My, but they do get around. Seems like every time you drive down Sunset Boulevard or cruise past Hollywood’s hot spots, movie stars are out in force. Many are itching to be seen by their adoring fans. Others hide under hats and sunglasses, hoping to avoid the pressure. A few of the silver screen’s finest have been spotted at the beach. And why not? It’s midsummer, after all. Even the stars enjoy riding the waves. Many frequent Malibu, of course, but there are those who prefer the pristine beaches of Orange County to the more northern shores.
Of course, stars have been spotted in other places, as well. The grocery store, the dry cleaners, shoe stores, and the YMCA. You name it. They’ve been seen there. Rumor has it that a local pastor actually paused mid-sermon to welcome Bobby Conrad to his service last Sunday. This reporter has to wonder if the music director plans to ask him to join the choir. Not a bad idea, really. Maybe Bobby will follow Elvis’s lead and record an album of hymns. People young and old would love that.
Speaking of Bobby, sources tell us that he’s accepted a fundraising gig in Laguna Beach. No details on the event just yet, but we do know he will be singing. No doubt teen girls in that hip, coastal town are gearing up as we speak. Can you imagine the frenzy at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe when he appears in front of locals to croon a few tunes? Talk about stirring up excitement! It’s going to be better than the hot fudge sundae special. And I have it on good authority the local media will be there in force. Look for updates soon.
— Reporting for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, “Man About Town” columnist, Sunset Sam
* * * * *
On Wednesday morning, Johnny was awakened by the sound of a knock on the bedroom door, followed by Jim’s boisterous voice. “Wake up, Johnny. You’re going to be on television.”
“W–what?” He sat up in the bed and rubbed his eyes.
From the open doorway, Jim laughed. “Well, not this morning, but next month. The folks at Talent Scouts loved your audition. And they loved that ballad, too. They definitely want you to sing it on the show next month. You’re slotted for Saturday, August tenth.”
“So, it’s true? It’s really happening?” Johnny could barely catch his breath as the truth sank in. “I’m going to be on television?”
“Well, sure, kid. That’s what we agents do. We get you singing gigs. And acting gigs. And you give us a nod by paying us 15 percent and moving out of the house into your own place when the money starts rolling in.”
“Are you saying I’ll earn money from this appearance?” Johnny asked. And are you hoping I’ll move out soon? For some reason, both of those things seemed a bit unrealistic at the moment. In time, perhaps.
“C’mon downstairs and we’ll talk it through,” Jim said. “There’s a contract you need to sign and a confidentiality clause.”
“Confidentiality clause?”
“Yes, they don’t want anyone to hear that song you wrote until you’re actually on the air. That’s standard stuff with these talent shows, by the way.”
“I see.”
“Meet me downstairs when you’re ready and we’ll look over the papers together.”
As Johnny dressed, he thought about the song he’d written. “Dear Debbie” was certainly a reflection of what he’d been feeling when he met Debbie Carmichael, but would she make the connection if she happened to be watching television on the night the show aired?
Probably not. Surely she’ll think Debbie is a girl from home.
Girl from home. Hmm. His thoughts shifted to Katie, but he quickly pressed them away. No point in ruining a perfectly good day. Not with so many opportunities on the horizon.
Johnny finished dressing and headed downstairs. He found Jim and Theresa in the living room. She sat at the dining room table, her fingers clicking against typewriter keys. Seemed she’d been spending a lot of time working lately. From what he could figure, she helped Jim with his paperwork. They made quite the team—in marriage and in business.
“So, what are you typing over there, Theresa?” Johnny asked, unable to keep his curiosity in check.
She glanced up, looking a bit startled. “Oh, you know. Work, work, and more work. Jim keeps me busy.”
“She’s my right-hand gal,” Jim said. “Don’t think I could keep the agency going without her.” He leaned down and kissed her on top of her head.
“Aw, thank you, honey.” Theresa’s cheeks flushed. “I do my best.” She looked at Johnny. “But he does keep me hopping, that’s for sure.”
