Page 56 of Ripped & Shipped
“Hey, Ella Mae. What’s up?”
“I wanted to talk to you. Can you sit for a minute?”
“Sure. It’s slow.” She tucks her towel into her apron and shouts over to Madeline. “I’m taking a break with Ella Mae for a few.”
“No problem,” Madeline says as she walks toward us.
Madeline sets my water in front of me and smiles the smile of a college student on summer break. I wouldn’t know. I never went to college. I’ve taken a few courses online—photography and marketing, mostly. But I’m a self-made woman. Educated through high school and the school of hard knocks, or something like that.
“What’s up?” Riley asks.
“Well, I wanted to toss an idea at you.”
“Shoot.”
“You know how I’ve always been Miss Corn Husk?”
“Everyone knows that. I’m pretty sure they should put a statue of you as Miss Corn Husk in the town square.”
“O.M.Goodness. I sure hope they never do that!”
We laugh.
“Anyway, I’ve been thinking about this year’s float since the Fourth of July is only a few weeks away. Did you know I’m twenty-nine? I’ve been Miss Corn Husk for fourteen years—except two years I was sick over the week of theRed, White, Blue, and Corn Toocelebration”
“You’retwenty-nine? I thought you werewayyounger. Like twenty-five. But, yeah. It makes sense. I mean, you’re much older than me, of course.”
Old. I usually don’t feel old. Put me around a perky co-ed and I definitely feel my age.
“Anyway, I think I’m outgrowing the role. And I’d like to nominate you for Miss Corn Husk this year.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. You grew up here. You’re adorbs. You have personality to spare. I think you’d make a great Miss Corn Husk. I will warn you, that costume is scratchier than bathing in a bale of hay, but it’s an honor to be selected. I’d like the honor to be yours this year—if you want it.”
“Oh my gosh! I would totally want that. I know it’s crazy—wanting to be Miss Corn Husk in a town as small as ours. But you’ve always worn that sash and crown. And I always watched you every year, thinking how amazing it must feel to ride down Main Street as Miss Corn Husk.”
“It’s special alright—and itchy. Don’t forget itchy.”
“How do you know I’ll get it?”
“Well, let’s just say Mrs. Shaller has always had a huge say in the outcome. And she wanted Jimmy … Well, let’s just leave it at that. Anyway, if I tell her I am nominating you, I’m pretty sure that will make you a shoo-in. And you deserve it. She’ll surely see that.”
“I’m so honored!” Riley puts her hand over her heart.
“I’m so happy you want to carry on my legacy. You have no idea.”
“Thank you, Ella Mae. You’re the best.”
The door to the shop opens and shuts, and of course, Chris St. James walks in. He looks preoccupied as he approaches the counter. His eyes scan the room and lock on mine.
“Well, I’d better get back to work,” Riley says.
“Yeah,” I answer Riley, my eyes still caught up in Chris’ stare.
“Can I get you anything besides that water?” Riley asks.
“I’m good. Thanks,” I say, breaking eye contact with Chris to look at Riley.
