Page 66 of Grounded
“Have you shown Camille around town?” Annie asked.
“Yeah, we spent part of the day there,” Jake said.
“Jake bought me a bracelet at the jewelry store downtown,” Camille said and held up her arm to show off the gold circle.
“Chaney’s is a treasure,” Beulah said. “We’re so glad to have a local jewelry store.”
Cam set her fork down and leaned in. “His inventory isn’t very large, but Jake wanted me to find something and this worked nicely with what I already have.”
“I think it’s wonderful that you’re trying to do business with Mr. Chaney. All the big stores are pushing businesses like his out, until every community in America looks all the same,” Annie said.
“That’s exactly how I feel.” Jake’s blue eyes flashed with intensity. “We can’t keep running to the big stores every time the small independent stores don’t have exactly what we want or need.”
“But it’s so limiting,” Cam said. “America is all about freedom of choice.”
Jake leaned in to make his point. “What happens to the American dream when a person can’t have their own business and be their own boss because the big stores make it too difficult to compete with their massive buying from China? We need to buy local and support each other.”
“I agree,” Annie said. “I can’t tell you how many cities I’ve been in and literally wondered where I was, because they all look exactly alike when you get out of the downtown area. Same stores, same restaurants, same gas stations.”
Jake started to say something, but Cam interrupted. “What a treat,” she said and folded her napkin. “Thank you both so much for a lovely dinner.”
Jake took the hint. “Yes, we better go. Can we help you clean up first?”
Evelyn said, “I can stay and help you clean up, Annie, if you don’t mind running me home afterwards.”
Beulah thought Annie would refuse Evelyn’s help, but she surprised her by saying, “That would be great, thanks.” Then Annie turned to Camille. “Cam, anytime you would like to ride Nutmeg, come on over. I’m not good at saddling her up yet, but you probably know how to do that anyway.”
“Thank you! I’d love to ride before I leave.”
“Maybe you two could have lunch together this week. I’d like for you to get to know each other better,” Jake said.
“Great idea,” Annie said. “I’ll call and set it up.”
With Jake and Cam out the door, Evelyn and Annie sat back down at the table, forgetting the dishes.
“What do you think, girls?” Evelyn asked.
Beulah sighed. “Looks like a doll and smart enough,” she said.
“Puts on shows for a living,” Annie said.
“Adores Jake,” Evelyn said.
They sat in silence for a few seconds.
“Evelyn, honey, do you think he could marry her?” Beulah laid it on the table.
Evelyn sighed and shook her head. “I don’t know. I think this visit is crucial to see how she likes it around here.”
“We can pray for wisdom,” Beulah said.
“Yes, that’s the only thing to do. She might be exactly who he should marry,” Evelyn said.
“Guess we need to try harder,” Annie said. She fingered the cross around her neck and stared at the pantry door as if it held the secret to a mystery. That necklace was what Jake was staring at, but Beulah still couldn’t figure out why.
Evelyn reached across the table and grabbed Annie’s hand. “Thank you. I need to try harder to do the same.”
“Does ‘trying’ mean not scaring her to death?” Beulah asked, looking at Annie.