Jim took a seat on the couch. “Yes, well, you know what the great Fred Allen once said.”
Johnny shrugged and prepared himself. “Um, no sir.”
“‘An advertising agency is 85 percent confusion and 15 percent commission.’” Jim chuckled. “We’ve gotta keep at it, working around the clock.”
That didn’t exactly answer the question about what Theresa was working on, but Johnny didn’t mind. How the two of them managed the business was really between, well, the two of them. Still, it seemed a little odd that Jim didn’t seem to go to an office or tend to his other clients. Johnny thought about that. Surely he and Bobby weren’t the only two. Jim seemed like a bigwig and was certainly well–known among his peers. Probably, he had a host of prodigies in and around the Los Angeles area. Maybe Johnny would meet them someday.
He was just starting to ask about that when Toby came marching in from the kitchen, wearing a Mickey Mouse cap and a milk moustache and singing the Mouseketeers theme song. Theresa stopped her work and watched in silence, shaking her head as her son came tromping across the living room with his hand on his chest.
Toby saluted and his over-the-top voice rang out, albeit slightly off-key. “Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! You’re as welcome as can be!”
Johnny joined in and sang, “M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E!”
“Mouseketeer roll call!” Toby called out. He pointed Johnny’s direction.
“Johnny!”
Toby pointed at his mother.
He pointed at his dad, who groaned. “Son, you’ve been reading Variety again, haven’t you?”
Toby lit back into the song, marching around the room. He came to a halt and turned to his father as he spoke. “Auditions for a new boy Mouseketeer are going to be held this coming Friday morning at eleven, Dad.”
“Toby, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times, no son of mine is going to be on television.”
“But Johnny…” Toby pointed in Johnny’s direction, stopping mid-sentence. “Aw, never mind.” He plopped down in front of the television and tossed the Mickey Mouse ears on the floor.
“Son, Johnny is a grown man,” Theresa said. “He’s old enough to choose his own career path. You’re just a boy.”
“So, when I’m grown up, I can be on television?” A spark of hope lit the youngster’s face.
“When you’re grown up, you can have your own television show,” Jim said. “But until then, I’ve had about enough of this. Just be content to let others have their moment in the spotlight. Johnny’s going to be on Talent Scouts soon and you can be in the audience clapping for him.”
Toby rolled his eyes.
“I still can’t believe I’m going to be on national television.” Just speaking the words aloud sent a shiver down Johnny’s spine. A strange and terrifying shiver, but one laced with possibilities. “I still can’t believe it myself, but it’s true.”
Theresa gave him a motherly smile. “One of these days you’ll be a big star and you can invite us to your place in Malibu. Or Beverly Hills, even.”
Johnny shook his head, unable to make sense of her words. She began typing once again.
“One thing at a time,” Jim said, taking a seat on the couch. “Right now, it’s all about exposure. That’s what matters. Getting you out there in front of your adoring fans is key.”
“You have adoring fans?” Toby gave him an, I don’t believe it look.
“You’ve got me, kid,” Johnny said. “If they’re out there, they must be invisible.”
That got a good laugh from everyone.
“Trust me, you will have adoring fans,” Jim said. “If I have anything to do with it.”
Johnny tried to think of something to say in response, but found himself overwhelmed with the idea of adoring fans and appearing on a live television program.
“I’m going to do everything I can to open a few doors for you, Johnny,” Jim said. “That means you’ll be singing at talent shows, local radio stations, and so on. Anything and everything to get you in front of people. And, depending on how things go on Talent Scouts, I should be able to get you on the Texaco Variety Hour. Maybe even The Ed Sullivan Show.
“Ed S–Sullivan?” Johnny could hardly get the words out.
“That will take longer, of course,” Jim said. “You have to be an established star to make it onto Ed’s show. Took Bobby over a year.”
“Yeah, and Bobby was really good,” Toby said with a knowing look.
“You saying I’m not?” Johnny pretended to look stern but ended up with a grin.
