“No, I can’t do that.” Joe sat back down in his creaky chair. “This has a lot to do with her mother, and the way Hale was raised. Life with Hale’s mother was difficult. She was my wife and I won’t speak ill of the dead, but she wasn’t a healthy person. She was a bad mother and Hale carries scars. Maybe it was her addictions, but Lydia could be a royal bitch. She felt entitled and most of this town let her get away with that behavior. She was hateful, selfish, and cruel to our daughter.
“When Hale started seeing those traits come out in herself…well, I can understand why she was scared and worried. This is a problem between Hale, the ghosts from the past and this town. She’s right, in Whitleysburg, she would always be Lydia’s daughter and the princess. There would be people happy to do whatever she asked. That kind of power can tarnish a weak woman’s soul and Hale believes that she is weak.”
“But she left you, too.” Finn had wavered between pain, confusion, and anger for days.
“And I hate it. But Hale needs to go somewhere that she ain’t known. Where she can figure out who she is, and what type of person she wants to be.”
“She could have done that with me. I would’ve helped her.” Finn’s frustration seeped through his tone.
“I know you believe that, but she couldn’t do it here with you.”
Finn stared at the man that he had believed would one day be his family.
“But I love her.” He lowered his eyes at the admission, sounding so forlorn.
“I know. I never doubted that and neither does Hale. But it wasn’t enough. Be sad for a bit, Finn, and then move on. Hale isn’t coming back any time soon, maybe never.”
He had moved on; it had taken time but his heart had healed. To this day, the gossips whispered about their tragic love story, he being the poor heartbroken prince. That reputation had attracted many women willing to help him forget.
****
Damn this town’s unquenchable need for drama and pageantry. Hale and Ashley had quietly joined the other attendees, sitting in the back near the door next to Jasmine. There were four rows of folding chairs set up in the front room and shockingly, most were filled. There had to be thirty people in attendance.
“I think everyone is here, now.” Poppy Wayne made sure that Hale felt her censure for being the last to take a seat. Poppy had grown up with Lydia and Joe. She was the reigning queen of Hale County who took her duties very seriously.
“As you all know, dear Joseph doesn’t have much time here on earth and we need to finalize the plan for his memorial service.”
“Where are you planning to have this event? I’ll need to know the size so I can decide which choir to bring.” A rather large woman sitting in the second row, wearing an unfortunate floral dress, interrupted Poppy.
“Now, Mrs. Evans, I will get to that in a moment.” Poppy glared at the woman. Apparently, poor Mrs. Evans was unaware that this was going to be a Poppy Wayne event and everyone would follow Poppy’s rules.
“I think it is time to hand out the booklet, Poppy.” Moses Benton, Jasmine’s father-in-law, stood and started to pass out a bound booklet. “That way, everyone can see what we are working with.”
Hale touched Jasmine’s arm to get her attention. “A prepared booklet?” she whispered.
Jasmine nodded ruefully. “It has an index and is color coded by pre-event, event, and post event. Mother has been working on this for a week, non-stop. I suggested that Moe find room for her in an office at the firm. I think he said no because he was afraid that she might terrorize the staff.” Jasmine gave Hale an apologetic smile.
Moe had made his way to the back row. “Morning, ladies. Ashley, you take notes for Hale so she can focus on the plans.” He winked at Hale, leaned closer and lowered his voice. “If you have any concerns, I suggest that you call me later and we can discuss.” Moe’s tact was part of the reason his family’s law firm, Benton and Lee, was so successful. Well, that and his son, Israel’s, brilliant mind.
“Thank you, Moe. I see that Poppy is very prepared.” Hale smiled and rolled her eyes.
“That she is, honey. I think this is her way of working through her grief and trying to lighten your load.” Although Poppy had an iron will, she could be generous and loving.
“I’m sure it will be lovely.” Hale adored Moe, they’d become good friends over the years, ever since she had moved away. He had visited her in Tampa once a year for golf and the warm winter weather. His visits meant so much to her, she missed Whitleysburg and her friends. Moe always made the effort to stay in touch with her even when she had tried to distance herself.
