"Um ... Sorry. I've been busy."
Jen looked over at Jake, who was now juggling fire torches with a clown wearing a big blue wig. “Yeah, so I've heard. Whole town's been talking about you and Jake. Don't know if you read today's Journal yet, but your exploits at the Blue Bug last night made the gossip column."
Sherrie felt her cheeks burn, but she had to smile at Jake as he juggled three burning torches back and forth with the other clown. She had to admit, she was impressed. Jake certainly did have some hidden talents and he seemed happy out there. Much happier than when he'd come home from a movie set.
"We are so in love, Jen. Neither one of us could fight it if we tried. I'm not going to let that cowboy clown slip away on me this time.” Sherrie bit her lip. Wondering if she'd said too much, or sounded too gushy, she glanced at Jennifer.
Jen smiled, wrapping her arm around Sherrie's shoulder. “I'm happy for you. I really am."
As Sherrie watched Jake, now balancing a stack of hats on his head while he juggled, she wondered if there was something else she could do to help out her hometown. The rodeo was a popular event and it did help bring plenty of money to the town, but like any other attraction, it could always use a little more promotion. There were a few empty seats that could be filled in the arena. What if she could do what she'd set out to do when she left for California? Might be fun to interview cowboys, any celebrities who come through town, and I'd still get to shine, if only to a smaller audience...
"What on Earth are you thinking Sherrie?” Jen asked. “I know you too well and I see those gears turning."
"My agent's supposed to call me soon. She's still trying to find work for me. When she does, I might just talk to her about an idea I have, involving the rodeo. I thought it might be fun to do a television talk show about the—"
Jen gasped. “About the rodeo? What a fantastic idea! We haven't had television coverage in years. Sometimes the local cable station will come out, or one of the smaller sports channels, but with a real celebrity ... Anything I can do to help? I can talk to Mayor Fremont about it for you."
Sherrie shrugged. “Like I said, I'll see what I can do."
* * * *
Sherrie stared at the large brick building before her in wonder. Wayback High School hadn't changed one bit.
Sherrie checked the time on her dashboard. The digital display read 2:59. The high school let out at three. She wondered if she should step out of her SUV to hunt Soledad down. Eventually, she decided that Soledad could find Sherrie on her own. She didn't want to embarrass the girl.
A flood of teenagers rushed down the stone steps as the bell rang. Sherrie glanced through the crowd and spied Soledad. The girl kept her gaze lowered to the sidewalk with her books clutched close to her chest. She'll never see me with her eyes almost glued to the ground. Sherrie opened the door, stuck her fingers in her mouth to let out a shrill whistle, and waved when Soledad glanced up. The girl's face lit up as she raced to the SUV, and in a flash, she looked so different from the lonely, sad teenager who had walked out of the school.
"You should smile more often,” Sherrie said when Soledad climbed into the passenger seat. “You look so pretty when you smile."
Soledad shrugged and fastened her seatbelt. “I'm sure you didn't smile all the time when you were modeling."
"Nah, sometimes I did this sexy little smirk.” She turned to Soledad, winked, and flashed her the same grin she'd given the photographer from Maxim. “Sometimes I did my arrogant look.” Sherrie tilted her chin and stuck her nose up in the air. “Or this is my famous bored look.” She sighed, glanced out of the corner of her eye, and placed her hands on her hips.
Soledad giggled. “Oh my gosh! You really made that many faces?"
"Yeah, honey, I did. Maybe I'll do it again someday.” Sherrie frowned, glanced at the glove on her hand, and started up the SUV. “Who knows what the future will hold?"
As Sherrie pulled out of the parking lot, Soledad asked, “What about Jake? I don't think you can talk him into moving back to California with you if you model again."
"No, I can't, but modeling isn't that important to me. Heck, all I really want is a chance to shine in the spotlight again. I think I found a way to do that. Just have to talk to some people about it."
"How will you shine in the spotlight? I mean Wayback isn't Hollywood."