“Nah. I heard you practicing that new song in our room the other day. It’s pretty good, I guess. I’ve heard worse.”
“Thanks for the encouragement.” Johnny chuckled. He wasn’t sure which made him happier—the fact that Toby had said something nice about his song, or the part where he’d called his bedroom “our” room.
Toby reached to turn on the television, which took a few seconds to warm up. Before long, the theme song to Flash Gordon was playing and the youngster had settled down in front of the TV.
Johnny stared at the television, trying to imagine what it must feel like to be on the inside, looking out. Would he be terrified? Surely, but with the Lord on his side, he could get beyond the jitters and just sing.
“I can’t believe this is actually happening,” he said at last. “Seems like maybe I’m dreaming.”
“Oh, it’s happening, all right.” Jim nodded. “And it’s going to keep on happening until you’re well-known.”
Johnny began to pace the room, his thoughts tumbling madly through his brain. “It’s the oddest thing. I’ve lived my whole life with only a tiny pool of people knowing who I am. And now I have the chance to become known…and it terrifies me.”
“That feeling will pass in time,” Theresa called out from the typewriter. “Bobby used to get the jitters, too, especially in the first few months.”
“Really?” Johnny took a seat on the couch next to Jim.
“Sure,” Jim said. “And if it will help you, I’ll ask Bobby to stop by for a chat before your appearance on Talent Scouts. He can give you some pointers and help calm your nerves.”
“He would do that for me?” Johnny still couldn’t believe someone as well–known as Bobby Conrad would stop by for a visit.
“Sure. Don’t you know that others stepped in and walked him through the process? That’s what this is about, kid. Supporting one another.” Jim paused a moment. “Well, it’s about that…and open doors. Without open doors, none of you kids would make it very far in the industry.”
“Yes, well, I just pray the doors that open are the right ones,” Johnny said. “Hope I don’t make any mistakes along the way. Don’t want to make a wrong turn.”
“That’s why you’ve got me,” Jim said and then smiled. “An agent is really like a…well, a guardian angel. I lead the way and make sure you don’t get hurt. And I only push you through the doors that will be most profitable. So stick with me, kid, and I’ll take you places.” He slapped Johnny on the back.
Johnny thought about his words without saying anything in response. All of that guardian angel stuff might sound good in a movie—or even a song—but in the real world, no one but the Holy Spirit could lead and guide. And certainly no one was looking out for Johnny’s interests like the Lord.
Sure, Jim was a great agent. He managed to do all of the things he’d promised and more. But when it came to which doors opened and which doors shut, that was really up to the Lord.
“Hey, speaking of taking you places, I’ve got to make a run down to Laguna Beach to Sweet Sal’s,” Jim said. “I’m taking down several head-shots of Bobby, along with some other promo materials, including the 45 of his new song. They’re going to put it in that jukebox of theirs to get the teen girls riled up. Want to ride down there with me? I think it would be great exposure for you. I can tell them about your gig on Talent Scouts. That ought to bring out the crowds. I’m taking your new head shot, too.”
“While you’re there, why don’t you sing that song you wrote for that Debbie girl,” Toby said with a grin.
Johnny’s heart gravitated to his throat at the very thought of it. She would likely think he was completely crazy for writing her a love song when he barely knew her.
“He can’t do that, son,” Jim said. “Confidentiality clause. That song is top secret.”
“Top secret?” Toby looked confused.
Johnny nodded. “I, um, well, I promised the guy at the TV show that I wouldn’t sing the song anywhere until after I’d sung it on the show. He wants it to be a surprise.” And so do I.
“Ah.” Toby’s gaze narrowed. “Guess that makes sense.”
Jim flashed a smile. “If it goes over well on Talent Scouts, you need to be prepared for a trip to the studio to record it. Then we’ll make the rounds to local radio stations. Before you know it, you’ll have a Billboard hit on your hands.”
Johnny shook his head, unable to absorb any more news. Suddenly, he felt completely overwhelmed.
Oh, well. Nothing a chocolate malt from Sweet Sal’s couldn’t cure.
