The line was already forming with the other nine girls, so I quickened my pace and ate the sandwich as fast as I could. I chewed with such a large mouthful my cheeks were puffed out as I fumbled with my sunglasses. I finally got them over my eyes and stopped at the back of the line.
Major Wilcox strolled in a bored manner until she halted directly next to me. Her head tilted, and she asked, “Have a good lunch?”
Her fingers wiggled down by her sides.
I quickly took another bite, knowing what she was going to do. My cheeks were round once again, and my voice was muffled from the chicken. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Good for you. It’s over.” The major moved fast as she yanked the remaining half sandwich out of my hands and chucked it into a wastebasket nearby. She bent and placed her face in front of mine, and whispered quietly, “I don’t give a fuck who you sit with at lunch. When an order is given on my watch, you follow it. Do you understand me, recruit?”
Of course, she had noticed. Everyone had.
I swallowed the chicken down. “Yes, ma’am.”
It was excellent.
I licked my lips for any lingering juices.
She glared at my pleased expression. “Do you find this funny, Ms. Carvene?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Then why are you smiling?”
“Because my food was wonderful.”
“Was it?” Major Wilcox mocked.
Then she jabbed me in the stomach.
I belched right in her face.
Megan choked next to me and quickly looked away.
I hastily covered my mouth with my hand, the most horrified expression on my face.
“I am so sorry, ma’am.”
She blinked as she straightened. “Peach cobbler?”
I didn’t remove my hand from my mouth as my other one rubbed my belly where she had poked.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Her grin was wicked.
Shit.
“Okay, recruits.” She peered down the line of candidates. “Ms. Carvene here had peach cobbler today. And not only did she enjoy it, but she also didn't share it with anyone. So I’m going to teach you all a little something about sharing.”
Major Wilcox stared straight down at me, even as she talked to the entire group. “We’re all going to share the love of running. Right now. Seven miles. If you stop, you’re gone.”
She yanked my sunglasses from my face and tossed them into the wastebasket too. “Those aren’t regulation, Ms. Carvene.” Then she snapped her fingers at the group, her voice rising to a shout. “What are you waiting for, recruits? Share! Share!”
The front of the line started jogging.
Major Wilcox winked at me. “Isn’t this fun?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I answered through clenched teeth.
