Maybe this would be her true lot in life. She’d always be the ticket seller, never the belle of the Halloween ball.
Chapter Nineteen
Russ tugged at his sleeve as Gabriella’s driver pulled away and left them standing at the entrance to the Big Barn. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.” He’d kept a low profile since the article, only venturing out under the cover of darkness for food. Even then, he stuck to box dinners he could heat at home. Harvest Ranch residents were wonderful, help-your-neighbor people, and the article had stomped on their way of life. Walking into the Halloween dance and library fundraiser with Gabriella felt like a stupid move on his part—even in his pirate costume.
Gabriella linked elbows with him. “This is the best idea I’ve had yet. We’ll get some pictures of us doing some down-home activities and post them on social media.” She waved her phone, already mounted on a selfie stick. “We’ll appear approachable, and the everyday Joe and Josephine fans will eat it up.”
Russ shook his head. Gabriella wanted it both ways. She wanted to roll over the top of people and have them adore her. The contradiction was all too clear in his eyes. He couldn’t decide if she was dumb enough to believe that worked or cunning enough to pull it off. People loved her. They fell all over themselves to get a picture with her, complimented her outfit, followed her every tweet, and bought her perfume and new line of clothing. She was a darling—from an arm’s length away.
Without giving him time to respond, she yanked him through the wide doors and marched to the ticket table. The Big Barn had been transformed into a country fan fest. Checkered prints adorned tables, straw bales filled the corners, and lanterns and music swung in the eaves. Russ let his eyes roll over the setting.
The moment he saw Alice taking cash and handing out long lines of tickets, Russ’s mind told his feet to stop. It did. It yelled, screamed, and pleaded with his legs to stop moving. They didn’t obey, and he was soon staring into her deep blue, soulful eyes. Eyes that carried a million stories of hope and romance and love and …love. He could see the love right there, burning bright.
His heart flared to life, and his body involuntarily leaned towards her. He belonged with Alice. He knew it with more clarity than he knew the Big Barn was red and that Harvest Ranch was the most beautiful place on earth.
“Two, please.” Gabriella’s sickly-sweet voice broke through his thoughts.
He took her in, seeing her for the first time without the heart-shaped fan glasses he wore when around her. Their time together came into focus. The way she distracted him with physical attention, how she triggered his Superman complex by playing the damsel in need of saving …
He turned back to Alice, wondering if she would change if he looked too closely at her. She dropped her gaze and fiddled with the lid to the cash box. She was still the same person. Warm and wonderful. And wearing a tiara that fit just right.
“Hi,” Russ squeaked like a mouse caught in the cookie jar.
“Hello,” came Alice’s stilted reply.
“Am I missing something?” Gabriella’s tone wasn’t as sweet as before.
“Gabriella, this is my …” Russ faltered before saying, “—friend, Alice Westbrook. Alice, this is Gabriella Green.” Russ was proud of himself for making it through the introductions. Alice and Gabriella shook hands, giving Russ a moment to take in the contrast between the two women.
Gabriella was dressed in a cowgirl costume with high-heeled, shiny brown boots; a tight pair of leather pants; a plaid button-up shirt tied at the ends so her belly flashed; and a kerchief fastened at her throat. Her hair was in a high ponytail, and she had on enough makeup to cover the cast ofNarnia.
Alice wore a pair of serviceable boots, jeans that hugged her just right, and a long-sleeved shirt. Her hair was down, and her natural beauty was enhanced by the heavy blush spreading across her cheeks. The color deepened when they made eye contact again, and an awareness surged inside Russ. He’d never worn glasses with Alice. He’d always seen her just the way she was—and she was amazing!
“Do you need help at the booth? I could stay.”Ask me to stay and I’ll never leave.
Gabriella’s nails dug into his arm. “Russ, honey, you promised me a dance.”
“No need. My shift’s almost over,” muttered Alice in reply.
“So I’ll see you on the dance floor?” He clenched his jaw. He felt trapped by Gabriella’s hand on his arm, just as he was trapped into this move. He’d made promises to important people. But he’d leave it all behind for Alice. All she had to do was give him hope that he hadn’t ruined things by being blind and stupid. If she said no, he’d pack up his lovesick heart right along with his other personal belongings before leaving Harvest Ranch.
“Um …” Her eyes darted to where Gabriella’s nails were slowly becoming a part of his flesh. “Maybe.”
Maybe! That had possibilities. Enough that he hung his hopes on them. “I hope so,” he said, praying she would hear the sincerity behind his words.
Gabriella cleared her throat and pulled him towards the dancing couples. “What was that all about?” she hissed.
Not caring if Gabriella was angry or not, Russ said, “I told you, she’s my friend.” He pried her hand off his arm and smoothed out his sleeve. “I don’t appreciate being gouged.”
“I’m sorry, darling.” She ran her finger down his cheek. “Shall we dance?”
Russ pulled his face away. The idea of holding Gabriella in his arms was as enticing as cuddling with a wild boar. “Let’s get something to eat.”
“But it’s after seven,” she pouted.
“Then you can watch me eat.” Not one part of him felt bad for her. She was acting, pulling his heartstrings. But his heart was back at the ticket table, and he didn’t feel a thing. Except hunger. He wanted meat, smothered in barbeque sauce and a side of mashed potatoes covered in gravy. He was starving—for more than real food. He wanted substance.
“Fine.” She stomped ahead of him to the buffet tables.