Well, a chocolate malt and a smile from a certain pretty Peppermint named Debbie.
* * * * *
Debbie gave herself another glance in the mirror and smiled at the reflection staring back at her. She finished buttoning her new white blouse then tied a soft blue scarf around her neck. As she turned, the petticoat under her full blue skirt made a swishing sound. Oh, how happy she was to be wearing something other than her Peppermint’s uniform. And this was the perfect day for it. In just a few minutes, she and the other girls would make the rounds to every business in town to spread the word about the fundraiser.
Exactly ten minutes later, she gathered the group of teen girls around her like chicks hovering around their mother hen. Getting the word out about this fundraiser was critical now that Bobby’s appearance had been confirmed. She could hardly believe it. In fact, she’d barely slept since receiving the news.
Bobby Conrad is coming to Sweet Sal’s! Saturday, August 17—a day that will go down in the history books!
“Okay, girls, link up. Two of you on a team.” She reached to pick up a stack of flyers that the local print shop manager had donated. “I want each pair to take ten of these flyers about the event. Put them up in the most logical places—at the grocery store, the filling station, the playground, the civic center—anyplace you can think of.”
“What about the new McDonald’s?” Becky Ann asked.
Debbie shook her head. “I don’t think so. That’s not the best idea. Let’s don’t cross over into their territory to promote the event. Might give them ideas. They might want to get their hooks into Bobby.”
“You don’t think he would betray us, do you?” Becky Ann looked horrified at that idea.
“Of course not. Does the manager of McDonald’s know Bobby’s agent? I think not.” She grinned. “Jim is excited about Bobby’s gig at Sweet Sal’s, and he’s doing this because he cares about Pop.”
As they opened the door to head out, the music on the jukebox caught her ear. She hummed along with Perry Como as he sang “Hot Diggity.” Debbie giggled, feeling younger than her years. All of this chatter about Bobby Conrad had her feeling a little giddy. And talk about being good for the soda shop! Why, this news would propel Sweet Sal’s far above McDonald’s or any other competitors who dared rear their heads. Already, folks as far away as L.A. were talking about the event. She wondered if the shop would be able to hold them all.
Well, no problem. Bobby had agreed to do three sets. And she would be there for all three, hanging on his every word and making sure he had everything he needed. She would perform the role of Gal Friday.
The very idea made her want to smile from the inside out. Bobby Conrad. Her dream would soon be a reality. And oh, what a reality!
“You okay, Debbie?” Martha Lou asked as they headed up the road to the hardware store.
“Sure. I’m just happy, that’s all.”
“That would explain the grin on your face. You haven’t stopped smiling all day.”
“Neither have you or any of the other girls.” Debbie laughed. “I think we’re all in agreement that having Bobby here will be the best thing that ever happened to Sweet Sal’s.”
“Or to me.” Martha Lou let out an exaggerated sigh. “I’m going to make sure he notices me.”
“Oh?”
“Well, sure. I’m going to offer to sing with him. My mother says I have the best voice in town. He’s going to need a backup singer, you know.”
“He…he is?” Debbie wasn’t so sure about that.
“Well, sure. All of the singers have backups.”
“If that’s the case, then Jim Jangles will make sure the backup singers are already with him when he comes,” Debbie said. “So I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”
“Hmm.” Martha Lou quirked a brow. “Well, if you find out which one is the alto, let me know, and I’ll trip her in the ladies’ room.”
“Martha Lou! Surely you’re not serious.” Debbie stopped walking and crossed her arms. “Tell me you would not sabotage this event just so you can meet Bobby up close.”
Martha Lou sighed. “I guess not. But how else will he notice me?”
“Just be yourself,” Becky Ann offered. “Lots of people notice you.”
“Take Junior, for instance,” Debbie said. “He’s had his eye on you for the past year, but you don’t seem to realize it.”
“I know.” Martha Lou smiled. “He’s a great guy, but…” She shook her head. “I think I was born for bigger things than a small-town boy. I’m going to marry someone who’s rich and famous.”
