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  “It’s going to be fine.” Josh rubbed her back.

  She nodded and gulped. “We’ll find out soon enough.”

  The show opened with a montage of shots depicting the small town life in Willowdale—cows crossing the street, people eating at the Jelly Jar, Tonya cutting hair in her salon. She slapped a hand over her eyes while the crowd cheered. “A dozen people looking for love in one tiny town…” the narrator said.

  Then Teague appeared on screen, welcoming everyone to Willowdale, explaining the crazy way he met Kate here.

  Tonya leaned in and whispered to Josh, “They were pretending to be dating too when they first met, and look at them now.”

  “But they were actually hot for each other the whole time,” Josh whispered back. “They were busy trying to act like they didn’t like each other. We’re trying to act like we do. And you better start looking at me a little more dreamily. You look like you’re reading a ransom note.”

  “Fine.” She rested her head on his shoulder and wondered if it would have been easier to go with her original plan of flitting from guy to guy.

  After introducing each of the contestants, the show featured scenes from the picnic in town and some general flirting. It was clear producers were setting up Marge to look like a man hound—not a stretch, there—but they edited the scenes with George to make it look as if he were chasing Marge and she was ignoring him.

  Tonya laughed along with the rest of the crowd. She glanced at George, who was slack-jawed and red-faced.

  The next scene featured the mixer at The Hideaway. Tonya gulped, knowing what was coming. And sure enough, it showed Josh leaving the closet and Tonya soon after. That drew plenty of catcalls and whistles from the crowd. Tonya closed her eyes and leaned into Josh, and he kissed her hands. People stood and craned their necks to get a look at them on the grass together.

  Josh brushed a strand of hair off her face. “We did it. Looks like the producers are running with our romance.”

  Her bumper stickers were featured several times, which made her blush more than the closet scene had. She’d die if people made fun of her creations. But no one groaned or booed. The crowd laughed and applauded after hearing several of her sayings.

  The show included scenes from the tree planting ceremony and the different parties, and when the first episode ended, the crowd stood and cheered. People swarmed Tonya and Josh as they tried to leave for the after-party.

  “You guys are going to win!” a teenaged girl told her. “You can totally tell you’re in love.”

  “You think?” Tonya asked skeptically as people rushed towards her wanting an autograph and asking about her bumper stickers. Josh was the big star, but more people were lined up to talk to her.

  She and Josh finally made it to the limo and collapsed in their seats. “Dang. How do you put up with this all time?” she asked him.

  “I don’t usually get the kind of attention that you got back there. The audience really connected with you.”

  “I managed to pull off this love affair we have for a few days, but I don’t know if I can do this for five more weeks.” She felt almost dizzy from the night’s events.

  When they got to the party, Vinny hugged her. “See? My instincts were right about you. You were fabulous. You’re going to be a star.”

  She was too nervous to do anything but giggle. And Tonya hated giggling. Hated it more than non-tipping customers. She blamed her moment of giddiness on sheer exhaustion.

  Josh held her hand for the rest of the party, and she decided she’d made the right decision. Sticking with him for the rest of the show would be the easiest way to get through this. But how would it end? “When are we going to break up?” she asked Josh.

  One corner of his mouth turned down. “Sick of me already?”

  “I just want to know how long we need to keep this up.”

  “If you want a shot at winning the money, at least until the show ends and probably for a few weeks after.” He shrugged. “Maybe you can come to California with me for a while.”

  Her heart seized. “Leave Willowdale? What about my salon?”

  “You don’t understand how much your life’s going to change after this show. There are going to be so many opportunities for you, you might not even want to work in the salon anymore. Your life’s never going to be the same.”

  Later, Tonya couldn’t stop thinking about what he said as she lay in bed with her ears ringing and her brain buzzing. Could she ever leave this place she’d come to call home?

  ***

  The next morning, when Tonya came downstairs to let in the crew, she found a line of people outside the salon. She popped her head outside. “Can I help you?”

