The Legend of Lollipop

by Lisa Prysock

  “Don’t panic if anything runs out,” Anastasia added as she reached into the case and then boxed up two blueberry turnovers. “We’re bound to run out of some things with this many people, but I have a ton of cookies in the cooler that are extra, just in case.”

  “Got it. May I help someone here?” Jill said, stepping forward to take a customer’s order. Logan followed suit, and it wasn’t too long before they were moving customers through the line quickly.

  Soon, Jed had returned with his guitar and positioned himself on the corner platform before the microphone and speakers. Though they hadn’t seen him enter with the sea of people blocking their view of the door, everyone heard him begin to strum a popular Willie Nelson tune, “Always On My Mind.”

  A hush fell over the bakery as customers turned to listen and others continued to place their orders, more quietly so everyone could hear the country western song. Anastasia looked toward the platform and could see the handsome wrangler smile in her direction. Their eyes met briefly and she smiled back, happy for the pleasant distraction. Looking around, she could see customers enjoying the guitar music accompanied by his amazing vocal ability. It left her wondering why he hadn’t pursued a career using his talents, especially when the song ended and everyone clapped vigorously.

  Then he sang an old Garth Brooks song, “Make You Feel My Love.” Anastasia was afraid to meet his eyes, knowing the words of the song well. When she looked up, as she’d feared, he was staring at her as she filled orders. She blushed like a summer rose and breathed a little easier when he began singing a Brooks and Dunn song, “Believe.”

  When she looked up, they still had more patrons coming through the doors and the bakery was packed to the gills. Jed began to play a fast-paced rendition of “Footloose,” and soon customers were clapping along and stomping their feet. Jill and Logan were having a blast, laughing, and chatting with customers, yet keeping the line moving.

  Jed finally paused from singing, drank some water, and then said a few words to introduce a new song. “Hey everybody, my name is Jed Dalton and I’d like to play a song for you that I wrote myself a few years back. I hope you’ll like it. It’s called, “Over the Moon,” and my friends tell me I should record it someday. So, if you ever hear it on the radio, just remember, you heard it here first, at The Sweetwater Bakery.”

  “Over the Moon”

  I’m over the moon, madly in love with you girl

  Been waiting for you to fall in love

  And run away with me

  I’ll treat you like a queen

  You’re everything, everything, I’ve ever dreamed

  I’M OVER THE MOON, madly in love with you girl

  Everything ‘bout you makes my heart beat

  My soul sing

  Let’s build our castle way up high

  No more questions, waiting, when, or why

  I’M OVER THE MOON FOR you girl

  I’ll spend my life to make you happy

  And I’ll never forget

  That very first moment our eyes met

  And God whispered in my ear, yes she’s the one

  REFRAIN:

  And God whispered yes, she’s the one

  I’m over the moon for you girl

  Over the moon, madly in love with you girl

  WHEN THE SONG ENDED, the crowd erupted with applause as Caroline collected the cash for the last order and the rest of them stood leaning against the half-wall separating the kitchen from the cashier’s area, applauding the performance. They’d been mesmerized by the success of the morning and the wonderful country western songs Jed had strummed and sang so beautifully. He looked sheepishly at everyone. “Thank you, thank you everyone. I’ll take a little break and be back in a while.”

  With his laid back swagger, he slung his guitar over his shoulder and joined them behind the bakery case. Anastasia handed him another bottle of cold spring water, knowing he was probably thirsty. He accepted with a look of gratitude in his eyes.

  “Jed, you were amazing.” Jill’s face lit up with a wide smile. “I had no idea you could play the guitar like that. You’re such a multi-talented guy and you’ve been hiding this gift from us. Logan, did you know?”

  Logan nodded. “Yeah, I saw him play when he and Jack saddled Butterfly a few times. I’m sure I mentioned it to you, Jill. She’s that frisky horse that won’t let anyone saddle her without music.”

  Jill laughed. “I think our wranglers may have spoiled her. You know, maybe you did tell me now that I think about it. I’ve been so busy with the kiddos and so many other things, I guess I forgot.” Then she sighed and turned back to the talented wrangler. “In any case, you’re very accomplished. I hope the good Lord gives you many more opportunities to share your musical abilities.”

  “Thanks, Jill.” Jed cracked a half smile and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He drank some of the water and then looked down, shying away from the compliments.

  “They’re right, Jed,” Anastasia added. “Your performance was outstanding. Thanks for pulling through for us on such short notice.”

  “I told you he was good.” Caroline chuckled.

  “Yes you did, and I’m so glad. We’d never have known otherwise.” Anastasia smiled, thankful they’d all pulled together and handled the crazy rush with aplomb.

  “Anastasia, Caroline, Jed, you’ve all three done a great thing today. We’re really proud of your hard work and how calm and focused you each stayed during this. Well done, well done.” Logan appeared to be satisfied.

  “Yes, well done,” Jill repeated. “To all of you. I see you’ve sold out of almost all of the cookies and cupcakes, but I’m sure you have more items in the cooler.”

  “We do,” Jill nodded with a sigh of relief.