Ginny Anderson rolled her eyes. “You’re such a dreamer. And I can’t believe you’d overlook a guy as great as Junior.”
Debbie paused to think about that for a moment. She could certainly see the draw where her brother was concerned. He would make some girl a great husband someday.
The girls arrived at the hardware store moments later. Debbie approached Bradley Robbins, the owner.
“Mr. Robbins, is it okay to put a copy of this poster in your window?” she asked. “We’re doing a benefit at Sweet Sal’s as a tribute to my father.”
“Your pop, eh?” Mr. Robbins smiled. “Glad he’s feeling better, Debbie. He’s been on our prayer list at the Baptist church for weeks.”
“At the Methodist church, too,” a customer said, drawing near. “Frankie Carmichael’s a good man, and we’re happy that he’s on the mend. Gave us quite a scare last spring.”
“We were all scared,” Debbie admitted. “And I’m so glad he’s doing well now. But we want to keep him feeling great, so we’re working on a plan that will let him cut back on his hours.”
“Good girl.” Mr. Robbins nodded. “What can we do to help?”
“Just spread the word that Bobby Conrad is coming to sing at the soda shop on August seventeenth,” Debbie said. “Bobby’s going to sing, and people can give donations to help the shop. They can buy his records, too.”
“That Conrad kid is really making a name for himself,” Mr. Robbins said. “I hear he’s a Christian, too.”
“Yes.” Debbie’s heart swelled as she thought about it. I would never be interested in someone who didn’t love the Lord. Not that she could claim a real interest in Bobby Conrad. Right now her feelings were more like those of the other girls—a silly crush. Still, her feelings would probably intensify once she met him face to face. Then and only then could she really consider the possibilities.
Oh, how she prayed there were possibilities. Much as she hated to admit it to others, Debbie longed for someone to love, someone to hold her hand and whisper sweet nothings in her ear. How many times had she prayed the “I’m nearly twenty, Lord!” prayer? Dozens. Still, He hadn’t seen fit to bring that certain someone into her life. And now she had to wonder if He’d held back on purpose, knowing Bobby Conrad was on the way.
“Did you ever think about putting a stage outside?” Mr. Robbins asked. “That way you could accommodate more people.”
Debbie paused to think about that. “Great idea,” she said at last. “I’ll tell Pop.”
“Let’s do more than that,” Mr. Robbins said with a twinkle in his eye. “Why don’t you let me take care of that for you? I’ll approach the different churches in town and we’ll pull together. It’ll be like an old-fashioned barn raising, only this time we’ll build a stage instead.”
Tears sprang to Debbie’s eyes. “That would be perfect. Thank you so much.”
He dove into a lengthy explanation about the various dimensions of the stage and where, exactly, it would go. As he talked, Debbie pondered the possibilities, tickled that they could now accommodate more people. Oh, how she prayed they had a lot of people!
She and the other girls left the hardware store, heading to the bank, then on to the gas station. When they arrived back at Sweet Sal’s, Debbie noticed a familiar turquoise Chevy out front.
“Hey, look. It’s that Jim Jangles guy,” Becky Ann said. A smile lit her face. “Do you think Johnny’s with him?”
“Johnny?” Martha Lou gave her a curious look. “Who’s that?”
“He’s a handsome singer from Kansas,” Becky Ann said, her eyes now wide with excitement. “And he’s sweet on my sister. You should have seen the way he looked at her. The boy could hardly string two words together any time he looked her way.”
Debbie felt her cheeks grow warm as the girls looked her way.
“Is that true, Debbie?” Ginny asked. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“Becky Ann is exaggerating, as always,” Debbie said, trying to make light of it. “I don’t even think he noticed me, to be honest. He’s just a guy who’s going to be singing on the day of the fundraiser.”
“He is?” Martha Lou looked confused. “I thought Bobby Conrad was singing.”