  Half a dozen people rushed the door. “I want a quick haircut,” said one woman. “Are the cameras here yet?”

  “I’ll do whatever you have time for,” said another woman.

  “You can just wash and set me,” said a third.

  A tall, handsome man walked inside and smiled. “You can do whatever you want to me.”

  The ladies scurried to look through her bumper stickers as the crew set up their cameras.

  Tonya looked at Michael for some guidance. He just smirked. “I’m not surprised. The show was great.”

  “And it’s time to make you look great,” cried Chloe, whose hair was pink today. She and Amy worked on Tonya’s hair and makeup. When they were finished, Tonya held out her hand, knowing that next they’d give her the day’s outfit. She didn’t even complain about the poufy polka dot sundress. They’d broken her.

  While she was changing, Michael lined up her clients so that they were ready to go. The crew started recording and her first client started chatting. “You and Josh are so dreamy! My money’s on you two to win. Unless I get to meet one of those McClacken twins.” The woman sighed.

  Tonya nodded. “And there’s two of them, so if it doesn’t work out with one, try the other.”

  The woman stared at her, then slapped her knee. “That is exactly what you’d say. So, can you introduce me to one of those boys?”

  “You can probably find them down at the Jelly Jar after I’m done doing your hair. They usually grab a stack of flapjacks for breakfast.” Tonya surveyed the woman’s hair. She still didn’t know what she wanted done.

  The woman scrunched her nose. “Flapjacks! So adorable.” She turned to the camera. “Did you get me on tape? ‘Cause I don’t need my hair done.”

  “We got you.”

  The woman stuffed a twenty in Tonya’s hand, kissed her cheek and bustled out the door.

  These next few weeks will fly by, she told herself.

  And then what?

  ***

  Josh stopped over that night with an armful of scripts. “We need to get to work. I heard Buzz Carelton serenaded someone last night. I’ve got some scenarios for us to consider, and I’ve scripted out everything you’re going to say, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.”

  “Except remembering my lines.” She sat next to him on her couch, and he explained his plans.

  “We really need to get some time in at Lookout Point,” he said.

  Tonya cringed.

  “What’s the problem? That’s where couples go to make out, right? We can spend a lot of time stargazing instead. We’ll steam up the windows so they won’t see us not kissing.”

  “Tommy and I used to go there a lot.” She shook her head. “Too many memories.”

  He tossed that script aside. “Okay. How about a moonlight picnic at the park? We can see how our tree is growing. I’ll feed you some decadent food.”

  “I’d like that. But Tommy and I used to go on nighttime picnics, too.”

  Josh looked at the ceiling. “I’m running out of ideas here. There are only so many romantic things to do in this town.”

  “You’re right. I can deal with it. Let’s do the picnic.”

  “And what about a little shopping down at Antique Alley?” he asked.

  “Sure.�
�

  He handed her another script. “I’ve given myself most of the dialogue. Just practice looking at me dreamily.”

  She fluttered her eyelashes at him.

  He rubbed his chin. “That was more like you were trying to get something out of your eye. Try again.”

  She widened her eyes and smiled at him.

  “Your mouth is twitching. And you look like you’re contemplating ways to murder me.” He sighed. “Just think of Tommy when you’re looking at me.”

  She closed her eyes, remembering the way Tommy’s blue eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed. The way his bottom lip stuck out when he was worried.

  She felt herself smiling.

  “Yeah, like that,” Josh said. “Jeez, I’m gay and I’m jealous of this guy. All right, I think we’re ready. How about Antique Alley tomorrow?”

  “I’ll do my best.” How many weeks did they have left of this nonsense?

  Chapter 10

  Tommy was enjoying a morning off after pulling a late-night shift after the show. He thought the special park viewing would be a one-time thing for the debut, but an email from the mayor announced they’d be holding a similar bash for each episode. “Perfect,” Tommy grumbled. He tossed aside his phone and gulped his coffee.

