We worked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, setting up tables and arranging chairs. Other volunteers started trickling in. There was Mrs. Henderson with boxes of decorations, a couple of younger guys I didn’t recognize hauling sound equipment, and eventually Brooks and Rowan showed up with arms full of raffle prizes ranging from dog treats to garden tools.
“Well, look who decided to help out,” Brooks said with a grin as he spotted me wrestling with a particularly stubborn table.
“Don’t start,” I warned, but there wasn’t much heat in it.
Rowan set down his box and came over to help me with the table. “Glad to see you’re sticking around for this,” he said. “Town could use more hands like yours.”
I looked at him sideways. “You mean stubborn and generally disagreeable?”
“I mean capable and willing to work,” he replied easily. “Though the stubborn part has its uses too. You and Brooks have that in common. Must be a family trait.”
Before I could respond, Dolly’s voice rang out from inside the diner. “Y’all better hurry up out there! I can already see cars coming down Main Street!”
Mike appeared at my elbow, slightly out of breath from hauling chairs. “Ready for this?”
I looked around at the transformed space. The tents were strung with lights, the tables were covered in checkered tablecloths, and a makeshift stage was set up for the karaoke machine in the front so everyone could see easily. It lookedfestive and welcoming, something I wasn’t sure Sagebrush could be until now.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I said, and realized I actually meant it.
The next hour passed in a blur of activity. Cars started pulling into the makeshift parking area behind the diner, and folks began filtering in under the tents. I recognized some faces from the church service, others from around town, and a few I couldn’t place at all. Word had clearly spread beyond Sagebrush’s city limits.
I found myself standing near the back of the crowd, watching as Dolly took the makeshift stage to welcome everyone. She’d changed into a sparkly red dress that caught the string lights overhead, her blonde hair teased even higher than usual.
“Welcome, welcome, y’all!” she called into the microphone, her voice carrying easily across the gathered crowd. “Thank you all for comin’ out tonight to support our little town. We’ve been through hell and back with that tornado, but look at us now!”
A cheer went up from the crowd, and I felt something unexpected stir in my chest. Pride, maybe. Or belonging. I wasn’t sure which was more surprising.
“Before we get this party started,” Dolly continued, “I want to thank everyone who helped put this together. Our new pastor Mike Johnson, who’s been workin’ his tail off all week?—”
She gestured in Mike’s direction, and I watched his cheeks flush pink as the crowd applauded. He gave a modest wave, looking uncomfortable with the attention.
“And our resident grump Cash Callahan, who I’m pleased to report has been almost pleasant to be around lately!”
My face burned as heads turned my way, but the looks I got weren’t hostile. More curious than anything, with a few genuine smiles thrown in. Mrs. Henderson even gave me an encouraging nod.
“Now,” Dolly said, clapping her hands together, “I’m gonna kick us off with a little song, and then we’ll get this karaoke train rollin’!”
The opening notes of “Jolene” started up, and Dolly launched into the song with surprising vocal skill. The crowd joined in on the chorus, voices mixing together in the warm night air. I found myself humming along despite my better judgment.
“She’s good,” Mike said, appearing at my shoulder.
“Yeah,” I admitted. “Better than I expected for an old waitress.”
Mike’s hand brushed against mine, just for a second, but it was enough to send warmth shooting up my arm. I glanced around to see if anyone had noticed, but everyone was focused on Dolly’s performance.
When she finished, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Dolly took a bow, then gestured toward the karaoke setup.
“Alright, who’s brave enough to go next?”
I expected an awkward silence, but hands immediately shot up around the crowd. This wasn’t going to be one of those painful events where nobody wanted to participate. These people were ready to make fools of themselves for a good cause.
“Cash!”
My blood ran cold as I realized Dolly was pointing directly at me.
“How about our local grump gives us a song?”
“Hell no,” I said, loud enough that several people nearby started laughing. “I don’t sing.”