The meeting continued, and Hale worked to memorize names and faces. Finn sat in the front row, and did not turn around when an attendee seated behind him spoke. She couldn’t help but notice that his body had filled out over the years. He still had powerful shoulders and his tailor had managed to fit his jacket perfectly. His hair was just a touch too long. She bet plenty of women had run their fingers through it.
“Hale, I think it will be appropriate for you to thank the attendees and speak briefly about Joseph’s legacy. I have you scheduled following the first song and prayer.” Poppy’s voice broke through her examination of Finn.
Most of the room swiveled in their chairs to look at her. “Oh, um, I’m not sure about that. I’m really not comfortable speaking in front of a crowd.” Her heartbeat accelerated and sweat breakout along her spine. Finn did not turn around; she waited for him to and hated herself for caring.
“Don’t be silly, Hale. You’re a Cameron and that means something around here. It’s only proper for you to speak about your father, and it will be an effective way for everyone to get a good look at you.” Poppy overrode Hale’s objection.
She shouldn’t disagree with Poppy in public, but she couldn’t stop her mouth. “I’m sure that Dad’s funeral is not the right place for the town to get a look at me.” Oh God, that was the last thing she wanted, all of those eyes on her.
“Of course it is, dear. Joseph’s daughter is home and they’d better get used to it.” Poppy’s tone decreed the discussion over and that Hale had lost.
Horrified, Hale sputtered, “But, can’t they see me here, afterward at the luncheon?”
Poppy took off her reading glasses and stared at Hale. “Only a select group will be invited to the luncheon. The rest of the attendees will want to see what you look like, especially after all this time. This is a good way to make your first impression.”
Damn, damn, damn, she wasn’t an oddity. Why did Poppy have to make her feel that way? Jasmine grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze. The worst part of this exchange was that she noticed that Finn didn’t turn around. God damn it, I shouldn’t care and it shouldn’t sting. She took a deep breath to calm down. Fuck me; this is going to be a train wreck. Damn this town and its need for pageantry.
Ashley leaned in and whispered, “Calm down, it will be fine. Moe can write something for you to say and he’ll keep it short.”
Hale nodded her head, thankful that she’d found Ashley, who was turning out to be wonderful at her job and an even better friend.
“You know the gossips will want to see you, and it’ll be for the best if you do it all at once. Throw them a bone and that should hold them.” Ashley’s tone was fierce. She, too, knew what it was like to grow up here with an alcoholic mother. Ashley had moved out at sixteen and now rented a small trailer on the Cameron Farms’ land.
“Thanks, Ash. Can you make a note to get with Moe about coming up with a speech?”
Hale tried to listen to the rest of Poppy’s spiel, but her brain was on overload with how she was going to handle the funeral. When she was alone she would tackle her feelings about Finn’s obvious slight.
Chapter Two
May
Hale sat in her bedroom, listening to Jasmine and Poppy argue on the other side of the door. She ran her hands down her thighs, smoothing the skirt of her black wrap-style dress. She strained to hear what had caused the two to sp
eak in hushed tones. She glanced down at her new black high heels. Hopefully, she’d be able to walk without clomping in them. Maria had tried to convince her to wear pearls, but she was determined to wear the gold chain with small diamonds that her father had given her on her thirtieth birthday. Once again, she checked that the V-neck of the bodice was not flashing too much of her ample breasts. She had used all of her supply of fashion tape to secure the neckline to her bra. As she had grown older, her body had rounded quite a bit and her boobs had kept pace. Jasmine described her body as “pure pin-up.”
Jasmine’s exasperated voice rose in volume. “Mama, she says that she’s fine. I’m just going to make sure she is ready. It doesn’t take two people to do that.”
“Check with her to make sure she doesn’t want to wear a hat.” Poppy urged.
“Hale is not wearing a hat. She doesn’t want to, so don’t try to make her. Please, give her some space.”