  Ellen was at work and Jane was at school, so he had time and room to make a mess. He set up everything necessary in order to work on the bathroom. Then he swung his sledgehammer into the wall, clearing the way for the new plumbing and wiring. The bathroom was going in the corner of the family room, right below the upstairs bathroom, so most of the plumbing was already in place.

  He was glad to have a chore lined up that involved destroying things. Tonya and Josh. So it was real. She found someone…and found him fast. Tommy couldn’t have meant that much to her. And here he’d been ready to suggest they get back together.

  He pounded a few more holes into the wall.

  He probably deserved everything he got after the way he’d ruined things with Tonya during their first go-round. Calling out Kate’s name while he was in bed with Tonya had been a colossal fail. Had he been subconsciously trying to ruin a good thing? He had no other explanation for it. And certainly not one that had appeased Tonya. Couldn’t blame her for dumping him.

  He swung the hammer with all his might, making another impressive hole in the drywall.

  “The house could also use a new coat of paint,” A voice said from behind him. He turned around and saw Lorraine standing behind him, cup of coffee in hand, already dressed and ready for the day.

  He pressed his eyes closed and took a deep breath. “It’s not my house, Lorraine. That’s up to Ellen.”

  “This should be your house. You should make an effort to make this family whole again.”

  He sighed, setting down his sledgehammer—just so there was no temptation to throw it. “If you’ll remember, Ellen asked for the divorce.”

  “Because you didn’t fight hard enough for the marriage!”

  Tommy put his hands on his hips and groaned. “I tried to do my best.”

  She jutted her chin in the air. “And now is a good time to try again.”

  He wondered if her voice was always tinged with disgust or just around him. “I’m only here to help out with Jane. They both know that.”

  “And how do you think Jane is going to feel after getting a taste of what life could be like with two parents at home? Even if you don’t think Ellen deserves another chance, Jane certainly does.” She shrugged. “It’s not like Tonya wants you back.”

  He gritted his teeth so something exceptionally nasty wouldn’t come out. “Does Ellen know you’re talking to me about this?”

  “Of course not. But all she’s ever wanted is your love. It’s time for you to join this family again.” Her dark, beady eyes narrowed into a glare worthy of a witch trying to turn someone to stone.

  Tommy said nothing, resuming his work.

  “You know it’s the right thing to do.”

  He started hammering the wall again. Thankfully, Lorraine left the room. Getting back together with Ellen was not a good idea. But was it the right thing?

  ***

  Tonya stood in the high school gymnasium feeling like an idiot, and not just because of her fringed hoedown outfit. “We don’t square dance here,” she told Vinny.

  “That’s why we’re teaching you,” he explained.

  She took off her cowboy hat. “We don’t have cowboys either.”

  “Tonya, please. We really aren’t looking for an ornery contestant.”

  She adjusted her fringe vest. “I just wish we could be ourselves.”

  “Boring,” Vinny said. He turned around and began instructing crews on how he wanted the scene shot. “Do I need to repeat myself, people?”

  “Reality TV isn’t real,” said most of the cast and crew in the room.

  She rolled her eyes. The cameras were pointed at her, but she was getting used to it. Being the bigmouth, she had the crew’s attention all the time. Occasionally they’d miss a shot of her sassing off, so they’d ask her to repeat herself for the cameras. Which she gladly did when it was a particularly clever smart-assed comment.

  Josh stood beside her buttoning and unbuttoning his vest, apparently unsatisfied with his look. Marge came at him out of the blue and planted a giant kiss on his lips. The cameras pointed in their direction.

  “What are you doing?” Josh asked.

  Marge stomped one of her boots and crossed her arms. “I’m so sick of you and Tonya and your sweet little romance…all of the hand holding and pecks on the cheek. Is this the 1920’s? Are you courting her?” She rolled her eyes. “I wanted to show you what it was like to be kissed by a real woman. And there’s more of that if you’re interested. I’ve got my own cowgirl costume at home and there’s not quite as much material as the one I’m wearing.” Marge tipped her hat at him.

