Today is the pick your own produce event and it’s in full swing. This was something my family should’ve done years ago, everyone seems to be having a great time, especially the kids. I think more strawberries are going in little mouths than in the baskets, but that’s ok.
I’m standing at the main stand, helping my mom cash out customers when a lady approaches us. “Hi!” She says with a huge smile. “I just wanted to say how much I enjoy watching your cooking videos. My daughter and I watch them together and then have so much fun recreating them afterwards.”
Mom’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her chest in surprise. “Oh my goodness! That really makes me happy to hear. We love making them, but it’s so wonderful to hear that people are watching and enjoying them. Thank you so much for that!”
“Of course! You make it look so easy, and the recipes are delicious. Please keep them coming!” After a brief, warm exchange, the customer paid for her fruit and left, still smiling.
“Can you believe that, Em?” Mom whispered, her eyes shining. “Hearing that makes it all worth it.”
“I told you, Mom,” I chuckled, nudging her. “You’re a natural in the kitchen. People love genuine content, and that’s exactly what you put out.” It felt good to see her so happy.
Just then, Paula approached the stand, carrying a stack of empty baskets that customers had used to collect their picked produce. “Phew!” She set the baskets down and used her hand to fan herself. “It’s getting so humid out here, and this sun is really starting to beat down.”
“It really is. You’re all red, Paula.” Mom said just as she turned to help a new customer who had just stepped up, and I took the opportunity. “Paula,” I murmured, leaning in slightly. “Have you heard from Colton? The last couple times we talked he seemed weird.”
A knowing smile touched Paula’s lips, and she gave my shoulder a gentle pat. “Don’t you worry, honey. I’m sure he’s fine.” Before I could press her further, she a little too quickly said, “Well, I better getthese back out for new pickers!” She bustled away, leaving me more confused than before. It seemed that she knew something she wasn’t saying. Hmm.
The following afternoon, as I helped Mom prep dinner for our usual Sunday family meal that evening, my mind kept replaying Paula’s odd behavior from the day before. The way she quickly made an excuse to get away from me, something about how she acted, it felt… off.
“Oh, Ember,” Mom said, busy kneading the dough for homemade bread. “I almost forgot to tell you. Colton’s parents are joining us tonight.”
I was a little caught off guard by that. It wasn’t unusual for Mom to invite them over, but with my suspicions already in overdrive, it only fueled them further.
“Mom,” I started, carefully peeling a potato, “has Paula said anything to you about Colton? She was acting a little strange yesterday when I asked her if she’d heard from him.”
Mom glanced at me, continuing to knead her dough. “Oh? Strange how?” She asked, her tone a little too casual.
“Just when I asked her if she’s heard from him she just practically ran off, like she couldn’t get away from me fast enough,” I explained, watching her carefully for any sign she may know something. “You or Dad wouldn’t happen to know anything, would you? Has anyone else talked to him since he’s been gone?”
Mom turned back to her dough, humming softly. “Ember, honey, you know how Paula is. She was probably just busy. Besides, the heat was really getting to her yesterday. She probably wasn’t feeling well. And as for Colton… well, he’s probably just focused on his therapy and getting better. Or maybe he was having bad reception and wanted tokeep the calls short. You know how cell service is in the mountains. I wouldn’t worry about it.” At that she turned to the sink to wash the dough from her hands, giving me her back.
As I stood there peeling the potatoes, and replaying moms words in my head it suddenly hit me and I spun around to face my mom. “Mom?” I said, a little too sharply. “Why would you mention cell service in the mountains… how did you know Colton was in the mountains?”
Mom stilled, her hands mid-wash, her back still to me. There was a beat of silence, before she just shrugged her shoulders and turned to face me, drying her hands. A knowing, almost exasperated look crossed her face, a clear sign she’d been expecting this question. “Oh, Ember,” she began, a small sigh escaping her. “Paula and I talk, sweetheart. We talk a lot. You know how worried she is about Colton. Of course she mentioned where he was. He’s her son, and I’m her friend.”
A wave of relief washed over me. Of course. It made perfect sense. The tension in my shoulders eased, and I even managed a small, sheepish smile. “Right,” I mumbled, turning back to the potatoes. “Paula.”
I still had the feeling something was up, but I didn’t say anything.
After I’d helped Mom get everything ready for dinner, the next couple hours were a blur, but the aroma of Mom’s pot roast filling the house was a comforting welcome. My anticipation was heightened as every car that drove past the farm, or every sound from the driveway, had me glancing up, my heart doing a little flutter. I couldn’t stop myself from pacing the house as nervous energy coursed through me. It felt like something was going to happen. I didn’t know what, but I had an undeniable feeling that something was.
Colton’s parents had arrived a little while ago, and Paula washelping Mom get everything to table as Dad and Jerry were coming in from outside, followed by Garrett and Owen.
We were all gathered around the dining room table catching up on what everyone was up to when Paula asked Mom if we’d heard from Cade lately. I knew my parents were starting to worry about my other brother, it had been awhile since he’d contacted any of us.
“No,” Mom shook her head, glancing at my dad before looking down at her plate for a brief moment, then continued, “Richard and I were just talking last night about how he hasn’t called. He normally tries to check in at least once a month, but it’s been, well… almost two now. I know calls home aren’t always easy for the guys, but I hate not knowing.”
“Oh,” Paula said, clearing her throat. “Well, I’m sure he’s fine. You would have heard if anything was wrong,” she finished, her voice trying to sound a little more upbeat and reassuring.
As everyone continued to eat and make small talk, it didn’t escape how everyone, including Garrett and Owen, kept glancing at the clock. The longer it went on, the more irritated I grew, before I snapped, letting my fork clatter against my plate. “Alright enough,” I said firmly, looking around the table at everyone, meeting their guilty gazes. “What’s going on? And don’t act dumb, or tell me nothing. I’ve had enough.” Letting my eyes trail back around, they each seemed to glance at anything and anyone, except me, as I looked at each one of them.
Just as I was about to say something the doorbell rang, making my head snap up, my eyes widened.
Dad glanced towards the front door. “Now, who could that be?” he asked, a suspiciously casual smile on his face, which made me roll my eyes. They were all really getting on my nerves. Theywere also all horrible actors.
Mom, however, was already nudging me. “Ember, honey, would you mind getting that? I just need to check on the dessert,” she asked, as she pushed her chair back, standing up she went into the kitchen.
Even though I was beyond agitated, every muscle in my body tensed, and my heart was hammering against my ribs. My palms were suddenly sweaty. I stood up, my legs feeling shaky, and slowly made my way to the door.
