by Lisa Smartt
“Exciting life, eh?”
“To me it is, yeah.”
“And why is that, Carlie? Why do you hang around Sharon, Tennessee, acting like this is the life? Eatin’magic pickles and walkin’ around the Sharon Corn and Music Festival? You’re famous, remember?”
“I remember.”
“Then why do you stay?”
“Love.”
“He’d go with you, y’know. I know him pretty well. And yeah, he’s a hometown boy, but if you wanted to go, he’d go with you.”
“Oh, you thought I meant Doug?”
“Didn’t you?”
“I’m in love with Doug. Absolutely. But I also love Brother Dan and Mrs. Margaret, Doug’s relatives, the people of Sharon. And they love me too. They loved me before I was famous. And they’ll love me when I’m not famous anymore, when people stop caring about the books or the movie. I know that for sure. And I figure knowin’ something like that, well, that’s worth a lot.”
“I guess.”
“So come with us, won’t you?”
“Let me think about it.”
Chapter 52 DAVE: In the Garden
The church was unusually cold as the heating unit had failed during the night. Brother Dan spoke in his usual upbeat tone. “Sorry it’s a little cool in here today. I’m thankful that Bart got it all fixed now. Feel free to huddle up with your neighbor until it warms up a bit.”
When we stood to sing In the Garden, I placed my arm around Aunt Charlotte and whispered, “You won’t let me freeze to death, will you?”
She placed her arm in mine and grinned. “Not on your life, Honey. Not on your life.”
As we sang the words, “He walks with me, and talks with me, and tells me I am his own…” I thought back on the last year. Filled with suffering? Yes. Bad choices? Absolutely. Regrets? Quite a few. But as Aunt Charlotte sang loudly and terribly off key, I was reminded I had never been alone. Even in times of grief or personal failure, He had sent people to walk with me. Sometimes they even gave me a much-needed shove. Or as Carlie always says, “If you love me, you might need to occasionally kick me in the pants. But I’ll try to look at it as a form of transportation…a way of moving me forward.” Her words made me smile.
Aunt Charlotte suddenly nudged me in the ribs and said in a loud whisper, “Well, would you look at that.”
As the crowd started buzzing, I turned to the center aisle just in time to see her discreetly slide into the seat next to Clara. I’d heard movie characters say, “The experience was like a dream.” Now I knew what they meant. It was like a dream. My face was warm and I felt dizzy. But it was a good dizzy. Euphoria. Ashley hugged Clara and then pointed at her pregnant belly with an expression of joy and approval. She then caught my eye and smiled discreetly. Captivating. Her hair was casually tossed about her shoulders and her face looked fuller than the last time I’d seen her. I guess Entertainment Weekly was right about the weight gain. But I wondered if they understood the truth. She was stunning. Always had been. Radiant. Breathtaking. I tried to return her expression of warmth and greeting.
With an air of joy and anticipation, Brother Dan said, “We’re pleased to have one of our regular visitors here today. Ashley, welcome. Would you like to share a few words?”
That’s the thing about country churches. Sometimes the preacher opens the floor and invites the congregation to “share a few words.” A person might stand in his place and share a prayer request for rain because the corn is dry. Someone else might say, “I’m thankful Ms. Eula was released yesterday from the hospital in Union City. Her bursitis is all but gone.” If sharing time gets too long-winded or out of hand, Brother Dan stands up and gets us back on track by saying, “Thank you all for that time of sharing.”
Ashley stood. For the first time in a long time, she didn’t look like a movie star. She looked like a girl, a beautiful girl who might ask us to pray for rain or to rejoice with her because her grandma no longer had bursitis. She had on dark khaki pants and a bright green sweater. I smiled as I noticed she was wearing the multi-colored necklace and earrings Molly and Mandy had made her out of macaroni shells. The girls had proudly given Ashley the gift at Doug and Carlie’s annual Christmas party. We all smiled and praised their creativity and generosity. But I knew Ashley would never wear the macaroni jewelry in public. I was wrong. Hopefully, about a lot of things.
