Page 57 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

Ugh. “He is creepy.” She shoved aside bad memories.

“A group of girls recognized him and wanted selfies.”

Jarrod would lap up their attention and tell them to share the pics online. “Nothing’s changed.”

“Except it has.” Her sister frowned. “He was looking for Kelly.”

Why Kelly? She was the easiest person on the planet to find online. “She’s in Asia somewhere. Bali. Phuket.”

“Japan. She posted photos on Saturday. He’s not really looking for Kelly.”

Becky nodded. “Does Kelly keep in touch with Jarrod?”

Mel sighed and rubbed her hand over her face. “They have mutual friends. That’s all I know. Kelly is secretive.”

“True.” Their sister kept her friends and relationships away from the family. Mum didn’t approve. She called Kelly her problem child. Mum wasn’t wrong.

“But Kelly contacted me last night. She was concerned about you.”

“Me. What? Why?” She loved Kelly, despite her sister being self-absorbed. If Kelly was concerned, there was a problem.

“Kelly and I both got the same message from one of Jarrod’s official accounts. He wanted to know where you’re living in the States.”

Her grip tightened on her phone. “He knows I’m in the States. How?” He could be guessing. Lots of Aussies visited America.

“Did you know there have been stories in the press about Logan being in Gilead?”

“It’s the talk of the town.” She’d seen the Logan Miles fans wandering around Gilead, desperate to catch a glimpse of their Hollywood hero.

“It’s not big news here, but I’ve seen the stories. His mystery love interest has supposedly been spotted in Gilead.”

“Mel, there is no love interest.” Logan had assumed the relationship speculation was based on his history of being seen with bikini-clad women. Fair call.

“I believe you. But something is brewing that’s connected to you. Kelly’s friends have asked her if you’re getting back together with Jarrod.”

“What? No. That’s insane.” People and idle gossip. How could Logan stand being a celebrity and subjected to privacy intrusions?

“I know.” Mel sipped her coffee. “That’s why Kelly’s worried about you.”

She ran her fingers through her hair. Her uneasy feeling had intensified. “Please pray for me and Sam. And Logan.”

“I’m on my knees, lil sis. Stay strong and cling to Jesus.”

“That’s the plan.” One more performance. Then Logan could leave Gilead and take the paparazzi circus with him. Crazy theories were flying around online about why Logan had taken on the role of Judas. She prayed for Logan. Prayed he could stand firm. Prayed he’d find the right time to share his love for Jesus with the world.

CHAPTER 12

On Maundy Thursday, Sam joined the coffee line in Heavenly Brew. A long line, even this early in the morning, now the town bustled with tourists. One more performance, and the passion play was wrapped for another year. His last year.

He’d spoken with Pete about listing his Gilead home for sale after Pete and Emma returned from their honeymoon. Pete’s family’s realty business was one of the best in town, but Sam couldn’t stomach the idea of Matt and Miley selling his house… the home he’d purchased with Miley in mind, back when they were dating.

A guy who looked like Logan Miles was lined up ahead. People were pointing and whispering. Logan had mentioned he had doubles in town — plausible explanation for the simultaneous multiple Logan sightings that had confused the crew. Who’d want to be famous? The guy didn’t get a moment’s peace. Last Friday, Sam had assisted in evicting an unauthorized photographer from the backstage area.

He shuffled forward in line, thankful he’d scheduled short workdays for today and tomorrow. Then vacation time in Colorado.

Mom had thrived at the ranch. Her blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia had improved. A few weeks away from work and Dad had made a difference. Sam wasn’t sure what that meant for their marriage.

Dad had moped around by himself at home, and no-showed yesterday when Sam had invited him to visit Gilead. They’d lined up a visit for this afternoon to work on Sam’s ’68 Chevy.

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