“Sorry.” Vega groaned even louder. “I know my way around the human body. Not a kitchen.”
“No, we’re gonna do this. Here.” She served up the egg she’d accidently fried through and through on a small plate and placed it on the island, then turned back to the stove. “Okay.” She picked up another one of the eggs she’d managed to retrieve in an incident-free trip to the coop. “You don’t like me, egg, and I don’t like you. But I’m going to poach you and you’re going to take it.”
“You got this. Poach that egg,” Vega said with a few claps.
Evie pulled up the video on her phone again. Then went to work. She cracked the egg into the small saucer she had standing by, then gently poured it into the simmering water. She had the recommended vinegar on standby, but she wanted to try one without it. She watched as the clear white began to thicken.
“Miss Leona mentioned food waste, but it’s not wasteful if we give some eggs to the dogs, is it?” Evie glanced over at Euca and Poppy, who had long grown tired of their unsupervised culinary adventure.
“I mean I won’t tell if you don’t.”
Evie gave herself a little shake and tried to focus. This egg would be perfect. It would not become dog food. A few minutes later she grabbed a large spoon and scooped the warm, soft egg out of the water. A dash of salt and pepper, then she handed it over to Vega. She watched as she used the side of her fork to slice into the egg.
“Well?”
Vega took a bite, then held up her thumb. “Perfect, but you know what it needs?”
“What?”
“More egg.”
“Very funny.”
“No. It would be perfect with toast.” Vega hopped up and threw some of the leftover brioche in the fancy toaster oven.
“Make me some too.” Evie said as she cracked another egg.
* * *
Nicole was under strict instructions to stay in bed. She’d made it through the holidays, but she hadn’t gotten any real rest. When she found herself yawning in the middle of date night, Jane laid down the law. One real day off. No running around Manhattan, no chores, no work calls—with one exception. She could check in on Evie.
Beyond that, they were going to stay in bed and rely on Postmates for as long as possible. Great plan. Pure genius. It was almost noon and Janie was still snoring away, but Nicole had been staring at the ceiling for hours. She couldn’t stop thinking about those completely unhinged messages Chef Melanie Burns had sent Evie.
Nicole had asked around, and sure enough, Melanie Burns had been at The Dish’s holiday party, but that didn’t mean she’d assaulted Evie. Nicole contacted the library again, and that was a dead end. Their head of security felt for her, but the Holiman Library had a New Year’s Eve party for another set of New York’s cultural VIPs right around the corner. He didn’t have time to focus on Nicole’s theory.
She understood. Without a push from the cops or a court order, there was no way he was going to sift through at least three hours’ worth of security videos, frame by frame, again. He did take her suggestion to add another security camera near that rear staircase; still, that wouldn’t help Evie now.
And even if Melanie hadn’t been in the stairwell with Evie that night, what the hell was up with those DMs? Evie was a television personality. Of course, there would be people who didn’t like her. Assholes showed up in her Instagram comments and Twitter replies every day, but the things Melanie Burns sent were next level. Melanie probably viewed her as a thorn in her side, since Evie whooped her ass on Supreme Chef, but that was years go. Talk about getting a grip. Nicole couldn’t protect Evie from everything and everyone, but that didn’t stop Nicole from caring. She’d already contacted Nicole’s agent but hadn’t received a reply. Sure, it was the weekend, but she was going to follow up right after New Year’s Day. This kind of shit just couldn’t fly.
The suits at The Dish had already found a short-term replacement for Evie. They were due back at the studio in three days, and reality star and newly single housewife Montgomery Fent would be there to whip up easy meals and snacks. The camera loved Montgomery, but she wasn’t a chef and she didn’t have Evie’s spark. In that respect Evie’s job was most likely safe—for now. Nicole knew she had to be patient, but hoped like hell Evie would start showing signs of at least some memory recovery. The rest she could fake. Maybe.
Nicole picked up her phone and looked at the picture Evie had sent her the night before. Then she sent Raquelle a text. Anything new from Chef Burns?
Bless Raquelle. She was responding before Nicole’s screen went dim. Nothing, but I do remember that she had watched all of Evie’s Instagram videos.
Nicole: Unhealthy obsession, maybe?
Raquelle: You could be right.
Nicole was still reluctant to torment Evie with her theory about what happened that night, but needed to talk to Evie about Melanie. Whether she recovered her memory or not, she needed to keep her guard up when it came to Melanie Burns. Nicole switched over to Evie’s Instagram and looked at the photo of the carbonara Raquelle had posted for her. Thousands of likes and nearly as many comments. Her fans were still with her. She liked the photo and left her own encouraging comment for good measure.