She smiled. “Thank you, Brother Dan. Thank you. I can’t tell you how good it is to be back here, in Sharon. It always feels like home.” She glanced over at Aunt Charlotte with a nod and an even bigger smile. “And thanks to Aunt Charlotte, it’s definitely the home of the best pickles ever!” The congregation laughed. “If you’ve watched the news recently, you may be under the impression I’ve had a good year…a great year even.” Her voice cracked a bit as she looked down and Clara reached out to hold her hand. “But sadly, things aren’t always as they seem on TV.” She looked up again. “You’re family and I know I can shoot straight with you. I…I’ve had a hard year. I’m sure all of you have experienced that now and then. Bad choices. Hard consequences. But I’m sure you’ve seen some of my bad choices plastered on magazine covers recently or…or talked about on late night talk shows.” She smiled. “But I’m here today to share a praise. A glorious reality. His mercies really are new every morning and great is His faithfulness.” She looked back at Brother Dan and said with a confident smile, “And this morning I’m thankful for that. I am.”
As Ashley sat back down, Clara hugged her and several shouted out, “Amen.” Chester said loudly, “A good word.”
We took up the offering and Brother Dan preached on the feeding of the five thousand. But I spent most of the time making a plan. Doug was right. I’d been on a high horse and it was lonely there. Ashley wasn’t just another one of Blake Blanton’s conquests either. No. She was a beautiful woman who wore a macaroni necklace to church because the wearing of it would bless two little girls. A woman who was spending her time off in farm country rather than the French Riviera. She was someone who believed in mercy and second chances. For her. And hopefully, for the rest of us.
Ashley and I had spent quite a bit of time together but had never even been on a date. Not a real one. We spent long holiday dinners together at Doug and Carlie’s house. We talked at her Oscar party last year in LA. We ate half a chicken dinner at Parker’s Crossroads before the unfortunate beginning of my rap sheet with the Huntingdon Police Department. We walked around the Sharon Corn and Music Festival on a Saturday afternoon in the fall, and ate barbecue many times on Doug and Carlie’s porch. Then there was the fast-moving three hours spent in the visitation room of the rehab facility.
But I had never spoken those simple words, “Will you go out with me?”
When Uncle Bart spoke the closing prayer, I asked for courage.
Chapter 53 CARLIE: Matchmakers on a Mission
Watching Dave during the church service was painful. Occasionally he’d glance at Ashley across the aisle and then nervously look back toward Brother Dan. When we stood for the closing hymn, he rubbed his lips together and discreetly made sure his white shirt was still tucked into his navy blue dress pants in back. Of course, it was. Only chubby people have to do the constant re-tuck. And Dave was definitely not chubby. According to Mabel, Emily said, “He’s lean and handsome and the man of my dreams.” Poor Emily Wilson. Pete Daniels, the Jr. High basketball coach, has loved her for like, forever, but she’s too busy pining for Dave to notice him. Note to self: Invite Pete and Emily over for dinner soon. Remind Pete not to wear sweats and to get a haircut. John Travolta’s Saturday Night Fever look is out. C’mon, Pete, no girl wants a man who wears more hairspray than she does.
Ashley did her own share of looking around during the service. Uncle Bart was sitting on the aisle with Aunt Charlotte and Dave to his right. I feel certain Ashley wasn’t staring at Uncle Bart even though people do sometimes find it a little bit fascinating that he wears overalls to church. But, no. She was clearly trying
to get a look at the lean and handsome Dave Robertson. When the final prayer was spoken, the race was on.
Doug did some kind of hand signal indicating to Dave that he would retrieve Collin from the basement nursery. Dave threw up an okay sign. And I determined to do something I never do. Well, almost never. I determined to watch, observe…and stay out of the way. Lord, help me.
Dusty extended a brief verbal welcome to Ashley. Mandy and Molly both jumped up and down with sheer delight because a movie star was wearing their custom jewelry. Will told Ashley about his new baseball cards and the A he got in Math. Dave just lingered in the aisle casually visiting with locals, waiting for his opportunity. Dusty glanced over at Dave with a grin and then interrupted before Will started to detail his latest adventures in 4-H chicken farming. “Well, McConnell kids, I think it’s time for us to head back to Greenfield and eat some of Mama’s crock pot stew. I’m sure we’ll see Ashley soon though, right?”