“Bobby is the main act, but Johnny is doing one song,” Debbie explained. “According to Jim, he’s got a really nice voice.” She pondered those words for a moment. No matter how great his voice, the girls would still be clamoring for more of Bobby Conrad. What could she do about that?
Martha didn’t look impressed. “Seems like a waste to let some unknown person cut into Bobby’s time.”
“It’s just one song,” Becky Ann explained. “And besides, he’s so cute that the girls will swoon when he takes the stage, even if he can’t sing a note.”
“Well, why didn’t you say so?” Martha Lou opened the door to the soda shop, all giggles. The minute she clapped eyes on Johnny Hart-mann in his jeans and white T-shirt, her mouth flew open.
“Close that garage door, Martha Lou,” Becky Ann whispered. “It’s open so wide a car could drive inside.”
Martha closed her mouth, continuing to stare at Johnny.
Debbie stared, too, realizing once again just how handsome the young man really was. The minute their eyes met, his face flushed, and his gaze shifted to the ground.
“See,” Becky Ann whispered. “I told you he was sweet on Debbie. I’ve never seen a boy blush like that before.”
Debbie elbowed her little sister then headed over to Jim. Still, she couldn’t help but notice that Becky Ann was right. Johnny did appear to get flustered when she walked in the room…but why?
As he gave her a shy smile, Debbie noticed his beautifully placed dimples. His smile brought them to the forefront, and she found herself enamored by them. How could she have overlooked them before? They were almost as captivating as those beautiful green eyes of his.
Debbie joined Jim and the others at the table, unable to hide the smile on her face. “Hi, everyone. What’s up?” She shifted her gaze from Johnny to Jim Jangles.
“We’ve brought all sorts of things to help you promote the event,” Jim said. “Photos, music, you name it.”
“Thank you, Jim,” Debbie said. “These are really going to help. I can’t wait.” She paused a moment then snapped her fingers. “Oh, I just had the most wonderful idea.”
“What’s that?” Her father and Jim spoke in unison.
“Do you ever read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine?” She directed the question to the table. Mr. Jangle’s gaze darted to her pop, who gave her a “You’ve got to be kidding” look.
“No, and I hope I never have to.”
“Well…” She took a seat at the table, her elbows resting on the edge. “All of the girls read it. It’s the most popular gossip magazine around. And they’ve got all of these different columns. There’s a fashion column. And there’s a great column on music trends that a guy named Hepcat Harry writes.”
Johnny snickered at that one. “Hepcat Harry? Obviously a contrived name.”
“Oh, all of the names are made up,” she said. “Cinema Cindy does the movie reviews and shares all of the gossip on who’s starring in what movie. Then there’s Sunset Sam. He’s the one who talks about celebrities out on the town. That sort of thing.”
Johnny looked confused. “We don’t get this magazine in Topeka, so I’m clueless. What does it have to do with the event?”
Her excitement grew as she laid out the plan. “Well, I was thinking that Cinema Cindy would be a great person to invite to our event. She’s always writing about Bobby Conrad. The teen girls love her column. And I know she would do a great write-up for us.”
“Ah.” Johnny nodded. “That might work. So, when are you going to contact her?”
“Hmm…” Debbie pondered the question. “She doesn’t know me from Adam. But she probably knows all about…” Her gaze shifted to Jim Jangles, who looked a bit flustered.
“M–me?” Jim asked. “You think I know Cinema Cindy?”
“I’m just saying that she would probably know you because you’re Bobby’s agent. So, would you do it, Jim? Would you contact her and ask her to come? I just know she’ll write a great article.”
“You were hoping I would contact her?” Jim looked unsure of himself for a change. “Let her know about the event so she could be here?”
“Exactly!” Debbie clasped her hands together. “Oh, Jim, would you really do that for us?”
He shrugged. “Well, I suppose I could issue an invitation. Who knows if she’ll show or not. I’m sure she’s up to her eyeballs in stars and starlets. I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”
Debbie sighed.
“Still, if she does come, it will be great press for Bobby.” Jim slung his arm over Johnny’s shoulder. “And for Johnny, too. Oh, I can’t wait till you hear his new song, ‘Dear Debbie.’ Sorry, but we can’t say any more than that.”