“Are you texting?” Jane’s muffled voice rose up from the sheets.
“Just checking on Evie.” Nicole quickly switched over to their conversation.
“I’ll allow that.” Jane slipped out of bed and slowly made her way to the bathroom.
Nicole had no clue how she was going to sort this shit out, but if she found out that Melanie Burns had been the one in the stairwell with Evie that night, if she found out that asshole laid a hand on her—well, Nicole was the nonviolent type, but she was going to be real pissed, and she’d make sure Melanie paid for what she did. She sent Evie a text. Hey gorgeous. How’s your day going?
Evie replied immediately. Good. Met a horse last night. A picture of gray and white horse popped up on the phone. Made some eggs 78 ways. Never want to look at an egg again. About to watch Supreme Chef.
Beautiful horse. Sorry about the eggs.That Pleasant boy hasn’t gotten fresh with you has he?
Yes, ma’am, he has and I’m handling it.
“I should have given her the alk.” Nicole groaned out loud. Pasta looked amazing. I’m proud of you.
Evie sent back a few heart-shaped emojis.
“Just relax,” Nicole told herself. “Everything is gonna be okay.” Now if she could only make herself believe it.
* * *
Evie glanced up at the screen and felt herself cringing. She was stuffed to the brim with various egg dishes, but it wasn’t her full stomach that was making her feel off. When Lilah and Jesse came back from church, they joined her and Vega for a marathon of Supreme Chef. After a few episodes Evie was ready to watch her season. She knew it would be strange to see herself on screen, competent in the kitchen, unafraid, but she wanted to know everything about her past, not just the parts neatly packed in boxes.
They were halfway through the second episode. Evie had won the first challenge with a shrimp and grits creation which granted her immunity in the final round. The first thing Evie noticed was how good she looked. Fresh faced. Braids piled in a high bun on her head. She looked right in a chef’s jacket. Confident, and she moved around the kitchen with the same certainty.
And then there was Chef Burns. Lilah warned Evie that Melanie would be in nearly half the episodes. She’d had plenty to distract her, but those messages were now burned into her new memory. On the screen they were rushing around a farmers’ market, searching for ingredients to make a main course dish. They cut to Melanie in the interview chair.
“I don’t know what Tiffany thinks she’s going to do with all of those mushrooms. This isn’t a one-ingredient-dish challenge.”
The camera went back to a tall, plus-size Asian who was scrambling to grab onions and carrots. It was her friend, Evie remembered. The one who sent her flowers in the hospital. Evie thought about texting her, but what wou
ld she say? Evie stared at the screen, watching as the show went on. The camera wasn’t on her much, instead following Tiffany as she cried after cutting her finger. It was painful to watch her hands shake and she struggled to pull her meal together.
They cut to an interview with a guy named Jaren who commented on how Tiffany had the talent, she just needed to up her confidence. She was genuine competition. Once they presented the dishes, they cut back to Evie.
“I feel bad for Tiffany. I’ve definitely been there. I know how it feels when your nerves knock you off your feet,” she said to the camera. They cut back to Tiffany in the back corner of the waiting area. She was holding her hand to her mouth, trying not to cry. Evie went right up to her and pulled her into a hug.
“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.”
“Like The 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.
“Hey. I’m just here to warm up the crowd. You’re the main attraction.”
“I know,” she replied with a laugh. “I was just trying to be nice.”
Zach made a big show of rolling his eyes, making Cherry and her brother laugh even harder. He turned toward the ring doors and gave Steve a gentle pat just before he climbed in the saddle.
“Come on, boy, let’s do this.”
A few moments later the doors sprung open, Zach clicked his tongue and Steve took off. They circled the ring once, the faces in the crowd a blur until they slowed to a canter, approaching the announcer’s platform. Zach swung his leg over Steve’s back and hit the ground in a smooth, effortless stride as Steve continued on, picking up speed. Zach put his hand up in the air, taking in the crowd’s cheers as he caught the mic without looking.
“Welcome to Big Rock Ranch, everybody!” he said as he turned to the Getlier wedding party. “We’ve got an amazing show for you today and for those of you out there in your seats who think you got that true grit, we’ll invite you to try your hand at roping and wrastling.” Yeah, volunteers would be roping a big wooden block shaped like a sheep, but it was plenty enough to be a part of the fun.
