Page 67 of Broken Dreams
“You said this gets worse?” I say as I grab an ice cube and suck on it.
“Well, Mrs. Parker is notorious for her heat. She won last year and I’m pretty sure she’s upping her game.” Addison places both hands on my chest. “You will get through this. You’ll endure. You’ll help determine the winner and be loved and hated at the same time.” She turns me to face the stand. “Now, let’s go out there and pick a winner.”
I want to laugh, but she’s slightly terrifying so I keep it together. Instead, I give her a sly grin. Since that kiss, all I’ve thought about was doing it again. I wonder if while we’re in this fake relationship, we can move things in another direction.
It’s been a long time for both of us. We’re friends. We trust each other and have very clear expectations regarding our relationship. It could work. We can test the waters together without any risk of getting hurt. “I need some incentive.”
“What kind of incentive?” she asks with a slight hitch in her breath.
“A good one.”
Addison tilts her head. “How about...you get to have me go to dinner tomorrow and help you get the investment.”
I grin. “That’s already promised.”
She leans in, her hand resting on my chest. “Do you have some secret skills that you’ve been holding back?”
“Maybe.”
I always have skills, and I’m wondering if I don’t die from pepper poisoning if I’ll be able to use them on her.
“Then maybe we’ll see about a reward.”
Not really what I was hoping for, but I also can feel the town watching. “All right, let’s see what I can do.”
We head to the next tent. I choke it down, writing some crap about balance and wondering if they put gasoline in, because my insides are surely about to combust.
Addison laughs and then we get to the three little old ladies who Brynn and Asher warned me about keeping happy.
I force a smile and Mrs. Cooke looks at me with a hint of concern. “Are you okay, honey?”
“I’m great.”
“Are you sure?” she asks again.
“Can’t wait to try your chili,” I lie. I would rather do anything else, but I really want a reward.
She smiles, giving both Addison and me bowls. Her presentation is great, and I mark that box with a four out of five. I scratch my cheek, as it itches just a bit, and take a bite.
Fucking hell. That’s what it is...hell. It’s the depths of hell. The place where fire and brimstone were created and it’s in this bowl.
I force a smile, but my lips feel a bit hard to move. Well, I need to get the next two bites in.
I turn my head side to side and try to open my lips, preparing myself for what’s to come, but I put the spoon down to scratch my neck again.
Jesus, I’m itching.
“Grady, honey, are you sure you’re okay?” Mrs. Cooke asks again. “You don’t look so good.”
“I’m great.” I turn to face Addison. “I’m hot out here. Are you hot?”
Her eyes are like saucers. “I think you should sit.”
“Why? We have four more,” I say, my mouth dry, and I rub my arms as the itching moves there. “Man, it’s hot.”
“Grady, sit, please.” She takes two steps to me and then looks around. “Devney! Come here. And hurry!”
Devney comes over, takes one look at me, and then yells, “Someone get Dr. Schwartz.”
