I blush. “He’s not my?—”
“Dang, it’s late!” Erin interrupts. She jumps up and grabs a hemp tote bag from the seat. “I’ll see you there!” In the blink of an eye, she’s out the door and sprinting across the street.
Rust laughs, rubbing his hands together in glee. “Guess we’re goin’ line dancin’ today,wife.”
I tsk at him, trying not to smile. Of course he loved the husband part. I didn’t hate it either, I guess.
Anna moves to our table, chuckling warmly. “Mighty sweet of y’all to help out, but I think Erin forgot to tell ya where to meet her.”
Huh. That’s true. Swept up in her excitement, I didn’t notice.
“Bless her heart. Erin’s a little ditzy sometimes, but she means well,” Anna says. “When she came home from the big city, we worried she’d done got above her raisin’, but she’s still the same kind, energetic girl. She gives those lessons to the elderly for free, you know.”
Erin seems like the type of person who takes on a lot and could use a hand. I’m glad I offered my help.
Growing up, the small-town gossip made me sick, but I miss how people stick together when times get tough. In show business, everybody only looks out for themselves.
“I gotta grab my guitar from the motel and then I’m set. Where do we have to go?” I ask.
Anna points to the window. “See the old church? There’s a community hall round back where they meet.”
I get up. “Got it. Thank you.”
Rust takes out his wallet and leaves money on the table. It’s enough to cover our food, plus a very generous tip. I smile to myself. The fact that I don’t have to rely on a man’s charity makes me appreciate his generosity all the more.
Whistling, Rust strolls a few steps ahead to open the door for me and Anna sighs dreamily.
“Such a gentleman! Ain’t too many of those around nowadays. What a lucky gal,” she mutters.
I giggle. Can’t disagree with her there.
27
TALLY
The scent of dust,moth balls, talcum powder, and floral perfume hits me when I step into the community hall.
Chairs are stacked along the far wall and a small stage occupies the opposite side. Square skylights dot the ceiling and a disco ball hangs in the center. Sunshine breaks itself on the mirror tiles, strewing rainbows over the group of people gathered beneath.
Five elderly ladies stand around Erin, who gestures while she talks. Most of the women wear perfectly ironed blouses, long skirts and subtle cowboy boots. Only one stands out. She paired a leopard shirt with black sequin leggings that give the disco ball a run for its money. Her golden cowboy boots are awesome.
Erin waves when I get closer. “As I was sayin’, this is the kind soul who offered to play for us. Her name is—” She flushes, eyes widening. “Gosh, I’m so sorry! I never asked your name.”
For a moment, I wonder if I should give a fake name, but I don’t think I could keep up that lie reliably.
I raise my guitar case and smile at the group. “That’s alright. Nice to meet y’all. I’m Tally and it’s my pleasure to play for you today.”
“What a beautiful young lady!” the woman in the sequin leggings says. She waddles over to me with surprising speed and grabs my hand, patting it. “I’m Mrs. Bloom. The one with the poofy silver hair is Mrs. Carter, the one with the blue skirt is Mrs. Morris, and the one with the pink lipstick is Mrs. Henderson. The one with too much blush and too much gold jewelry is Mrs. Mullen.”
The women nod in order of being named, seemingly used to Mrs. Bloom’s blunt nature.
Only Mrs. Mullen seems displeased. The corners of her lips drag downward and she clicks her tongue. “Don’t listen to her nagging, dear. Blush covers a multitude of sins and I’ve committed many in my life.”
I almost choke on air. Okay. That’s dark. But with the way my week’s been going, who knows when that nugget of wisdom is gonna come in handy. Better start stocking up on blush.
“Noted, ma’am,” I say dutifully.
I take my guitar out of its case and sling the strap around my body. “What would y’all like to hear first?”
