“Here comes our food,” Apple announced. “Let’s try to smile. People are staring at us.” She grinned and waved at a nosy woman to their left. “Hi, there. She’s a bit intense today. Hasn’t eaten.”
“So, what’s the mission?” Journey asked, doing her part to get things on an even keel. She understood Skye’s reaction. Reno’s would be even worse she feared. “Or is it a secret?”
“No, not a secret.” Apple looked from one woman to the next. “It’s a fund-raising idea for Angel House, the food kitchen that supports the homeless population in Austin.”
“That’s right.” Skye cleared her throat and pushed her hair over her shoulder. “The charity is our group’s pet project.” She made a circular motion with her finger. “There’s been a great deal of upheaval in the Austin homeless community and the funds are dangerously low. So…we’ve come up with an idea that we hope will raise a lot of money. Fast.”
“What kind of idea?” Journey asked. “You three look strange. Is your idea illegal?”
“No!” Jewel busted out laughing. “We’re just all working together to convince our husbands and their friends to go along with it.”
Journey waited for the big reveal, becoming amused at their reaction. “And?”
“It’s a beauty pageant. For guys.” Apple slapped the table. “Just like an old-fashioned beauty pageant. Swimsuit. Formal wear. Talent competition. We’re calling it The Ultimate Hill Country Cowboy. Isn’t that a hoot?”
“For sure.” Journey couldn’t imagine how that would go over. With a big bang, she imagined.
“Yea. So far, we have all the Blackhawk boys, the Tebow McCoys, the Highland McCoys…who else?” Jewel looked to Skye.
“We have the Equalizers, which includes our hot Governor, by the way.” Skye laughed at the thought. “Tanner Barron, Bowie Malone, the Saucier twins, and who else? I’m drawing a blank.”
Apple added to the list, counting on her fingers. “The Cajun Navy, Canyon Brady, your Aunt Gillian’s son…” She pointed to Skye. “The football player, Clint.”
“And his brothers,” Skye threw up her hands. “There’s more, I’m sure. We need to make a list.”
“Hey, do you think Reno would participate?”
Journey stared wide-eyed at Apple. “Reno? Uh. I…don’t know how long he’s going to be in town. He’s just visiting.”
“Could you ask?” This question came from Skye. “I think he’d be the icing on the cake. He looks…so authentic.”
“Yes. I guess I could ask. When is the fund-raiser supposed to be?”
“In a few weeks; if we can pull it together. That’s what this meeting is for.”
About that time the food arrived, and things calmed down a little. Apple made a list as they ate. “Okay, we’ve rented the hall. We’ve got the caterers and the photographer. Skye, you’re going to call the television station and the newspaper?”
“Yep. I’ll also get the Master-of-Ceremonies. I think it’s a great idea for Desiree Holt to do it.”
“Desiree Holt?” Journey repeated the name. “You mean the country singer?”
“Yea, she’s married to Tanner Barron,” Skye answered matter-of-factly. “Tanner used to cowboy for Tebow. Now, he manages a resort with his wife and works with Joseph on the Wilderness Rescue team.”
“She has a recording company in Austin now, doesn’t she?” This question came from Jewel.
Journey felt like her head was spinning. “Wow, you guys know everybody. I feel like I’m out of my league here. I’m just a regular person.”
Jewel pushed her plate back. “I doubt that. Why don’t we see what type of person you are?” She held out her hand. “Let’s do that reading.”
Wondering if she was making a mistake, Journey tentatively complied. “All right. But if I’m dying next week, I don’t want to know.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll sugarcoat it.” Jewel began to study Journey’s palm. “Wow.”
“What?” Journey looked down at her palm to see what Jewel could see.
“You’re very talented. Are you an artist?”
“No.” She laughed. “Way off. I sell essential oil blends for different uses and homemade beauty products.”
“That’s an artistic form of expression,” Apple placed a supportive palm on Journey’s outstretched arm. “Don’t downplay what you do. People love your stuff.”
Journey looked at her questioningly. “I didn’t know you’d tried any of it.”
“Oh, I placed the order through the Kingsland vet clinic. We pooled our money and divvied up the goods.”
This surprised Journey. “Thank you.” She remembered the substantial order. “I’ll give you a discount next time.”
Jewel was still staring at Journey’s hand, tracing the lines on her palm with the tip of her finger. “Well, your lifeline is wonky. It…splits.”
“Uh-oh.” Journey tried to see the split.
“This doesn’t mean you die. I feel like you find a new purpose.” She kept looking. “And your love line. Jesus. I’ve never seen one so defined and deep. It makes your other lines look faint.”
Journey’s heart beat faster. “What does that mean?”
“It means you only love once, and you love forever.”
Wow. “Interesting. What else do you see?”
“Well…this is going to sound cliché.”
“What is?”
“Journey, you’re going to go on an incredible journey one day. It’s going to change your life.”
“A journey, huh?” She couldn’t imagine. “Thanks. Do I owe you anything?”
“Just send me some of those beauty products when you get the chance.” She dug in her purse and handed Journey a card.”
“Gladly.” She slid the card into her purse.
After that, their lunch wound down quickly. Journey kept looking at the time on her phone. Reno was probably standing on his head. She should’ve left him a note. Unless…he was gone. A sense of panic made her weak. She grabbed her water glass and drained the last bit of it, taking some of the ice to chew.
“So, you’ll ask Reno about being in the pageant?”
Journey covered her mouth and nodded to Apple. When