  “Is there anything else we can do for you before we head back to the main office, Anastasia? We can tell you’ve got everything organized and you’re doing great.” Logan glanced around and grinned. “The kitchen is so clean and orderly. Everything looks really nice. I can tell you’ve all been working hard, but I do need to know if you need anything else, other than the assistant Trisha is looking for.” He paused, waiting to see what her answer to his question might be.

  Anastasia appreciated his support and his observations, but there was one more thing she felt the bakery truly needed. She’d best ask the boss now. “Well, there is something. I’m definitely going to need at least one more part-time cashier. Caroline can’t continue working so many hours. I can’t imagine what we’d have done if she’d been sick or ever needs a few days off in a row. With only one cashier, even when Trisha finds the assistant, I’m looking at a scheduling nightmare. There won’t be any way in which I can fill vacation requests or give anyone adequate time off. I’m sure she’d like to have at least two or three days off each week. That was what she agreed to at the time of employment.” Looking beyond Logan’s shoulder, she could see Caroline grinning and nodding in the background as the cashier mouthed a silent thank you in her direction.

  “All right, we’ll see what we can do. With the new billboard on the highway out here, we think you’re going to continue to see an increase in business. Sounds like another call to Trisha is in order.” Logan shook hands with Anastasia, and then asked his wife if she was ready to return to the main house.

  Jill glanced at the time on the large wall clock in the dining area. “Yes, I have to get back to our sweet baby girl, Christy. Sadie, Logan’s mom, took her for a while for me so I could help you here, but she’s got an appointment to get her hair done.”

  “No problem. Thanks for coming to our rescue on such short notice.” Anastasia smiled with understanding. “New babies are wonderful, but I’m sure she keeps you busy.”

  Jill chuckled. “Yes she does. We’re finally sleeping through the night and I’m starting to feel normal for the first time since December. She was a Christmas baby. See you around, and great job. I see you still seem to have plenty of items stocked in the case for the day. Wit
h the extra cookies you mentioned, you’ll be fine. You’re really adjusting well to our bakery.”

  Anastasia smiled. It was nice to have the confidence of Jill and Logan behind her. They apparently valued her efforts. It made her take a deep breath and relax a little. She still had a ton of baking to do for the rest of the day, and there’d be plenty of dishes to wash for their country western music star. At least now they felt more like a team and were working together, even if he did only have three more days in the bake shop.

  “Need any help in the kitchen yet?” Jed asked when only the three of them were left with their customers. The patrons appeared to be content, most of them enjoying the free internet, sipping their frothy lattes and cappuccinos, laptops open, or books in their hands. They’d cleaned the few empty tables, re-stocked the case with the extra cookies, and tidied everything. Now they stood behind the long glass bakery case, a little dazed by the unusually busy morning.

  Anastasia considered his question and tilted her head as she toyed with the end of her auburn ponytail which rested over one shoulder. “No, actually, I’d love it if you’d play some more music whenever you’re ready. We’re really enjoying it and it’s calming. I’ll start baking the cakes and then you can join me in the kitchen, uh, say in about half an hour or so, if you don’t mind. You think you’ll be all right up here, Caroline?”

  “Sounds good,” Jed agreed.

  Caroline nodded. “Yes, I’ll be fine. You relax, Miss Anastasia. You haven’t stopped moving since you arrived yesterday.”

  “I guess you’re right. I might make myself a salted caramel mocha latte.” Anastasia wandered over to the coffee bar, enjoying the few moments of bliss and a chance to make one of her favorite beverages. Maybe one day when she had a better handle on the bakery, she’d eventually be able to enjoy a break to read one of the books from the bookshelves in the dining area. She still wasn’t used to picking books up from the tables and putting them back on the shelves when customers occasionally left them on the tables. All in good time, she told herself.

  Jed returned to his position at the corner platform and explained to the audience that he’d written the next song last summer and had titled it, “Horses and Butterflies.”

  Anastasia lingered against the bakery case with her latte, listening to the performance, studying the handsome cowboy. Part of her felt so drawn to him, but even as she listened to every word of the beautiful tune, she reminded herself she had to stay focused on her career and not allow herself to become romantically distracted by anyone. She didn’t have time for romance and dating in her life right now. Besides, he wasn’t even her type. She was content to develop a friendship with the wrangler, but nothing more. Yet, as she listened to the lyrics and the melody he strummed on his guitar, she had to admit the man stirred something deep within.

  You say you like horses and butterflies

  You say you like diamonds and cowboy boots

  Sunny days and rainy nights

  Purple flowers and pretty sights

  You say you like horses and butterflies

  I’LL GIVE YOU HORSES and butterflies

  Purple tulips and yellow daisies bright

  We’ll watch pink skies and every sunset in the west

  I’ll hold you tight when the world gives us a test

  Splash dance the puddles together

  I’LL GIVE YOU DINNER, roses, and candlelight

  Wings to give you flight

  I’ll give you horses and butterflies

  Smiles, kisses, and laughter

  I’ll give you sunshine and everything right

  CHORUS:

  I’ll give you horses and butterflies

  Horses and butterflies

  Diamond rings and cowboy hats

  Wrap my arm ‘round you in the pew

  Sunday mornings not a few

  Kiss all your fears away

  Hold your hand all the day through

  Horses and butterflies

  I’ll give you horses and butterflies

  The lyrics stuck with Anastasia for the remainder of the day. When she finally pulled into the driveway of her third-floor Victorian apartment later that evening, she realized she’d been singing them all the way home.

