“You’re not gonna make it if you can’t keep that shit together,” Melanie said.
Kate spun around, staring daggers at her while Darren, the only other Black contestant on the show, told Melanie to chill out. They cut back to the judges. Evie knew it was only a TV show. She knew how it all turned out. That didn’t stop the sour taste settling in her mouth. Melanie really was an asshole.
“Evie. Evie.” She turned toward the concern in Vega’s voice.
“Yeah?”
“Hey, you okay?”
“Yeah.”
“I just—”
Lilah hit pause on the show. The screen froze on Melanie, mid-interview, saying how she deserved to win. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jesse lean forward, like he was watching her closely.
“I guess it’s just shocking to see myself. And Melanie. Melanie is awful.”
“It’s what the producers want,” Jesse said.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s reality TV. The competition isn’t enough, they want some drama. If it was just you guys preparing foods, it would be a different kind of show.”
“LikeThe Dish?”
“Yeah, kinda,” Lilah said.
Evie looked back at the screen and Melanie’s sour expression. There were thirteen more episodes to go. She knew she should keep watching, but a strange feeling was eating at her. Suddenly she wanted to see Zach.
“What time does the rodeo start?”
Jesse looked at his smart watch. “About twenty minutes.”
“Can we go? I know I can’t be seen, but is there somewhere I can watch from the truck?”
“You don’t have to stay in the truck. Let’s go.”
* * *
Zach stared at the ground beneath his feet. He’d done this a hundred times before. He’d practiced, took the time to warm himself and Steve up. Steve was ready to go, but he knew to wait for Zach’s cue. Their part of the show would be over in less than five minutes. It was the Mendonza twins who really stole the show. He remembered being their age, wowing the crowd with the tricks that a teenager shouldn’t be able to pull off. He thought of Sam and the hours they’d put in and how lucky they were that they’d only been concussed a few times and broken a few toes and fingers here and there.
He was only filling in, but Zach thought maybe it was time to give this part of his life up for good. He would never tire of working with Steve. He was a great animal and a great companion, but Zach didn’t live for the spectacle anymore.
“All good?”
Zach looked up as Boyd Tillman gave him a firm pat on the back.
“All good. How’s it looking out there?”
“Good. Bride and groom are front and center, but you know how I do things.”
“I do.”
“Let me get out there.”
He watched Boyd as he slipped out the side door, microphone in hand as he went. Zach turned and caught Cherry’s eye.
“Ready, Mr. Pleasant?” she said with a big smile, her braces gleaming.