"No, it isn't, but it's home.” Sherrie looked up and down Main Street when she stopped at a red light. She spied Patti Murphy walking down the street with Gina. Ted Wilson, a silver-haired man who'd been Sherrie's fifth grade teacher, smiled and waved to both women from the library across the street. It wasn't like that in Malibu or Hollywood. Nobody knew each other there. People were so busy rushing about in their cars that they rarely stopped to greet a friend or acquaintance. “I think I had to go away to realize how much Wayback means to me. You ever hear that Bible story about the prodigal son?"
"Sure. Granny made me help at Sunday school and she knows all the Bible stories. She loves telling them to the kids."
"I reckon the prodigal son felt the same way that I do. He had to go off and explore the world before he came home and realized how much his friends and family meant to him. Ah, there's the Hair Crazy Salon.” Sherrie pointed to a building with white siding, a pink awning over the door, and pink flower boxes beneath the windows. “Ever been inside?"
"Yeah, once. Granny made an appointment for me when I mentioned I wanted my hair cut last year. Lady named Suzie cut my hair. She seemed nice enough."
"She is. Her mother was friends with my mother and...” Her words trailed off as she thought about her mother. How many times had her mother shown off a new hairdo that Suzie's mom had given her?
Soledad put her hand on Sherrie's shoulder. “I know what it's like to be without a mama. My mother wasn't the greatest, but she tried. I got luckier with my daddy."
Sherrie grinned. “You sure did, honey. I know I was lucky too. I still had Max and Daisy, the best brother and sister that a girl could ask for. And you have Jake, who's a pretty good big brother too. Now let's take you inside and get you spruced up. After we're done here, we have to go back to Max's house so we can find you a nice blouse. I don't think your equestrian skills will be a problem, but you should still practice the pattern. Oh, and we'll have to find a flag. You'll have to learn how to carry that. Phew, honey, by the time we're done with you, your big brother will be so proud of you."
The shimmer faded from her eyes as Soledad's shoulders slumped, and the grin disappeared from her pretty face. “I hope so. Jake's put up with so much from me. For just once, I'd like to make him and Papa proud."
Sherrie wrapped her arm around the girl the moment they both stepped out of her Escape. “You don't really need to win that contest to win your father's approval, or your brother's. I know they're proud of you no matter what. And tomorrow you'll show this whole town just how bright you can shine."
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Ten
The day of the pageant, Jake didn't see his kid sister or Sherrie at all until the afternoon. When he did see Soledad, at the rodeo arena, he almost didn't recognize her. Soledad had replaced her backward baseball cap with a stylish white leather hat. For once, she wasn't wearing baggy clothing. No, his little sister wore a shimmering silver, button-down shirt with black trim, a sterling chain with a cross charm around her neck, a pair of blue jeans that actually fit her, and white leather boots. She didn't wear her sunglasses but she wore ... eyeliner ... mascara? Was that the same Soledad who swore she'd never wear makeup?
He raced to Soledad's side as she climbed out of Sherrie's SUV. “Wow. I always knew you'd be a stunner.” He wrapped his arm around his sister's shoulder. “You look beautiful darling. You'll wow the judges today."
Soledad's cheeks flushed as she whispered, “Thanks, Jake."
Sherrie stepped up to his side. “She sure will. She's a natural with her horse. Your aunt and grandma should be here any minute with the horse trail
er and ... What's your horse's name again honey?"
"I'm riding Butterscotch. She's my favorite,” Soledad replied.
Jake almost fell over in shock when Soledad actually smiled. Her cute pearly whites made her even prettier. “Butterscotch ... that's that palomino mare you love to ride, right?"
"Yep, she's a gentle spirit."
"Just like you, sweetheart,” Sherrie replied. Turning to Jake she asked, “How come you're not in your clown getup yet?"
"I'll change after the pageant. Ah, think I see Aunt Gracie's truck and the horse trailer. Come on ladies, let's get Soledad's palomino."
Jake had to grin when Luci actually gasped as she climbed out of her mother's truck.
Luci cocked her head. “Soledad? Is that really you? Wow. I mean ... you're not dressed like a boy."
"Sherrie and I went shopping yesterday for new jeans and she loaned me this blouse,” Soledad explained. “You look nice, Luci."
