“He’s lying,” Lisa protests, stomping her foot like a child.
“If you want to stay, then it will be a fight to death—so to speak—to stay in the competition. If you take this challenge, you will meet at the barn at five in the morning.”
“That’s so early,” they both yell at the same time.
“If you want to stay, you’ll be there.” Carlton shrugs, not a bit of humor in his words. “If not, then security will wake you up to escort you off the property.”
“See you in the morning,” Lisa says as they both slink away.
“I’m glad I didn’t have to eat more. But five?”
“Isn’t that what time you get up?” he asks.
“It is. What did you have in mind?”
“Catching a hog,” Carlton says. “Sal suggested it.”
“Harvey is kind of hard to catch. We only have him because Snow thought he was cute.”
“Perfect. See you then.”
I have to admit it will be funny to watch, but I have my doubts that they’ll show up.
Heading to the house, I wave as Silas leaves for the day. He hasn’t been around much since he’s helping Oscar prepare for his fight for me.
Fuck. Why did I say yes to this?
I walk inside and lean against the doorframe, observing everyone in the kitchen.
Afton kind of fits. I watch as he pats Shane’s ass and Shane chuckles.
Snow weaves in between them as she places dishes on the table and grabs Afton’s hand several times. Shane puts a pan in the oven and sets a timer.
When she notices me, she skips over. “How was lunch?”
“Interesting. I didn’t have to eat everyone’s dish. Two of them got into an argument and it got heated. So, if they want to stay, they have to show up to the barn at five a.m.”
“To do what?” Shane asks.
“Try and catch Harvey,” I reply, and Shane shakes his head, clearly amused.
“He doesn’t like that.” Snow covers her mouth, trying to suppress the hilarity of the situation.
“That’s the point. I doubt they’ll show up, which means there won’t be an elimination in a few days.”
“Do you know what we’re doing tomorrow?” Afton asks as he leans against the counter, crossing his arms.
“Well, catapulting pumpkins in your costumes with pumpkin carving after,” I tell him. “The seeds will be saved so Shane can roast them.”
“Sounds messy.” Afton snickers.
“That’s the point,” I reemphasize the theme.
“What’s the winner get?” Snow asks.
“We’re having a family dinner,” Shane tells her, kissing her cheek.
“With everyone?” Snow’s eyes widen.