She responded with enthusiasm, “Absolutely! I plan to stick around a while.”
Chester and Ida both stepped forward as Chester spoke loudly, “Did you hear about the gun, Ashley?”
“The gun? No. Do tell.”
“I won a gun in a raffle. Picture in the newspaper and ever’thing. So, if you need a gun, I got one.” He carefully unfolded a newspaper clipping from his pocket. “See here. That’s me. Right there.”
“Well, don’t you look handsome? And thanks for the heads up, Chester. I hope I don’t need a gun. But if I do, I know where to find ya.”
A few teenage girls circled around her and asked questions about her hair products, the Oscars, and Ben Peterson. As he walked up the aisle, Brother Dan just patted her gently on the back and said, “Welcome home, friend.” And Dave? Dave leaned against one of the pews…and waited.
Finally, the crowd started thinning and Ashley walked slowly toward him. But at just that moment, Collin went running down the aisle, blonde curls flying, “Daddy! Daddy! I painted a picture! Look!”
Dave kneeled down in the middle of the aisle as Collin ran full-bore into his strong arms. Still on his knees, Dave spoke with enthusiasm, “Let’s see, Buddy. Let’s see what you painted.”
Collin pulled back and showed him a piece of Manila paper covered in red and yellow blotches. Dave stood and turned to Ashley, “What do you think, Ms. Ashley? Is my boy here the next Picasso?”
“Oh, he’s talented alright.” She kneeled down and gave Collin a brief hug. “I’m happy to see you, Collin. I am. You’ve grown into such a big boy.” She patted his head and Dave couldn’t stop looking at her.
In a loud voice, Collin said, “I pee pee only in the potty, Ashley. Poo poo too!”
She laughed, “Yes! That’s what I hear.” She looked up and smiled at Dave.
Dave’s face turned pink but in typical Dave-like fashion, he ran with it. “Oh, now son, don’t be telling Ms. Ashley all the manly man secrets of the Robertson clan. Our accomplishments might make her feel inadequate.”
They both laughed and when they did she touched Dave’s arm. He smiled like I hadn’t seen him smile in a long time. Doug walked down the aisle. “Dave, can Collin go with us to Aunt Charlotte’s for lunch? She made bean soup and she promised both boys she’d let them ride the calf after lunch. But don’t worry. We’ll monitor them. I promise.”
Ashley smiled. “I’ll just follow you over.”
I quickly interjected. “Oh, sorry. You’re not invited, friend. I mean, there’s only so much bean soup a person can fit into a round 1973 avocado green crock pot, right?…and have you seen these young’uns eat? We better run.” Doug picked up James and I picked up Collin and we headed up the aisle like the church was on fire. When we got to the sanctuary door, I turned back and yelled, “You’re not invited either, Dave. Sorry! Oh, and don’t come get Collin till after supper please. After ridin’ that calf, they’ll probably take really long naps today.”
Chapter 54 DAVE: When Opportunity Knocks, Remind Me Not to Blow It
Brother Dan handed me the bank bag and asked, “Can you lock up?”
“Sure. Absolutely.”
“Alrighty then. Ashley, again, it was great to have you. Enjoy the rest of your visit.”
“I will. Thank you. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today too. It was freeing, really.”
“You’re welcome to join us anytime!” He turned to me, “Dave, as always, thanks for taking care of the books. Oh, and thanks for locking up too. Margaret invited a bunch of folks for lunch so I best be getting over to the house.”
As Ashley turned toward the pew to get her purse, she laughed, “They actually trust you with the money, huh?”
“They don’t know about my Florida beach house…and I hope I can count on you to keep it a secret.”
She smiled, “Oh, your secret’s safe with me.”
It was all just a joke. But then it hit me. Ashley did have a beach house. She could even have another one, if she wanted. She didn’t work at the First National Bank of Sharon. She didn’t keep books for a country church or celebrate potty training like it was a World Series win. She was a millionaire…a millionaire wearing macaroni. How was I even supposed to process that?
