“Ah, yeah, he was the big jock quarterback. I played for one year. I had always been in rodeo. He got into it senior year, which is surprising since his family owned a cattle ranch. We all thought he’d be a big-time rodeo cowboy. I wish I had kept in touch with him after school—maybe things would have been different.”
“We don’t know that for sure, but they’ve worked out now.”
I take out a bunch of Tupperware dishes and Ariel’s eyes widen.
“Kind of weird that you always want my cooking when you’re a great cook yourself.”
She smiles at me. “I can make box dinners or do a roast, but not quite on your level.”
“I made some fried chicken, homemade mashed potatoes. Snow cooked the asparagus with bacon. Salad with homemade ranch dressing. And some cake for dessert.”
“You’re the best.” She almost squeals.
“See you tomorrow,” I tell her. “I have to go join the others for lunch.”
“Oh, they have to cook for London.”
“Yeah. I’m glad you weren’t home yet and could come back and talk to me. Thank you, I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.” She squeezes my hand before I shut the door.
I take my time as I round the corner of the house. Leaning against the wood, I take in Snow interacting with Afton and Silas.
Silas has become one of my best friends. I can count on him for anything.
Snow laughs. I love that sound. We never thought she would laugh again. When she showed up that fateful night, she was in bad shape—we didn’t even think she was going to make it. When she did, she was just a shell of herself, but the last month since she’s been talking to Ariel, she’s really been opening up. I’m proud of her.
She tenses when Ever calls her over but relaxes a little bit as she approaches. She thinks Ever is going to be mad at her, even though we’ve all told her that Ever isn’t angry with her. She’s worried.
I know my daughter is worried about me, too. But I think I’m going to be just fine.
“Is everyone ready?” Carlton asks.
I make my way over, slipping in beside Snow and taking her hand. I want her to know I’m always here.
“All right. Contestants you have two hours to cook lunch for London. Shane, who is head chef around here, has given you step-by-step directions. Easy to follow. But you will have one professional with you. Anne and Ever have a show as I’m sure some of you know. Shane is head chef as I stated, and the other professional is Snow—she’s in training with Shane. If you need help, they will help you. Any of them will jump in when needed. Your stations have been set up with everything that you need. Your time begins now.”
The five contestants run to their stations and pull up the directions.
“When you get in a jam, just holler for the person on your sheet, and they will come running,” Carlton calls out.
“What are they making me again?” London asks, discretely linking his finger with mine.
“It’s a pasta dish with pork. Not one of your favorites but it was easy, and it won’t kill you, hopefully,” I say as Snow giggles.
“The veggie is grilled corn and asparagus,” Snow adds.
“Not too bad.”
“They should be done before the two hours, though,” I add. “I think Carlton gave them extra time so they could read.”
“Tomorrow is a family dinner.” London snorts. “If you want to be with me, you have to get through all those assholes.” He chuckles, gesturing to where the others are sitting.
“I see the reasoning,” Snow replies.
“You should make it, Afton,” I blurt out.
“What?” Snow and I say at the same time.