Page 32 of Skye's Fall

“I picked spaghetti, but I don’t want the meat that comes with the recipe,” she says.

“Zack, if you get tofu and crumble it up and fry it up really well, no one will ever be able to tell,” I tell him. I’ve seen Ever do it a thousand times.

“Thanks,” and they run off.

“For someone who complained they couldn’t cook, you come off like you do, almost like a pro,” Linc rubs my back as we sit on a bench, sharing some iced tea with the others who finished.

“I think I overthink and then become lost,” I admit.

“You could have told him the noodle recipe you cooked that one night. It was really good.”

“I’m surprised you liked it,” I tell him. I honestly thought everyone was being nice, except him.

“I hope you cook it for me again some time,” he says and I nod, leaning into him, loving these moments.

“Everyone back in the vans. Time to get cooking,” Carlton and Sal holler for everyone.

The whole way back, the guys look nervous. I’m sure some have never picked up a spatula in their life.

“Good luck, boys,” we all call out as the guys take their spots at their stations.

“I’m going to throw up,” Kelsey complains.

“You don’t know that,” Kara says.

“I do. Fish sucks. Didn’t you smell the market? Smelled like fish ass everywhere,” she hisses.

“Like your ass,” Mallory snorts.

“Excuse me,” Kelsey yells at her.

“You are one of those people who have to complain about everything is what she means,” Mckenna retorts.

“Look who’s talking, bitch,” Kelsey yells back.

“That doesn’t even make sense. We don’t complain, we wonder,” Mallory says.

“Guys, let it go. This isn’t the place for that,” I say softly.

“You’re one to talk, Satan,” Kelsey says and I cringe at that word. Memphis called me that.

“Let me school you, Kelsey. I know my faults. I know that I, at one time, was you, complaining about everything, being a bitch to everyone. It doesn’t make you look good in the eyes of the world. Right now, your cattiness is on display for the world to see, including your family, friends, coworkers, if you have any. And I’ve heard you talk about your family. I bet you put on an act in front of them. But right now, they are witnessing who you really are. You are nothing. I am nothing, or I was until I figured out I can’t be that person. Being a bully or a bitch isn’t something to be proud of. In fact, it will weigh on your heart and someday you won’t have one when you need it,” I finish and she drops her head. I walk over to Linc to see how his progress is and let them think about what I said.

“I heard what you said. You’ve come a long way,” he winks at me.

“Thanks. How’s my steak?”

“Medium rare, like you asked,” he chuckles.

“Linc, you never explained why you agreed to do the show,” I instantly regret asking.

“I’ll tell you later,” he faces away from me.

“I’m sorry,” and I just head for the house. Once out of sight, I slip inside. Ever and Memphis are watching everything through the kitchen window.

“You guys are creeps,” I laugh.

They both jump.