Page 33 of The Interception
“I will. See you later.” I jog to my truck so I can call Layne, see if she got the message, and…okay, to see if she wants me to pick her up.
“Hey, I’m guessing you got the message.” Layne’s voice indicates her level of worry probably matches mine. As much as I want to spend time with her, I’m not so sure this twist in the game is how I want to do it.
“I did. Want me to pick you up so we can pick apart what it might mean on the way to the stadium?” I’m not sure how I want her to respond, but when she declines, my heart deflates.
“Actually, I’m already out and about picking up a few things. I can meet you there.”
“Sure, sounds good.” With a hurried goodbye, I toss my phone on the seat and head to the meeting.
When I arrive, the parking lot is practically empty. There are only a few teams left in the challenge, but it’s possible the organizers decided it’s still too many and want to chop a few with this surprise. Uneasiness digs deeper into my chest, and I realize I’ve become someone who almost always expects the worst-case scenario to be reality.
I’m pulled from this thought when a cheery, sweet voice catches up to my ears. “Ender Langley, don’t you ignore me.” Layne links her arm with mine and climbs the stairs alongside me.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
“What’s got your face so sour?” She doesn’t wait for a response. “It’s going to be fine. Put a smile on, wipe that worry off, and trust me. God’s got us, right?”
“What if it’s God’s will for us to lose, Layne?” It’s not like the thought hadn’t crossed my mind a hundred times already.
“Then we’ll figure out another way for me to open a restaurant and to help Sarah Beth with a house. He really could close this door, but He’s got one open for us somewhere, right?”
Her logic is difficult to argue against.
Inside, there are signs directing us to the conference room. I already know where it is, so I lead the way. We manage to arrive before most of the other contestants and score seats close to the main organizer’s seat. She’s just settling in as the rest of the competitors file in and make themselves comfortable.
“Welcome everyone. I’m sure by now you’re all a little worried about what we have in store for you, but rest assured when I say no one is getting cut. Since there are so many tied for several places with the points scale, we’ve decided to switch things up alittle. There will be a bonus round for more points. The dishes will be judged by local chefs, ordered from the most to least favorite, and each of you will receive an additional number of points based on your position.”
The room fills with murmurs, but I already have questions.
“Will this be live as well?”
“No, this round will be private and held here at the stadium.”
“When will it be held?” another contestant asks.
“Today.” The response shakes everyone a little. “If you choose to accept the bonus round, you’ll have the afternoon to meet and compile a list of needs. Our judges will procure the items, for delivery here, you’ll make the meal and wait for scoring.”
Layne’s gaze shifts to me. “Um, am I correct in assuming you want to do this?”
I take a deep breath. “I think we have to. If we don’t, we will definitely lose our place. Thank goodness I don’t have practice or a game today.” Layne is just about to speak when I realize that Sarah Beth has a job interview today. She needs my truck. “Oh no, my sister needs my truck to go to an interview. I hate having her call a car service.” I tug out my phone while trying to solve this problem in my mind.
“She could borrow…Oh, I guess she can’t borrow mine either.” Layne smacks her forehead, then says, “Oh, what about Leo?”
Leo. Good old, trusty Leo. I feel bad asking him to pick up the slack again, but he’s my only choice. I hammer out a text and hope he’s not under the hood of his car still. Within minutes, he responds.
Leo
On it. Good luck and bring me leftovers!
I breathe a sigh of relief and settle into the seat, only to realize the organizer hasn’t finished her announcement.
“If I could get everyone’s attention again, please, I’d like to pass these around. It’s the official grocery form that you’re familiar with. This round will be a bit of a deviation from the cook-off’s theme of tailgating. Instead, we want you to prepare your favorite fall comfort foods.”
“And they don’t have to be tailgating foods?” Layne clarifies.
“Correct. Are there any more questions?” When no one speaks, she concludes the meeting. “All right everyone, good cooking!”
I ignore the flurry of conversation and lead Layne out of the room. My chili is everyone’s favorite, and I have no doubt it will clinch us the top tier for points, maybe even enough to move us into the first-place position.
