because he’d never seen words come so fast to anyone.

  “Signs painted, some faded,” he heard Shae Lynne sing under her breath. “Snow cones, hot dogs, lemonade. It’s not about the bright lights to me, it’s my home, my community. The end of summer. A celebration. Our way of life that’s uncomplicated. Sunflowers planted by the front gate that welcome guest
s with a serenade. Shooting games, throwing darts. The stuffed dog my daddy won—it hit the mark, of my heart.”

  “The Tilt-O-Whirl has got me dizzy,” she repeated. “Or maybe it’s the sight of you, baby. All I know is that my mind is spinning, spinning even after the ride has stopped.”

  LATER THAT EVENING, Emily blew out a big breath as she waited outside Mel’s Place. She had arranged for Hunter and Ashley to meet her at the diner at eight o’clock sharp. She glanced through the window and saw that they were chatting by the register as Ashley was cashing out.

  Her grandmother’s words replayed in her mind. Remember, Emily, you messed up, but they are your friends. They will still love you.

  Emily pushed the door open and hurried toward Ashley and Hunter before she lost her nerve.

  “Okay, this is how it is. I blew it, big time.” She turned to Hunter, looking up into his blue eyes. “I totally failed you as a friend by missing a very important event.” Then she turned to Ashley. “And I messed up by not being there when I said I would, and for making other plans, stupid plans.” She took a deep breath. “But I will do whatever it takes to make it up to you.”

  “I’m not sure you can make it up to us, Emily,” Hunter said. “We were counting on you.”

  “The worst part of it,” Ashley echoed, “is that you totally blew us off and got sucked in by people who were only using you to get to Shae Lynne.”

  “I realize that now,” Emily said. “In fact, I think I realized it then, but I just didn’t know how to get out of the situation. My grandma had asked me to try to be nice to Nicole, and I thought I was doing the right thing.”

  Ashley and Hunter stood with their arms crossed and listened to Emily’s feeble attempt at explaining herself.

  Emily went on, “Really, you guys. You have to know that I had a miserable time, and I know I hurt your feelings, and I hope you can forgive me.”

  Ashley’s face softened a bit, and she moved toward Emily. “Listen. Maybe you can’t exactly make it up to us, but we are your friends, and we do forgive you.”