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“That’s sad, Molly. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah. But we weren’t ever going to be any more than friends, were we? And besides. I got a bit carried away, didn’t I? Being around a handsome firefighter; feeling as if I meant something to him. And then I got all defensive when he pointed out the obvious.” I bite my sugary donut which leaves frosting on my top lip. “I suppose I feel a bit of an idiot, if anything.” I look around. Families are arriving. The place is beginning to fill up with noisy, happy, Spring Fair folk who are all here to have a great time.
We finish our coffee and make our way to the main stage for the mayor’s speech and official opening ceremony. I spot Cam through the crowd. He’s at the back with the crew from the fire department. He doesn’t look my way.
Mrs Radley, dressed in an eye-catching fuchsia-pink suit, looks every inch the woman in charge and holds the microphone as if she was born and raised on stage. She introduces the mayor and thanks him and the councilors for, once again, recognizing the importance of this spectacular event which places Oak River front and center: a small town with a big heart. The crowd cheers and claps.
The mayor waits for everyone to settle down before making his address. He congratulates everyone for turning the spotlight on Oak River and wishes the happy townsfolk, and welcome visitors, and a safe and enjoyable day. The ceremony ends with a blast of The Star-Spangled Banner followed by a shower of party poppers, balloons, dayglo-colored string exploding from cans, and a rousing roar from the crowd.
Mr Westie Weston then respectfully takes the microphone from the mayor as he is guided off backstage with his entourage.
Then Westie says, with a huge grin, “Stick around folks and put your hands together for the Oak River High School Music and Drama Club as they perform songs from the hit musical, Grease.”
Westie steps aside as the stage is flooded with lights. Music starts up with the opening track by Frankie Valli, “Grease”, and teenagers dance on in pairs, dressed up as characters from the movie. I look around at the faces of proud parents watching and singing along with enthusiasm.
But I don’t have time to see the whole show. Doggy Dress-ups is right after the high school act, so I maneuver through the crowd to a roped-off area and tent that serve as backstage for the contestants and performers. Cam and I fixed the sign which reads, Backstage – contestants, performers, and authorized personnel only. A jolly security guard checks the pass on my lanyard at the entrance. This is the meet-up point for the fifteen contestants; Phil the vet who will compare the event; and the rep from our sponsor, Waggy Tails Pet Supplies, who is one of the judges. I check the list in my folder and the time on my phone as “Beauty School Dropout” fades away on stage.
Phil arrives and introduces me to Dave, the pet supply rep who seems extremely excited to be presenting prizes this afternoon. A few minutes later, a Saint Bernard dressed as a yellow daisy turns up with his owner in a matching daisy outfit. They both look very pleased with their efforts. I tick them off, give them a number each, and show them through to the doggy waiting area where there are seats and water bowls. A pair of Shih Tzus and their mom are all wearing coordinated orange tracksuits, with matching headbands. They arrive with a family all dressed as pirates with their labradoodle. The Grease performance is wrapping up with the song “We Go Together” when Ernie and Sinatra turn up.
“Wow! You look fantastic,” I say, genuinely impressed with the very dapper version of my neighbor who has even combed his hair. Ernie and Sinatra are both dressed in suave black dinner suits, with white shirts, and black bow ties.
“Thanks, Molly. But that’s not all. Wait til we get out there on stage, huh. We’ll show them, won’t we Sinatra?”
More doggy contestants arrive looking amazing in their outfits. It’s a good thing I’m not a judge. I couldn’t place one above the other. Of course, if it was up to me, I’d give Ernie and Sinatra first prize, but anyway…
Almost time. Phil is out front introducing Dave and thanking Waggy Tails for supplying the prizes and sponsoring the event. In the doggy waiting area, the contestants are raring to go. I wish them all luck, arrange them in order, then lead the sporty Shih Tzus, who are first, onto the stage.
Each entrant gets to strut their stuff up and down, then they take up position at the back of the stage while the other contestants take their turn.
Ernie and Sinatra are last up: a special request from Ernie. As soon as the old man and floppy-eared little dog are on the stage, Ernie gives Sinatra a signal that kicks off a routine of jumps, spins, and choreographed steps, which send the crowd crazy with delight. When the pair reach the front of the stage Ernie stops, holds out his hands, and asks for quiet from the audience. A hush of anticipation hangs in the air, then Ernie starts singing the opening lines of “New York, New York”: “Start spreading the news…” Immediately the audience reacts with laughs and whistles of appreciation which only escalates when Sinatra joins in with a full-volume, tail-wagging, head-back howl. Ernie ends off with, “It’s up to you, New York, New York!” and Sinatra jumps into his arms for a show-stopping finale and bow.
The audience noise explodes and Phil the vet has a hard job of calming things down so the judges can announce the winner.
“It’s been such a wonderful show,” Phil says, only just audible above the din. “Thank you, dogs and owners for taking part. Here to hand out the prize this year is Dave from Waggy Tails Pet Supplies.”
“What an incredible show! You’ve given the judges a very hard job. But we have selected the winners. Firstly, the two runners-up. Congratulations to Little Devil Pekingese and Fairy Princess Great Dane!” The contestants collect their prizes, wave to the crowd then walk back to their places at the back of the stage. Dave takes a deep breath then continues. “The winner of this year’s Doggy Dress-up Competition is… The Pirate Family!”
The pirates hug each other, then step forward to receive their certificate, a Waggy Tails voucher, and some very restrained polite clapping from the audience.
“But, there is one more prize we would like to add.” Waggy Tails Dave says. “And I’m sure you’ll all agree that a special prize needs to be awarded to… The Frank Sinatra Duo.”
Ernie looks stunned. Then he smiles, scoops up Sinatra, and walks to the front to receive his prize to tumultuous applause. He bows elegantly then waves as he walks back to his spot with a very excited little dog.
I’m so happy for them, I almost forget to lead the contestants off the stage. Ernie grabs me and kisses my cheek on his way out.
“This is the best day of our lives, isn’t it boy?”
Chapter 12
Cam
Ernie and Sinatra’s song and dance routine was brilliant! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I laughed and laughed, and I wish that I could have shared that moment with Molly. But she’s still mad at me. And she’s right. I read things wrong. Of course, she’s not interested in me romantically. Who do I think I am? Really. But then, after she tore a strip off me, calling me arrogant and selfish, I was sore and felt hurt that she thought about me that way. Now I feel like such a loser because I’ve lost a friend. I miss Molly. I’ve upset someone I care about, and I feel awful. Looking around at the smiling faces of the Spring Fair, I try to put on a happy face of my own. I felt totally out of place, surrounded by people having a great time, until my neighbor and his funny little dog sang “New York, New York”. Well, that was medicine for the soul, and I feel so much better.
It’s almost time for the fire department demo, so I’m hurrying to the meeting place where the firetruck is parked. Rachel and Charlie are there already, looking relaxed and chatting together. They see me coming and turn to greet me.
“Cam! You made it. Great.”
“Ready? Let’s go.”