Lucia smoothed the fringes on her white satin shirt. “Thanks. So do you. I'm sorry I gave you a hard time. Look, all my friends just started talking trash about your mama and I didn't like her ‘cause of what she did to your daddy. I suppose maybe I misjudged you a teensy bit. You clean up nice, cuz."
"Thanks.” A blush colored Solead's face. “Are you nervous at all? I know I am?"
Jake didn't notice any nerves on his little sister. In fact, Luci seemed to be the shakier of the two.
"Little bit. I'm not sure if I'll be ready for the interview or not. I don't know that much about the history of the rodeo and..."
Sherrie put her hand on Luci's shoulder. “Soledad, why don't you practice the interview questions I gave you with Luci?"
Luci's big brown eyes widened. “You'd do that for me? Really?"
Soledad grinned, and pulled out some index cards out of her pocket. “Sure. We'll see if we can find a quiet place to practice. Come on."
Jake could hardly believe it as he watched the two girls walk away. “Well, I'll be. I never thought those two would be friends."
Sherrie smiled and kissed his cheek. “I did. Remember, Jen and I didn't always get along. She didn't become my best friend until we ended up on the cheerleading team together. Come on, cowboy; let's take our seats so we can watch the girls."
They found a seat in the arena just as Jennifer walked out into the center to announce the beginning of the competition. He watched as the contestants rode out into the center and snuck a glance at Sherrie when Soledad tipped her hat, just to see her reaction. Pride glowed in her beautiful eyes. His woman looked so pretty in her off the shoulder dark shirt, her daddy's Stetson hat, and her tight blue jeans. He clutched her hand and his heart melted when Sherrie smiled at him.
Soledad breezed through her presentation. She knew exactly when to send Butterscotch into a light trot and when to make the horse turn so that she could wave to the judges. Jake couldn't have been prouder, a few minutes later, when she correctly answered all of her interview questions.
"How'd she know when the PRCA started?” Jake whispered as Soledad waved and sauntered to the corral.
"Oh, she had a little help. I gave her the answers to some of the questions I remember the judges asking me and we researched a bunch of questions online yesterday. A lot of them, she already knew. You're sister's a smart girl."
He kissed her cheek. “She had a great coach."
A few minutes later, when the three finalists were announced, Jake bolted from his seat, whistling and clapping, when both his sister's and cousin's names were announced. Both girls hugged each other tight and Jake couldn't have been prouder.
Only there was one small problem, a sinking feeling struck him in the middle of his gut. Everything was so perfect now—he had Sherrie back in his life, and Soledad had just showed the town what a real lady she could be. He knew all too well that things could go downhill in a flash. He'd been at the top of his game as a stunt man in California when he took that fall that made him reevaluate his life. Although he loved the fact that Sherrie had come home to him, he had to admit, the fire was a blow she hadn't deserved.
"Jake, what's wrong?” Sherrie asked, stroking his cheek. “You turned pale as a ghost all a sudden. Aren't you happy for Soldedad and Luci?"
He pushed that sinking feeling away and gripped Sherrie's hand. “I am honey. And I'll be proud of them no matter what happens."
She clutched his shoulder. “I can't wait to watch the girls compete in the finals after the rodeo tonight. They'll shine brighter than the stars in the sky."
"I hope you're right, honey. No, I know you're right.” Even if the girls weren't chosen as Miss Wayback Rodeo tonight, he was certain they both would shine.
* * * *
After the rodeo queen competition, Sherrie hung around with Jake in the corral. She even helped him put on his clown makeup. “It's funny,” she said, powdering Jake's face white with a big powder puff. “I haven't been to the rodeo in years and it really hasn't changed much."
"You were the prettiest rodeo queen ever,” Jake replied, reaching for a red stick of makeup and applying it to his lips.
Sherrie laughed. “I'd kiss you for saying that, but I don't want to ruin your makeup. You're great at what you do out there Jake.” She leaned into kiss his cheek, careful of the makeup. “Just be careful, okay? If anything ever happened to you ... I mean I didn't fall in love with you again just to lose you to some raging bull."
"Nothing will happen, honey. I've been doing this for two years now. Only had a few cracked ribs and a broken arm to show for it.” He patted his thickly padded chest. “I've got enough here to protect me and I'm faster than any raging bull."
