“It’s what we do for family.” He pats my back and walks back to the BBQ. I’ve been smelling it all morning. I know it’ll be fantastic. And I know I have to be there for a little bit. But I’m thinking I’m going to sneak off. I need some time away. A break from all this shit.
“Winners,” Carlton announces. “We have the winners.” He nods my way.
“Afton and Zoe, you’re the winners. You’ll go to the family BBQ. Everyone else, head back to your cabins or hang out in the tent. No elimination tonight. But be thinking on Halloween. You’ll understand in the morning.”
“What’s tomorrow?” I ask Carlton as he approaches, my arms folded.
“Friday. They’re going to put together the haunted house and work the first night before locals take over. Since the festival is going all weekend, they’ll do odd jobs where needed.”
“I really want them to see more of what kind of chores go on around here,” I inform him.
“They will. Sunday is a group date. Fishing off the dock with a cookout of what they catch. Monday is an elimination. Haven’t decided what they’ll be doing.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“See you tomorrow.” He claps me on the shoulder before he heads toward the grill to join his wife at the BBQ.
My sister Aspen approaches and joins me as I observe everyone.
She signs to me. “Afton is a good guy. I’ve always loved him.”
“I know.” I’ve always loved him, too, and she’s right: he is a good guy.
“Zoe is okay, she’s one of the better ones, even though she’s still superficial. Everyone just talks about how you’re famous and how they’ll be famous.”
“Not everyone,” I mumble, because the ones that I love the most don’t care about my wallet.
“I’ll catch up with you later and tell you if I hear anything else.” Aspen signs, covertly squeezing my hand.
“Thank you. I…” I trail off as she heads in the direction of the BBQ.
Taking a deep breath, I study everyone for a moment—Afton’s the first to catch my eye. He’s introducing Zoe.
They can give me their take later.
Punching the number I have for Scott, I hope it works.
“I need to get out of here,” I tell him when he answers the phone.
“Happy to help.”