Johnny’s cheeks flamed redder than Bobby’s convertible, and his gaze shifted to the plate glass window.
“‘Dear Debbie’?” Debbie turned to face him. “Wow. That’s an interesting coincidence.”
“Yeah, some coincidence,” Becky Ann said with a smile. “I told you he was sweet on you, Debbie.”
An awkward silence filled the room. For a moment, anyway, Junior added the new 45 to the jukebox and Bobby Conrad’s theme song from First Kiss began to play. Becky Ann began to sing along in her usual boisterous way. Before long, she had everyone chuckling.
“What?” she asked. “You think I’m too loud? I was hoping to sing backup for Bobby.”
“Backup, as in ‘back of the room’?” Junior asked then laughed.
Becky Ann slugged him on the arm. “I’m going to get you for that, Junior.”
“Keep on practicing, Becky Ann,” Pop chuckled. “In the meantime, why don’t you girls take these photos Jim brought and start putting them up around town next to the posters Mr. Kenner donated.”
“Johnny, why don’t you help the girls with that while I hang out with Frankie and talk business.” Jim turned his attention back to his soda.
Johnny shrugged. “Sure. Sounds good.”
Jim waved his hand. “Great. You kids scoot on out of here and start drumming up some interest in this fundraiser while we talk.”
Debbie tried not to sigh aloud, but found it difficult. She might be turning twenty next month, but adults still saw her as a kid. What would it take to prove she was a young woman, not a starry-eyed teen?
Johnny rose and gave her a winning smile. “Where are you headed next?”
“I guess we could go to the grocery store and the library. But it makes sense to put posters up at the beach before we head that way.”
“Are you going to tack them onto a sand castle?” he asked. “So they can get washed out to sea?”
She laughed. “I was thinking we’d put them up on the bulletin board by the restrooms, but that sand castle idea might work.”
“Sand castles.” Jim grunted. “Kid, you have a lot to learn.”
This time Johnny’s rosy cheeks caught Debbie’s attention for a longer period of time. He really was a handsome guy. And down-to-earth, too. She enjoyed his sense of humor and his boy-next-door personality.
Snap out of it, Debbie. She shook her head, determined to stay focused. These next few weeks were all about putting Sweet Sal’s on the map. About paying off the mortgage. Only one way to accomplish that… by remembering that Bobby Conrad was on his way to save the day.
Suddenly, she felt like telling everyone she knew about the big event.
“C’mon girls,” she said, waving at Becky Ann, Martha Lou, and Ginny. “We’ve got more posters to hang. And look!” She held up a photo of Bobby. “Now we’ve got pictures, too!”
Martha Lou squealed and ran to the photo, pressing her lips against it.
“Look what you’ve done,” Debbie groaned. “You’ve got pink lipstick on his cheek.”
“Oh, if only!” Martha Lou giggled, and for a moment looked like she might swoon. “Can you imagine?”
This got a laugh out of everyone.
“Besides, that’s not pink lipstick,” Martha Lou added. “It’s Rose Petal Blush.”
The girls headed toward the door. Debbie looked back at Johnny with a smile. “You coming with us?”
“Sure. I’ve never been to the beach before.”
“You mean Laguna Beach?” she asked.
“No.” He shook his head. “Any beach.”
“Never been to the beach?” All the girls stopped in their tracks.
“Nope. I saw it the last time we drove down, but we never actually got to go there because the meeting lasted so long. This will be my first time.”
“Where did you say you’re from, again?” Becky Ann asked.
“Topeka, Kansas.”
“Kansas,” the girls echoed.
“There aren’t any beaches in Kansas?” Becky Ann asked.
Johnny laughed. “Well, if you could call a grassy mound by the creek a beach, then yes. But nothing like what you’ve got here.”
“Well, c’mon, then!” Martha Lou took him by the arm as she headed for the door. “We’ve got a lot of sightseeing to do!”