  Tonya clenched her fists. “We kiss. We kiss lots. Just not in front of everyone.”

  Marge gave her a patronizing smile.

  “We’re plenty romantic. You wouldn’t believe the hate mail I get from women who want Josh.” Tonya stuck her hands on her hips.

  “I don’t know. Josh looks…dissatisfied,” Marge said.

  Tonya looked over her shoulder and noticed a roomful of eyeballs fixed on her and Josh.

  “I’m very satisfied,” Josh said. Then he dipped Tonya in his arms for a full-on make-out kiss. “Close your eyes and pretend I’m Tommy,” he whispered.

  She kissed him back while trying to imagine Tommy. But his shoulders were too bony and his neck wasn’t as thick. His lips weren’t as soft, either.

  Josh brought her back to her feet while everyone in the gym hooted and hollered.

  Marge didn’t look impressed. “Sorry, Vinny wanted me to stir up some trouble,” she mumbled as she walked past, elbowing Tonya.

  “Hey!” Tonya lunged for Marge, but Josh pulled her back.

  And then things got worse. They spent the next three hours square dancing.

  ***

  Later in the week, all the contestants had to endure a round of speed-dating with local residents, then they had to play Spin the Bottle and take their date on a scavenger hunt through town to find things like hot pink lingerie and heart-shaped candy. Tonya had to keep up with this while taking care of her customers’ needs. It was exhausting.

  One night, after finishing up in the salon and wrapping up shooting, she logged onto her computer to check on her bumper sticker sales. The online shop was set up so she could see sales every day, though she’d been too busy to do so.

  She opened her account, and her jaw dropped. She’d made nearly twenty-four thousand dollars selling bumper stickers and Tonya’s Curl E. Q tshirts. “Vinny was right.” This was amazing.

  She got busy coming up with more sayings: “I love love,” “Don’t drive so close unless you plan to ask me out.” This was exactly what she’d hoped for when she joined the show. Even so, she’d still rather have Tommy
than a billion bumper sticker sales.

  ***

  When the show aired the next week, Tommy switched shifts and managed to avoid watching it. From what he’d heard, a tussle in the audience almost broke out when Marge and Tonya got into a fight over Josh. Apparently, Josh planted a juicy kiss on Tonya, too. Tommy was glad he missed that and the obnoxious crowd, which he heard was bigger than it had been at the last showing.

  But he couldn’t get away from the show, even when it wasn’t being aired. It was all people talked about. Folks from miles around were descending on Willowdale. He called on the county sheriff’s office to lend a few deputies to help with the increased traffic. One of those deputies started dating Marisa. This entire town is losing its mind, he thought to himself more than once.

  He made sure he was busy working on the bathroom when the show aired for week three. Ellen, Jane, and Lorraine sat down to watch it, sharing a big bowl of popcorn.

  “Are you kidding me?” Tommy asked them. “Do we really have to see this?”

  “Don’t you want to know what’s happening in your town?” Lorraine asked.

  “I want to limit my exposure to it while I can. It’s what I deal with all day long—trespassing, traffic congestion. We had to arrest a guy from Georgia for stalking Marge.”

  “We want to see if Tonya and Josh are still in love,” Jane said dreamily.

  Tommy winced.

  “Did you know they could win a hundred thousand dollars?” Jane asked.

  “I heard something about that.” He hammered a nail into the frame of the bathroom’s new closet.

  “Thomas, please, we’d like to watch the show,” Lorraine said.

  The show’s theme song started. “Fine,” Tommy said, setting down his hammer. He was still on schedule to get this project done before he moved out in a few weeks. Lorraine’s earlier words stung him though—how would Jane react when he was gone? The idea had been nipping at his thoughts for a while.