Jerry Conner’s face was red and covered in sweat as he burst into the door. “Why didn’t you tell me you was here? We ain’t got no security set up. But don’t worry. We’ll get on it. We will. Once the word gets out, people’ll be trackin’ you. But we’ll set up camp over at Doug’s house. I’ll go ahead and lead you guys over there.”
I patted Jerry on the back, “Hey man, what if we worked up a plan to get ‘em off her trail, how ‘bout that?”
“What you got in mind?”
“I’ll just drive her out Highway 22 a ways and pretend we’re goin’ to the airport. And we don’t need you following or that would just give it away, right?”
“I reckon.”
“And maybe by late afternoon, well, everybody will think she’s left town, right?”
Jerry’s expression bore disappointment. “I guess that could work. I mean, if it’s okay with Miss Harrison. Ain’t nobody out there right now so the coast is clear.”
Ashley said, “Thank you, Jerry. Really. And if we run into trouble, you’ll be the first person we call.”
He beamed as the three of us walked out of the sanctuary. I held the passenger side car door open for Ashley, but she ran over to give Jerry a hug before getting in. When he asked why she was wearing macaroni, her face lit up. “I’ll have to explain that another day, Jerry. Thanks!”
As we traveled down highway 22, I could smell her perfume. That same glorious smell I remembered from her visit at rehab. I looked down at her hands. She was no longer wearing her late husband’s class ring. I finally worked up the courage to glance at her. “I didn’t know you were coming. Quite a surprise. I mean, a good surprise.”
“Yeah, it was a surprise to Doug and Carlie too. I didn’t call ‘em till yesterday. That’s when I knew I could work out the flight. I had a car bring me to the house so there’d be no evidence of my arrival. Got there around 9:00 last night. If they were planning to be out of town or somethin’, I knew there were plenty of people in Sharon I could stay with, right? I’ve always wanted to stay at Aunt Charlotte’s. I hear there are free calf rides over there.”
I laughed, “You’d have to share a bed with a raccoon.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to stay with Chester and Ida now that’s he’s packin’ heat.” She smiled and looked out the window. It made me remember that day on the way to Parker’s Crossroads. I felt the same sense of excitement now, only she was more familiar…and she was wearing macaroni. And I didn’t plan on getting arrested. She spoke with enthusiasm, “So, where are we going?”
“Good question. What about this? What if I drive around for about 30 minutes and then go through a convenience store drive-thru, grab some chicken and drinks, and we head out to the country?”
“Sounds great.”
“I h
ate to say this, but you might want to put on your sun glasses and hat when we go through the drive-thru. I’ll lock the car and be as discreet as I can, but we don’t want to garner any unwanted attention, right?”
She reached into her big black purse and retrieved a disguise that had become quite familiar and then slumped slightly in the seat. She touched my hand, “I’ll be fine.”
Forty-five minutes later we were at the convenience store drive-thru in Greenfield. Mary Porter, a woman old enough to be my mama, handed me the chicken and said with a grin, “How does this never put no weight on you, Dave?”
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll be fattening up any day now.”
She laughed and threw up her hand, “Yeah, I just bet.”
The sun was shining but the air was cool as we turned off the highway and onto a little one lane road. Ashley peered carefully into the cardboard box which already had some grease spots on it. “That chicken smells delicious.”
“Thanks. It’s the best $9.99 meal you’ll ever eat, Ashley. I promise. Southern fried chicken from a small-town convenience store? It’s one of the foods we’ll eat in heaven.”
She smiled. “I’m not a doubter.”
I pulled onto the now familiar dirt driveway.
Her face lit up, “Oh my gosh! This is the house, your house! Carlie told me about it. She did!”
“It’s the only place I could think of where you won’t be bothered. I have the key but there’s no furniture moved in yet. So it’s chicken on the floor I guess.”
“No complaints here.”
I reached for her hand as she got out of the car. “There’s about seven acres. Most of it trees. If I’d known you were coming, I would have swept the porch. Probably needs some power washing.”