Stay with the Group extended preview

Stay with the Group.

Lyn rubbed her eyes. “Ugh, why did we have to come here again?”

“Because you signed up for it as part of the community service program.” Amy leaned against the post and smiled at her. “I mean, it isn’t so bad. Fresh open air. Blue skies.”

“The smell of manure.” Lyn snorted. “At least, I hope that is what the smell is. We are on a farm, after all.”

Amy giggled. “All I smell is blueberries. Though I guess a little manure here and there might help in the growing process.” She jumped to her feet. “Now stop looking so down and enjoy yourself.”

“Right. . .”

“Okay, everyone.” A man in a jacket walked to the head of a small crowd. “I thank you all for joining us for our monthly community service group. And so does Mr. Grayson.” The elderly gentleman took a small bow. “Today, you will be helping out on one of the largest blueberry farms in the state, maybe even the country.”

Mr. Grayson laughed. “Don’t flatter us. The country? We wish.”

“Well, even so, if this farm wasn’t around, there wouldn’t be any blueberry products for us to enjoy. And as part of the community service project, we are all here to pitch in.” He turned to Mr. Grayson. “So just give us our orders, and we will see them done.” He smiled at the others. “I will see you all later. Good luck and listen to Mr. Grayson.” He took a bow before walking away.

Mr. Grayson chucked as he walked to the head of the small group. “Well, I am happy to have the help. I have one big rule, though. Stay away from the blueberry fields. That is for the workers only. And don’t eat anything that we don’t approve for you either.” He narrowed his eyes. “Do you youngins understand?”

Lyn arched an eyebrow. “What is talking about?”

“I don’t know.” Amy laughed. “Good thing I brought my own lunch. I don’t need some old geezer to approve my food.”

“Right. . .”

“Okay, everyone.” The two girls snapped their attention back to the old man. “I know it doesn’t sound fun, but your job for the day will be helping to package our blueberries into the cans and bags before they are shipped out.”

“Ughhh.”

“Gross.”

“That is fucking boring.”

Mr. Grayson slammed his hand against the post. “You all listen here. Packaging up the blueberry products is a prestigious job around here. You are all lucky to have it.” He snorted.

“Don’t make me regret giving it to you.” He pointed at a nearby barn. “Now, head in there and meet up with Brian. He will give you further instructions.”

The others groaned as they walked toward the barn. “This is bull shit.”

“Ya. I wish we could have gone and worked at the hospital. That would have been fun.” They all laughed.

Lyn grabbed Amy’s arm. “Hey, what are you doing?”

“Keep your voice down.” She pulled Amy behind the barn. “Good, no one saw us.”

“You know we need to keep with the others, Lyn. We could get into a lot of trouble!”

Lyn crossed her arms, arching an eyebrow as she stared at the younger lady. “I don’t really care. I want to do something exciting, not put random blueberry products into fucking crates. I know this is community service, but that just seems extra fucking boring!”

“But. . .”

Lyn put her fingers to her friend’s lips. “Come on. There has to be something fun around this place. Don’t you want to go and find it?”

“But that Mr. Grayson fellow said we should stay away from the blueberry fields. And this place is mostly blueberry fields. Where are we going to go?”

Lyn laughed. “When did we ever listen to people like that, hmm?” She turned her head and looked at the nearby fence. “Besides, I really want to know why we can’t go out there.” She grabbed Amy’s arm. “Come on!”

“Hey!” Amy gulped. “I hope you know what you are doing.”

Lyn walked up to the gate. “Of course, I do. When have I ever steered you wrong?” She tapped the wooden gate with her finger. “Locked tight. But good thing they didn’t expect people to just. . .” She vaulted over it. “Hehe. There. Not so bad.” She dusted herself off and looked back at Amy. “Well, are you coming?”

“I umm. . .”

She put her hands on her hips. “Come on! This is going to be ten times more fun than whatever they are up to in that barn. Now let’s get a fucking move on!”

Amy slowly made her way across the gate, stumbling momentarily before falling onto her face on the other side. “Oww.”

Lyn giggled. “Well, we are off to a great start, don’t you think?” She extended out her hand. “Now come on. We are burning daylight.”

“What are you talking about?” She took Lyn’s hand and grunted as Lyn helped Amy to her feet. “It is barely past noon.”

“Well, we have an entire farm to explore. It will take ages, you know that, right?” Amy’s eyes widened. “Well, maybe not ages, but you know.” Lyn giggled as they made their way into the blueberry field rows. “Still, I really want to know what is going on here. Especially after Mr. Grayson got a bit. . . secretive back there.” She rubbed her hands together. “We could find out something very juicy about our state’s blueberry production. Imagine, what story could we go back and write about?”

“You always think there is some kind of conspiracy when we go to these places, Lyn. It is just a blueberry farm. What could be the big deal.” Amy grabbed a blueberry off one of the nearby bushes. “Besides, when have you ever been right? Hmm?” She began to munch on the berry.

“I umm. . . I was almost right about the museum charging people on the side. They say they are free, but they really aren’t, are they!”

Amy rolled her eyes. “A vending machine isn’t some master plan to steal your money, Lyn.”

“I never said it was.” Lyn arched an eyebrow. “Did you notice that sign before?”

“What sign?” She moaned. “Oh god, these blueberries are fucking delicious. . .” She licked her lips. “You have to try one.”

“One second, Amy. I want to—”

Amy turned around and plucked another blueberry from the bush. “No, really.

Try one!”

Lyn laughed. “Okay, okay.” She took one out of Amy’s hand. “Only if it will let me read that sign.” Amy nodded her head. “Good.” She tossed it into her mouth, her tastebuds instantly exploding. “Holy fuck! I have never tasted blueberries this good.” She moaned. “It doesn’t just taste like fucking berries.”

“I know right! It is like a party in my mouth. Steak! Pizza. Soda. What don’t these things do?”

“Quick, get some more!” Amy did as she was told. “We have to bring them back for the others.”

“Why?” Amy licked her lips. “We have an entire field to ourselves and hours until we have to go back.” She giggled. “We can just enjoy ourselves.” She began to go down the row, picking more blueberries. “Come on. We should get more. Not only for now, but for weeks to come.”

Lyn took a moment to gaze at the sign. “But I. . .” She shook her head. “I am coming.

Just give me a second to read what is on this sign.” She picked another blueberry and tossed it into her mouth as she read. “To our valued employees. Please refrain from eating the blueberries. They are just for show for any inspectors that come to check out the farm. You all know what would happen to you if you decide to eat our wonderful blueberries before they are processed. I am sure you don’t want to become part of the blueberry-making family, now, do you? So DO NOT EAT!”