Chapter 21
Ali Kat
One might think that having another person to help get the chores done around the farm would make things go quicker.
That is only because they haven’t met Eva Crosby, who has somehow managed to not only do nothing all day but distract Prim and me from getting things done.
Needless to say, Jake is not happy.
I finish setting the table and filling the drinks right before Father enters the dining room.
When his eyes fall on Eva, a perturbed look crosses his face. “So, just who is this?”
Eva dons a megawatt grin and waves spastically.
I gesture to my friend. “This is Eva Crosby.”
Most people would be impressed. Eva hails from a long line of Hollywood royalty, dating back to the time of black and white films.
My father, as evident by his facial expression, is not at all enamored.
“Well, what’s she still doing here?”
“I’m her assistant,” Eva enthuses. “Sometimes, I do her hair and makeup!”
“Hair and makeup…” If my father had a superpower, it would be making the entire room’s blood pressure rise. “Ab-so-lutely NOT! We are not having ANY part of Hollywood staying under my roof.” He shoots me a hard glare. “Who you donning makeup for? The cows? I let her stay the one night—but that’s it!”
God fucking help me.
As Pa rambles on, Eva seems to shrink within herself, which is entirely unlike her usual bold and brazen self.
Jake walks in before I can calm Pa down and cocks and glares. “Looks like we’ll be working hard all weekend at the rate we’re going.”
I sigh. “Can we just eat?”
“How dare you invite people to my home without even asking—”
“She just showed up at our door!” Prim pipes up.
“It’s only a couple days,” I reason.
“She leaves tonight!” Pa insists.
“But father,” I plead.
“No, it’s okay,” Eva says with downcast eyes.
“I’m not having no Hollywood—”
But before he can finish, Mother says, “She stays.”
My pa blinks, his jaw gaping open.
“Now, take a seat,” Ma commands.
We take our usual seats, sandwiching Eva between Prim and me.
“I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m looking forward to getting to know Tammy’s friend.” She casts a warm smile in Eva’s direction. “And besides, I think I could use a makeover myself.”