She squirmed a bit on the stool she sat on, trying to erase the images of a beast, huffing, puffing, and pointing his horns right at Jake. “Just please, promise you'll be careful out there?"
"I promise. Now go take your seat, darling. I have a few new stunts I want to practice with my fellow clowns."
Sherrie rose from her stool, turned, and blew Jake a kiss, before walking out of the corral. So lost in concern for her adorable clown, she nearly missed her sister whistling and waving her to a seat. She glanced up, shocked to see Daisy sitting next to Sam.
Hurrying through the aisles, she took a seat next to Daisy. “I thought you'd never set foot in the rodeo. I mean I know you came to watch me compete in the pageant, but after that—"
Daisy put her hand over Sherrie's wrist. “Sam asked me and well ... I...” She shrugged. “You remember Sam, don't you?"
Sherrie stared at the stylish man with walnut colored hair and dark eyes. “Nice to see you. And thanks for taking care of Justin. That prick needed a lesson for what he did to my sister."
"Not a problem.” Sam replied with a little wink, squeezing Daisy's hand, he smiled. “I agree that Justin needed a lesson, although, your sister did most of the teaching. You should have seen the way she beat up Justin before I got there. No one will ever hurt Daisy again, not if I have anything to say about it."
Sherrie nudged Daisy and whispered, “You have a keeper there."
Daisy grinned and nodded. Sherrie's heart warmed. All she'd ever wanted was for her big sister to be happy and find the sort of love she'd found with Jake.
They all turned their attention to the center of the arena, as the announcer shouted the name of the first contestant. “Our first cowboy up, out of Flagstaff, Arizona, but formerly a local Wayback boy, is Nate Kingston. Give it up for Nate while he takes on Rambo."
Sherrie gasped as a familiar dark haired cowboy entered the ring and waved. Craig's little brother? She glanced around to look for Jen and Craig. She found both of them in the box seats next to her, Daisy, and Sam. Jennifer clutched Craig's hand tightly. Craig's jaw clenched as his little brother climbed on the bull. Fear clouded Craig's turquoise gaze.
Rambo took off on a rampage, but Nate held on tight, for two seconds at least. Then the unthinkable happened. Nate's body was tossed from the animal like a rag doll. The audience let ou
t a collective gasp as the bull trampled the leg of the fallen rider. Jake rushed out while two other rodeo clowns pulled Nate out from beneath the bull. In almost slow motion, she watched as the bull kicked her man into the corral.
A hush fell over the audience and a swift breeze carried the distinct metallic scent of blood. She closed her eyes, hoping it wasn't Jake's blood spilled on the dusty ground. Her heart pounded in her chest. She opened her eyes in a flash and bolted from her seat.
Her eyes welled up with tears. Sherrie cried out, “Jake!"
Daisy clutched her hand and together they raced through the arena. Sherrie's heart pounded. Hot tears stung her eyes. No ... no ... I didn't find him again, only to lose him. Please God...
The booming voice of the announcer cut through Sherrie's haze of fear and sorrow, “Folks, Nate will be fine. Our favorite rodeo clown, Colt, has been knocked out. The paramedics are moving him to the ambulance now."
"Jake! Oh no, cowboy, please don't do this to me,” Sherrie cried out as she finally reached Jake's side. “I can't lose you again. Not now. Not ever."
Leaning over the paramedic, she noticed Jake's eyes were closed tight. God, he was so stiff. She wiped away her tears, and traced her fingers over her lips, as if trying to conjure the memory of his kiss. But all she could taste was the saltwater of her teardrops.
"He's breathing, miss,” a young paramedic reassured her. “We're taking him to the Trauma Center."
Sherrie felt a tight hand squeeze her shoulder. She turned to see Soledad. Black streaks from her running mascara stained the pretty girl's pale face. “Please, Sherrie ... Grannie and Daddy are riding in the ambulance. I don't care if I miss the finals of the pageant. I want you to take me to the trauma center."
"Are you sure you can drive honey?” Daisy asked. “Sam can drive your SUV, I'm sure."
Return Of The Prodigal Daughter [Wayback Texas Series] Page 8