  Too tired to share the details of her day, she was relieved to read the text from her sister explaining she’d be home late after spending some time with their folks. She ate the salad she’d brought from The Sweetwater dining hall at the kitchen table and then made a cup of hot tea, relishing the peace and quiet. Tomorrow, she’d begin spending her lunch hours and one hour in the evenings riding the trails and looking for Bridie Jane and Lollipop, so she’d better try for an earlier bedtime. Her whole body was sore and ached from being on her feet all day. She’d be even more tired tomorrow evening after a full day in the bakery and a couple hours of riding, plus the 4-H meeting she had coming up on Thursday night.

  She laughed again when she caught herself singing “Horses and Butterflies” in the shower. She put on a pair of comfy pj’s and curled up on her bed, sinking into the pillows with a smile. Thank you Lord for a good day, she whispered as she drifted off to sleep. Please shield the eyes of those who wish to capture my beautiful horses. Keep them hidden from others, for they belong to your servant.

  Chapter 9

  “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.”—Amelia Earhart.

  “ARE YOU SURE YOU DON’T want me to hop on a plane and fly across the pond? I could be there in twenty-four hours, you know.” Jill could hardly believe her mother had decided to trek off to Europe all by herself.

  “Honey, you can’t leave my precious new baby granddaughter. I’m having the time of my life. I went dancing on one of those dinner cruises on the Thames River.” Betty Anne Fontaine sounded fine, but then again, she might not tell her the truth because of the new baby.

  “Mom, I could bring Christy with me.” Then Jill’s mouth dropped open when it dawned on her what her mother had said. “You went dancing on a dinner cruise? How’d you manage that? Did you find a dinner date?”

  “Well, not exactly, you see. I was assigned a table with another gentleman about my age, also alone. So we danced together and the next day, having exchanged cell phone numbers, made arrangements to tour the Victoria and Albert Museum.”

  “You picked up a total stranger, Mom?” Jill was really starting to worry. It was completely inadvisable behavior, but her mom did sound like she was having an enjoyable time.

  “No, I did not pick up a stranger, as you put it. He was perfectly harmless, I assure you, and we were placed together at the table for a good reason as neither of us had dinner dates and the cruise ship has limited space. He’s widowed and a retired professor from Cambridge University.” Her mom sighed, adding, “He has a doctorate degree.”

  “That’s what they all say, Mom. Please be careful,” she implored.

  “I’m fine, Jill. We admired many beautiful works of art together. He’s thinking about coming to visit me in Wyoming.”

  “You gave him your address?” Jill asked.

  “Yes, I did.” Her mom was beginning to sound miffed. “Maybe I should call you back in a few days, when you’re in a better mood. Dr. Charles Littleton is a very respectable gentleman.”

  Jill scrawled the name down on a notepad. “I’m just a little worried about you. You’re a long ways away and all by yourself.”

  “And it’s about time I did something by myself. So far, I’m having a wonderful time.” Betty Anne Fontaine grew quiet.

  “Promise you’ll call me tomorrow from the hotel so I know you’re okay before you go to Paris.” As long as her mother kept calling her every day, she didn’t worry too terribly much, but this Charles person could be dangerous. What if he wasn’t who he said he was?

  Her mother started talking into th
e phone faster. “I’ll call you tomorrow, but right now I have to let you go. Charles and I are going to dinner and then the theater. I’m having my hair and nails done in about ten minutes in the hotel hair salon downstairs on the main floor. I’m on the fifth floor and the elevator is kind of slow. I’m wearing a fancy evening gown with sequins on the bodice. It’s in a shade of light blue. I had it dry-cleaned and pressed for this evening.”

  “Well, that sounds nice. What color are your shoes?” Jill asked.

  “White sandals, and don’t worry, they’re classy and only a one-inch heel, so I can’t sprain my ankle or anything unless I try to sprint.” Her mother paused to laugh at herself.

  Jill had to admit the idea of her mother sprinting in a pale blue evening gown was kind of funny. She chuckled. Then, when they’d stopped laughing, she lowered her voice. “Mom, don’t let him lure you back to his house after your date. He could be like one of those serial killers, and what if he made up the whole story? Did you check out his Facebook profile? Does he look legitimate?”

  “I don’t even have a Facebook whatever you call it,” Betty Anne reminded her.

  Jill put the phone on her other ear. “Oh, yeah, I forgot. I’ll try to do some checking and let you know what I find. Go have your hair and nails done. Love you, Mom. Talk to you tomorrow. The baby is getting fussy.” She picked up Christy and cradled her close. Dear Lord, she prayed, please keep Mom safe from harm and bring her home to us.