Page 85 of The Way We Win

“I don’t know why you even want me to make anything since I’m so off my game.” Dylan stands in front of the industrial-sized blender pouting.

“What do you have in there for tonight?” I step forward, peering into the plastic bin.

An odd aroma rises to meet me, and my eyes slide to Craig’s. He shakes his head slowly.

“It’s Peter Peppers with figs and barley.”

My chin jerks. “Figs and barley?”

“At least the peppers are hot this time—if you consider jalapeños hot.” Craig lifts a red pepper by the stem. “Check out this guy.”

A laugh snorts through my nose. “It looks like a penis!”

“Isn’t that crazy?” Dylan leans forward with a laugh. “I want to put some out around the dish.”

“As in, ‘This dish tastes like a dick’?” I pour the oddly scented mixture into a large serving bowl.

“No, ma’am, dick tastes much better than this culinary disaster.” Craig sniffs, and I fall onto Dylan, giggling.

“Y’all are being so mean. I’m not cooking another thing.” Dylan pulls her gloves off and goes to the sink to wash her hands.

“Nooo, come on now!” I move the bowl onto the rolling cart. “Trust me, it’s going to be a fun game!”

“It’s time.” Craig pulls on his blond wig. “I’m not sure what to play with this dish. ‘Caution’ by The Killers?”

“Mean!” Dylan fusses.

“Just play ‘Sally.’” I wrap an arm around my friend, giving her a squeeze before we head out to the dining area.

The crowd has picked up since last week. We put out the word we’d have a special treat tonight, and people are slowly ambling in.

“We hope you brought your sense of humor tonight.” I stand on the step-stool like I usually do for the warning. “Tonight’s pepper is named after a certain part of the male anatomy, and we have a few up here for you to see. The Peter pepper is a little hotter than a jalapeño, but I’m not going to vouch for the flavor of this dish…” A rumble moves through the group. “The best news is our very own Pepper Spice, Dylan Bradford-Murphy, is expecting her very first baby! And it seems to be impacting her taste buds.”

Cheers break out, and I see our extended “family” at the back table, Miss Gina, Liv’s mom, Gloria, and Sandra, all clapping and hugging each other. Logan joins us behind the serving table to wrap his arms around his little wife.

A few taxi whistles rip through the noise, and I wave my hand.

“It looks like we’ll have to suffer through a few more months of crazy dishes, but we’re turning it into a game. Up here in thetip jar, you’re welcome to rank Dylan’s worst pregnancy Dare dish on a scale of one to five, with five being worst…”

“Rude!” Dylan cries, and more people laugh.

“Tonight’s dish is Peter peppers with figs and barley…” I shrug. “The dare is if you can get through it without barfing, and we’re offering half-price Budweiser to help wash it down.”

Craig hits the music, and “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” gets folks out on the dance floor. A line forms, and I hand out little trays of tortilla chips as Dylan scoops out the salsa.

A few people comment on the pornographic peppers, and even Oliver Duck gives her a begrudging congratulations.

Jack is nowhere to be seen in the dining hall, and it’s my turn to be a little pouty. I finish the last serving, dance with the girls for a few minutes, then make an excuse to duck out early.

My phone buzzes in my pocket as I head out the door, and when I pull it out, I see a text from a blocked number. I’m about to tap it when another text from Jack appears on top of it.

Sir

Couldn’t make it tonight, but thinking about your sexy body.

A smile curls my lips, and I glance behind me to where everyone is dancing and having a good time. Austin is with his friends, and I expect he won’t be home for at least another hour.

I get in my car and quickly reply.

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