Steve sprinted by. Zach held the smile on his face as he noted Steve’s gait. He kept on with his spiel, then introduced the twins. Steve finished his second loop just as Zach handed the mic back to Boyd. He slowed to a trot and then a stop. Zach waved to the crowd, then tipped his hat at Elizabeth Getlier and her groom-to-be, Chuck. Then he turned back and made a move for Steve’s reins, moving his hand just in Steve’s line of sight. The horse knew his cue. He made a show of skipping forward a few steps, so the horn of the saddle was just out of Zach’s reach.
Zach made the move again and Steve skipped forward, then turned to face Zach. The laughter from the crowd told Zach their little bit was landing. Zach stood still, head tilted at Steve, then pointed to the ground, motioning for him to get his big horsey ass back over to him. But Steve wasn’t having it. He did a loop around the ring backwards. Zach watched his progress, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
When Steve reached the far side of the corral, Zach saw them. Saw Evie on the other side of the fence, sitting in the flatbed of his brother’s truck. Jesse and Vega and Lilah were with her. The dogs too, but all Zach could see was Evie’s smile beaming at him from across the ring. He froze for a beat, meeting her eyes before he went back to tracking Steve’s movements.
His horse stopped when he reached the main stands. He bowed his head and lightly brushed his lips on the cheek of one of the wedding guests. He moved along the railing, dropping kisses on every face and forehead he could reach until Zach stuck fingers in his mouth and let out a wolf whistle that could be heard on the other side of the mountain. Steve cut across the ring and stopped right in front of Zach. He used his nose to knock Zach’s Stetson off as he brushed his mouth against Zach’s forehead. The crowd was loving it.
Zach swung back up in the saddle, leaving his hat on the ground. On his cue, Steve took off again, working up to a gallop. Zach swung his leg back over, his feet tapping the ground, before he swung his whole body back over to Steve’s right flank. He flipped back on so he was backward in the saddle, then rolled forward and spun back around so he was facing forward. As they completed a final loop, Zach leaned down and snatched his Stetson off the ground and slipped it back on his head.
“Zach Pleasant and his noble steed, Steve!” He waved to the cheering crowd, letting Steve guide them back into the barn.
One of their stable hands, Emily was waiting to take Steve for his cool-down. Zach dismounted and gave Steve a few firm pats.
“Good boy, buddy. Great job.”
“You killed it, huh?” Emily laughed.
“Every time.”
He’d planned to cool down himself, then head out to the side of the stands to watch the rest of the show before he went to check on the Getliers. Instead he jogged around the far side of the arena. Evie spotted him before he reached the truck, and hopped down. He thought about all the times she’d been waiting for him and Sam after their events. All the times she hadn’t been there. When her grandmother wouldn’t let her come on their overnight trips. Nana Buck sugg
ested that Evie would be considered “fast” for even wanting to join them.
He started jogging faster, thinking of the sound of his father’s voice telling him how Evie would make a good wife one day. He remembered thinking his dad was nuts. Evie was just his friend, even if she did make him feel things he’d never felt before. There was a time Zach thought Nana Buck was right. Evie wasn’t meant for him. She wasn’t meant for Charming. But Zach had no clue what that friendship really meant to him then. He didn’t understand what he could feel growing between them now.
Evie stopped short and let Zach take her in his arms. He didn’t kiss her, but he hugged the shit out of her. She smelled like soap and a little like nutmeg again. When he pulled back she had the prettiest smile on her face.
“What are you doing here? I thought Miss Leona left strict orders lest we risk a celebrity sighting.”
“I hit my limit with cooking shows and I wanted to see you ride. Jesse said we’d be away from the guests over here.” Which they were. “That was amazing,” Evie said.
“Yeah, that was pretty sweet,” Vega added.
“Nah,” Zach said. “It wasn’t much. You should see Sam.”
“How’re the knees?” Jesse asked.
“Screaming, but I’ll live.” Zach took Evie’s hand and led her back over to the truck.
He leaned back against the edge of the flatbed and pulled Evie back into his arms, her shoulders pressing against his chest. They watched a good chunk of the show this way, Zach breathing in her clean scent, taking in the warmth from her lush body. But as soon as Elizabeth Getlier was chosen from the crowd, it was time for him to head back. Roping her husband-to-be was the last act of the exhibition.
“I have to get back.”
“Okay.” That bright smile touched her lips again. He wanted to kiss her so badly.
“And I have to do some more networking tonight. A few of Getlier’s businesses are coming in for the rehearsal dinner.”
“Okay.”
“I don’t want to ask you to wait up for me,” he said quietly.
A Cowboy to Remember Page 19