Page 29 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“What do you say, Becky? Is it a date?”

She switched her purse to the other shoulder. “I’m moving home to Australia in a few months.”

He smiled. “I’m praying about overseas mission opportunities. Australia would work.”

What? No. “I’m sorry, Corey. I’m changing churches because I’ve met someone. I probably won’t be returning to your church.”

His expression dimmed, the light fading in his eyes. “I had no idea. I hadn’t seen you with anyone and assumed…”

“That’s fair. It’s early days, and I don’t like to rush into things.” The old Bek dived in headfirst. The new Becky exercised caution and considered options.

“Yeah, I get it. Can we still have lunch today? Now we’re lined up together and all.”

She nodded. “Sure. We can be friends.”

“Good. If things don’t work out…”

Ugh. She’d said the wrong thing. He’d taken her response as a sign of hope.

Cindy jumped in, taking control. “What’s the lunch special? I feel like chicken.”

Corey switched gears to the lunch menu topic, and Becky let out a long breath. She’d done it now. Sam was stuck with her attending his church, whether he still liked that idea or not. If she stayed at her current church, Corey would consider her fair game and on the market for a husband. She didn’t want to hurt Corey’s feelings if it could be avoided.

The first Saturday full rehearsal with the cast and crew was coming up this weekend. She’d talk to Sam about going to church with him on Sunday morning — assuming Cindy didn’t get in first. She wouldn’t put it past Cindy to send a sneaky text to her cousin during lunch.

Becky had agreed to be Sam’s plus-one. She’d make the switch to Sam’s church. The Gilead townsfolk would add two plus two and come up with five. It was game on for the fake relationship. Rumors of her supposed romance with Sam would circulate around town. The upside was she liked Sam, and their attraction was real. She wouldn’t be faking any tingles, and it wouldn’t be a hardship to spend more time with Sam.

CHAPTER 7

Sam arrived at the auditorium early on Saturday morning and greeted the busy volunteers preparing for the rehearsal. Excitement hummed in the air, accompanied by the musicians who were warming up in the orchestra pit. Today was a full rehearsal, and the first time he’d work through all the sequential set changes with Becky. She was a fast learner and followed instructions, which made his job easier.

He wandered around backstage, checking all his props were in place. The props didn’t change from year to year. He’d been assigned his usual role on stage crew, a role he could do without looking at the script or a run sheet.

They’d completed a comprehensive safety audit during the auditions. Broken or damaged props, or props that were showing their age had been identified and either repaired or replaced. He confirmed the sturdiness of the tables and chairs. Wobbly legs were a hazard they checked on a regular basis.

Becky joined him backstage. “Hey Sam, do we have time for coffee?”

“We do if we’re quick.” He walked with her to the stage, pausing to secure a tiny section of tape over one of the leads. It looked like something heavy had been dragged over the cord. He’d keep an eye open for trip hazards. During the week he’d met Dawson, the new guy from the college who was taking care of AV. Sam was impressed by Dawson’s attention to detail.

“A small coffee is all I need.” Becky fell into step beside him.

“That’s good. We’re only allowed bottled water backstage.”

She met his gaze, her smile wide. “That works.”

Her vibrant smile set off cartwheels in his stomach. Get a grip, Sam. He was here to do a job, not daydream about Becky’s smile. He should be used to her smile by now. He should have immunity from the charming way her smile lit up her beautiful blue eyes.

Focus. Think about coffee. Letty had set up refreshment tables at the back of the auditorium.

He followed Becky down the steps at the side of the stage and into a clear aisle. Groups of people had gathered in the auditorium, including the extras who participated in the crowd scenes. Becky could have received the same college credits from being an extra. Stage crew was hard work by comparison.

They collected two small cups of coffee. He added sugar.

Becky sipped her black coffee. “I needed this.”

“It’ll keep us going until lunch.”

She nodded at the people lingering in the auditorium. “There are so many people here.”

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