Page 56 of Haze of Obedience
"No," she chokes out. "I kept sending them money. And bigger checks too. Once I switched management firms, I sent them huge checks. They always are cashed, but there's never a letter."
"You deserve better than that."
She shakes her head. "No. I don't."
"Zoe—"
"Can you just focus on your snake and stop asking me questions? You hyped this up, so it better be good."
"It will be," I insist.
"Then get to work and let me drink my tea in peace."
"You’re so bossy."
"Someone needs to keep you in line."
You can keep me in line any day.
Taking the piece of lemon I saved, I squirt it on the snake and set it aside. Then I find another spice pack in my bag, throw some in a little bowl, add honey, and hot sauce. "You like it spicy, right, my Little Diva?"
"Bring it."
I chuckle, add some more hot sauce, then cut the snake in tiny pieces. I roll them in it. "Open," I tell Zoe and hold a bite near her mouth.
She cringes.
"Come on. You haven't even tried it."
"How do I know there aren't bones?"
"I don't think there are, but just be careful. You aren't a kid anymore."
She takes a deep breath and exhales. "Fine." She opens her mouth, and I pop it in.
I sit on pins and needles, holding my breath, watching her chew. "Well?"
She swallows and licks her lips. "Not bad."
"That's it?"
Her lips twitch. "I might have another bite."
I bring another piece to her lips. "I'm going to consider this a big success."
"It's better than your rat this morning."
"Hey, my rat was delicious."
"Mmm...not sure I would say delicious. Edible is more appropriate."
I put a piece in my mouth.
"Do you even miss normal food?"
I snort. "My grandmother made tamale's all the time. They were delicious. I've been in Europe for a long time and haven't had any tamales for years."
"I make good tamales."
