You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) - Melanie Jayne Page 0,2
add a belt or a colorful necklace?”
“Boss, calm down. You’re so nervous, I’ve never seen you like this. It’s just a meeting downstairs.”
“Stop calling me boss. I hate that.” Hale pulled out a red T-shirt and held it up in front of her, looking critically at the full-length mirror. “This is more than a meeting. I need to make the right impression with these people.” She put the T-shirt back into the closet.
One of the first things that she had done once she had settled in after returning home was to hire an assistant. Ashley answered the phones, kept track of her calendar, and took care of the little things that seemed to crop up all of the time. This allowed Hale to take over the running of the family farm and business while focusing on her father’s declining health.
“You mean because he is coming.”
Hale felt her cheeks warm. “No. I mean yes. Hell, I don’t know.” She wrapped a belt around her waist, stepped back in front of the antique mirror, and studied her look. She dropped the belt. “No belt, just my black flats. That way I won’t look like I’m trying too hard. What do you think?”
Ashley sat up and checked Hale from top to toe. “I think that if this group is checking out your fashion choice then they are even bigger snobs than their reputations proclaim. I’ve never heard of a group meeting to plan a funeral.”
“I know, who does that? Answer: The upstanding citizens of Hale County. My dad’s service will be a big event around here. He’s done a lot of good and I think he knows just about every family that lives within fifteen miles of the county limits. I guess it’s good that the plans will be in place. The long-standing residents will expect an event befitting a Cameron.”
“Joe has been important to the town, and the tri-county area, so I guess I see the need. The memorial service will be huge. I worry about how you are going to handle it.” Ashley shifted so that she could watch Hale move about, trying on different earrings.
“I know Dad is going to die.” Hale’s voice faltered and she looked down to gather herself. “I know that it’s going to happen soon. The cancer is taking over everything and he is so weak. I’ve had five months to come to grips with this. It’s just that sitting down and discussing the event makes it all so real. It makes me hurt all over, like I’m coming down with the flu.”
“I meant, I’m worried about how you are going to handle seeing the people who are working on this.” Ashley stared and spoke slowly, enunciating clearly.
“I’ve talked to most of them since I’ve been back. Moe stayed for dinner the other night and Poppy calls every other day. I know that Jasmine keeps her mother and father-in-law posted.”
“Stop playing dumb, you know I mean the mayor. Every time he visits Joe, you manage to be out of the house. Are you ready to see him today?”
Hale sat on the corner of her bed. Her mastiff, Miller, took the invitation to climb up onto the mattress beside her. She ran her hand up and down his huge side. “I’ve seen Finn a few times through the years. We’ve spoken, it’s been civil.”
“Oh, come on, you’re famous for running off and breaking his heart. Our poor handsome mayor has never married because the evil Hale Cameron left town and never looked back.” Ashley smiled gently as she recited the old story. “Since I started working for you, it’s clear that you avoid him. Is today going to be all right?”
“Of course, no problem. Moe and Poppy won’t allow for any drama during the meeting. Plus, I’m sure that Finn has moved on. He’s coming to have a say in the planning of his portion of the service. Nothing more.”
Ashley stood. “I’ll go see if they’re ready, I think it’s cowardly that you’re sneaking in the back of your own parlor and not standing at the door to greet them.”
“I know your feelings, young lady. Who uses the word parlor anyway? I’m the prodigal daughter, I don’t want to answer questions or make small talk. Plus, I want to check on Dad to see if the pain is any better.” She continued scratching her monster dog. After a moment of silence she continued. “Ashley, let me do this my way. I just don’t have it in me