“All right, Jasmine Elise, no need to take that tone with me. This is an emotional day and I am just trying to help poor Hale.” Poppy’s voice had taken on a wounded tone.
“Why don’t you two come in instead of talking outside my door,” Hale called.
Jasmine opened the door and the ladies entered. “I was just coming to check if you needed any help with anything.” The blonde’s cheeks were pink, a sure sign that her temper was nearing explosion.
Hale stood and did a turn.
“Oh, honey, you do look nice,” Poppy exclaimed.
“Thank you, Poppy.” God help me. Poppy was probably hoping she’d attract suitors during the service.
“We’re on schedule, and the cars will be here in ten minutes. So I expect you to be downstairs and ready to go.” Poppy checked her watch.
“Yes, ma’am.” Hale answered.
Poppy stepped forward and took her hand. “Hale, you know I have always considered you part of my family. I mean you girls have been inseparable since you were little. Anything you need, you know you can call on me and Harrison.”
“Poppy, thank you. I do know that. You’ve been such a huge help with planning and well, everything. I know that it was quite a bit of work.” Hale’s tone turned shaky.
“Honey, shush. I wanted to do it for Joe, but especially for you. I know I should have done more for you back when your mama was with us. I was so busy with my own family that I didn’t do all that I should have.” Poppy whipped out a white lace handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes.
“You and Harrison did plenty. You gave me a safe place to stay and a family that was filled with love. That was plenty.”
“Mama, you had better get downstairs to check to see if everyone has gathered. Maria and her family should be arriving.” Hale sent Jasmine a silent thanks. One more word from Poppy and she’d have started crying.
Poppy nodded and quietly closed the door behind her.
The two friends stared at one another.
“Wow, your mom surprised me.” Hale tried to laugh to ease the need to cry.
“She worries about you. What you will do and how you will fit in.” Jasmine stepped closer to her best friend and gave her hand a squeeze.
“I’m sure that I’ll find a place, but for right now I just want to get through today.”
“Right.” Jasmine walked to Hale’s bed and dug in her tote bag that she’d left there earlier. “I’m thinking that you might need sunglasses. You know, for the walk in and after.” She handed Hale a pair. “That way, you might not feel so exposed.”
Hale examined the large black glasses. “Are these Chanel? I can’t wear Chanel in the high school gym. What are you thinking?”
“I have a Gucci pair if you want.” Jasmine reached into the huge bag.
“Jazz, have you lost your mind? I can’t go in wearing sunglasses. My God, the gossips would be burning up the phone lines reporting that I’m covering my eyes indoors, trying to hide something.” Hale shook her head at her friend who could make her giggle when she was so sad. “No sunglasses for me, but thank you. Now I just have to pray that my boobs don’t show too much.”
“You most certainly could make your entrance wearing a very expensive and current pair of sunglasses. Screw those old busybodies and their judgments. If you have these on, you’d be saying, ‘just try to fuck with me, I dare you.’” Jasmine put her hands on her slim hips and imitated a runway model’s walk.
“I can’t throw out a fuck you at my dad’s funeral.” Hale laughed. “You are incorrigible.”
“Who me? I’m sweet as honey and don’t you forget it,” Jasmine replied.
Hale looked closely at her friend. “Your suit is amazing, I can’t believe that you are even prettier than when we were in college. If I didn’t love you so much I would hate you.”
Jasmine was tall and slender enough to fit into a size four. Today, she wore her shoulder length blonde hair in a chic knot and her makeup accentuated her green eyes. The black suit had a bit of an Audrey Hepburn look with an above the knee pleated skirt, and the jacket was long-sleeved with four large buttons along the front. Killer-heeled, red-soled pumps finished the ensemble and made her legs look terrific.
“Maybe you should give my speech since everyone will be looking at you.” Hale tried to look pitiful.
“Not happening. I’m sitting by my best friend to offer her comfort and support. That’s my role today.” Jasmine eyes roved over Hale’s face. “So how are you really doing?”
