Page 92 of The Anaconda Downstairs

Pen and I gave each other a shocked look. The answering grins on my brothers' faces told me everything I needed to know.

I let out a low whistle, torn between admiration for my brother's thoroughness and a twinge of guilt at enjoying Odin's misfortune so much.

“I can't believe you guys did all this,” Pen said, her tone a mix of disapproval and reluctant amusement. “What happened to killing him with kindness?”

“Oh, we were very kind,” Dad's voice carried across the table, making us all jump. “We could have driven him up to the mountains he doesn't actually know anything about and let him get lost in bear territory.”

He folded his arms, a mischievous glint in his eye that I rarely saw. His voice dropping dramatically, he added, “Because nasty little fellows such as Odin always get their comeuppance.”

There was a moment of stunned silence before we all burst into laughter. Leave it to Dad to quote “The Mummy.”

As our laughter died down, I looked around at my family—my brothers, my dad, and Pen—all gathered together, supporting each other and even a young neighbor in need. Sure, we might have bent the rules of “kindness” a bit with Odin, but at our core, this was who we were. A family that stuck together,faced fears together, and yes, occasionally plotted elaborate revenge together.

REAL

PENELOPE

The limo pulled up to the red carpet for the Grampys and twirls of pure excitement swirled in my stomach. A few months ago, I'd been freaking out about this moment, desperately seeking a date just so I wouldn't have to walk this carpet alone. Now, here I was, hand-in-hand with Everett, my fiancé. The thought made me giddy all over again.

“You ready, babe?” Everett asked, giving my hand a squeeze.

I took a deep breath and nodded. “More than ever.”

The door opened, and a wall of sound hit us. Screaming fans, shouting photographers—the constant hum of excitement was electrifying, if a tiny wee bit intimidating. Kelsey and Declan stepped out first, a vision in complementary shades of deep blue. Kelsey's dress hugged her curves so perfectly, the fabric shimmering under the bright lights.

Then it was our turn. Everett got out first, then turned to offer me his hand. As I emerged from the limo, I heard the crowd's reaction, a mix of cheers and gasps. I let the happiness shimmer inside until I couldn’t hide my smile. This exquisite rose-gold gown, with its intricate beadwork and flowing skirt, made me feel like a princess.

“Ms. Best, Ms. Quinn.” a reporter called out. “Who are you wearing tonight?”

I turned, grateful for a familiar face. It was Tara from MuseNews, someone I'd worked with plenty of times before in my capacity as Kelsey's assistant.

“We're both wearing Rose Vond,” Kelsey replied, gesturing between the two of us. “She's an incredible designer who exclusively creates plus-size fashion.”

I added, “Rose really understands that beauty comes in all sizes. I love wearing her designs.”

Tara nodded appreciatively. “You both look stunning. Now, we have to talk about your recent body positivity campaign. The response on social media has been overwhelming. How does it feel to see such a positive impact?”

I exchanged a glance with Kelsey before responding. “It's been incredible,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “We knew it was an important message, but the outpouring of love and support has been beyond our wildest dreams.”

Kelsey added, “We've received thousands of messages from people saying they finally feel seen and represented. It's humbling and inspiring.”

As we continued down the carpet, the next reporter in our line caught our attention. But this time, it wasn't just for an interview.

“Ladies,” the woman said before she started the actual interview, her voice slightly shaky. “I just... I wanted to thank you personally. As a plus-size woman in media, I have definitely known the struggle. Your campaign... it's changing how a lot of women see ourselves.”

Tears pricked my eyes as Kelsey reached out to clasp the woman's hand. “Oh, goodness, you're gonna make me happy cry,” Kelsey said warmly.

“Could I... would it be okay if we took a selfie?” the reporter asked hesitantly.

“Of course.” We all crowded in, grinning widely as she snapped the photo. Then we filmed her segment, answering similar questions about our clothes, Kelsey's nominations, and all the yada yada yada.

As we moved on, we posed for so many pictures and did a half dozen more mini interviews. Interestingly, the next reporter, who must be new on the entertainment circuit because I did not recognize him, caught our attention by addressing his shouts at Declan and Everett.

“Declan Kingman,” the reporter started, “there have been some concerns about your campaign glorifying obesity. How do you respond to that?”

I tensed, but before I could step in, Declan spoke up, his voice low and intense.

“Let me be clear,” he said, leaning slightly towards the microphone. “The phrase 'glorifying obesity' is nothing but a dog whistle for people who are fatphobic. We're not fooled by it, and neither should anyone else be.”

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