Page 46 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

Before long they reached a vacant bench seat. She leaned against the backrest and turned to Logan. “Any sign of the paps?”

“Not yet. But the word is out and they’ll be around. There aren’t many tickets available for the performances.”

“That’s good news.” A full house of people who’d hear about Jesus.

He nodded. “My doubles are in town. If we meet again on a performance day, the petting zoo will work. We’ll do the hand-holding thing so you’ll know it’s me.”

“Sure. What about the play?”

“We’ll be professional. Sam expects me to stop and chat. If you’re around, just treat me like any other actor.”

“Okay.” Logan wasn’t like any other actor. She’d try to play it cool. “What about the cast and crew?”

“I’m praying they’ll be supportive and understand my desire for privacy.”

“I hope they will.” Cindy would have had trouble keeping her fangirling under control if she was volunteering this year.

“They’ve seen how intrusive the paps have been in John’s life. John thinks it will be fine.”

“Good point.” John Johnson was the favorite town celebrity. “The Gilead folk look out for each other.”

He nodded. “I’d love to talk more about the Bible and verses I’m reading. I don’t know many Christians. I can’t expect to attend a church service and not get recognized.”

“That would be tricky.” She was a nobody, yet still felt like people watched her and Sam at church. Logan had star power that drew attention from across the country.

“Yeah.” He adjusted his baseball cap. “I’m not ready to go public with my faith journey.”

“I understand and I’ll be praying for you.” It was a privilege to have an opportunity to talk with Logan about her faith. Could they meet and avoid the cameras? She prayed for wisdom. She prayed Sam would understand if he found out about her secret meetings with Logan.

Her not-so-fake relationship with Sam was complicated. The time would come when she’d need to make a decision. Was she willing to start a real relationship with Sam and trust God to guide her in His will?

* * *

A week later, Becky sat beside Cindy at a cafeteria table — or the dining hall, as Cindy and the other students called it. The line had grown and the tables would soon fill with people.

An early dinner worked with Becky’s schedule. She didn’t need to rush her meal and she’d have time for dessert. She picked at her half-eaten plate of beef stroganoff. The serving sizes were generous, and she wanted to leave room for apple crumble.

She sipped her water. “How’s the essay going?”

“Nearly done.” Cindy ate another mouthful of the delicious beef. “I’ll work on it tonight.”

“Good plan.” Becky glanced around the spacious dining area. She waved at students she recognized from her classes. People watching was fun.

Cindy paused, her fork mid-air. “I don’t believe it.”

“Believe what?” She followed Cindy’s gaze, focused on the line in the serving area.

“We have a billionaire in the house.”

“Huh.” She wrinkled her brows. “That doesn’t seem likely.” Gilead wasn’t billionaire central.

“It’s him. For sure.”

“Who?”

“The guy standing beside Wendy. You know her. She’s the lady in the office who always looks sad.”

“Yeah. The quiet one.” Last year, Dad had asked her to speak with Wendy about making a donation to the college. Wendy had provided a few options and Dad had wired the money.

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