Hale tried to smile, but the expression was strained. “One moment I’m in tears and just want to scream from the pain, and then the next I am so thankful that Daddy didn’t have to go through too much suffering. One of his nurses told me a few horror stories and I know that Daddy had an easy passing.”
Jasmine gripped her hand tightly. “I can stay tonight if you want or even the next few days.”
“I might need you tonight. Right now I just feel like I need some time alone to get my shit together. I’ve had time to plan on my future, I mean Daddy and I talked about what I needed to do once he got the diagnosis…” She needed to pause to get control of her emotions. “I just need to wrap my head around the fact I’m here, alone. I have all of this responsibility and I need to be ready to handle it all. I thought that since I’d grown up with it that I’d be able to just jump right in but there is so much about farming and our investments that I need to catch up on.”
“You have plenty of people to turn to for help. You know that, right?” Jasmine’s voice was a little rough with emotion.
“I wish I could stop time so that I could cry, scream, and sleep, then I’ll be ready for my future.” At least she hoped that solitude would help. For the last six days, there had been a constant stream of people in and out of the house. The doctor, nurses, and numerous friends all helped to ease her father’s final days. After his passing, Moe and his son, Jasmine’s husband, Izzy, had handled the legal issues while Ashley and Jasmine watched over Hale. Maria, her sons and their wives took turns answering the door and the phone. It would be nice for the house to be quiet again.
There was a single knock on the door and Ashley entered. “Mrs. Wayne says it’s time for you to come downstairs. The cars are waiting.”
Jasmine gathered her small Chanel shoulder bag. “Showtime.” She pasted a fake smile on her face.
Hale checked her mirror one last time and sighed.
Ashley stood in the reflection’s background. “You look good, maybe even a little sexy.” She continued to study Hale.
“I wasn’t going for sexy.” Hale frowned. She adjusted the neckline. “I like this style and I have another dress just like it, but in red. I’d always wear one when I had to do a presentation, it would make me feel more confident. I sure hope it helps today.” She turned to her friends.
“I bet your boobs caught the client’s attention and nobody cared what you talked about.” Jasmine teased.
“Do you think that will work today?” Ashley pitched her voice an octave higher and added a southern accent. “I don’
t know what she talked about, but her tits were amazing.”
Hale shook her head at their antics. “Both of you stop it. Now I’m going to worry about my cleavage all day.”
“If I had that much cleavage, I’d only worry about ways to show it off.” Ashley followed Hale and Jasmine out of the room.
“Not today, damn it.” Hale growled with a small smile on her face. Her friends were keeping her calm. She was lucky to have them.
The funeral was a blur. Hale could recall certain impressions, and she knew it had been a wonderful tribute to her dad. The most surprising moment happened right after Finn finished his speech. The mayor spoke about Joe’s contributions to the town and how her father’s legacy would continue. He spoke from the heart about what a friend and adviser Joe had been. When finished, instead of walking to his assigned chair, he strode directly to Hale and dropped to a knee in front of her. He took her hand in his and whispered, “I did love him, and I will miss him. He was a good man and he treated me like you asked him to, after you left.” The entire time he stared into her eyes, and when he finished he stood and returned to his seat.
Her hand still burned from his touch as she rode in the limo with Jasmine, Izzy, and Moe. She watched the town fade away as they traveled on the county highway to the Cameron Farms’ turnoff.
“That moment was unexpected.” Izzy’s voice broke through Hale’s thoughts. “It was nice, but it sort of surprised me.”
“What moment?” she asked.
“Finn’s actions after his speech. It was unexpected,” Izzy continued in his warm voice.
Moe was sitting facing the three kids. “I think his emotions got the best of him.”
“I know that he and Joe were very close. I mean over the years, after you left.” Jasmine rushed to clarify.
Hale had to clear her throat to speak. “I know. I wanted that for them both.” She swallowed a few times. “I thought it would be good for them to have each other.” She finished softly.
You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) Page 2
