* * *
Nicole was under strict instructions to stay in bed. She’d made it through the holidays, but she hadn’t gotten any real rest. When she found herself yawning in the middle of date night, Jane laid down the law. One real day off. No running around Manhattan, no chores, no work calls—with one exception. She could check in on Evie.
Beyond that, they were going to stay in bed and rely on Postmates for as long as possible. Great plan. Pure genius. It was almost noon and Janie was still snoring away, but Nicole had been staring at the ceiling for hours. She couldn’t stop thinking about those completely unhinged messages Chef Melanie Burns had sent Evie.
Nicole had asked around, and sure enough, Melanie Burns had been atThe Dish’s holiday party, but that didn’t mean she’d assaulted Evie. Nicole contacted the library again, and that was a dead end. Their head of security felt for her, but the Holiman Library had a New Year’s Eve party for another set of New York’s cultural VIPs right around the corner. He didn’t have time to focus on Nicole’s theory.
She understood. Without a push from the cops or a court order, there was no way he was going to sift through at least three hours’ worth of security videos, frame by frame, again. He did take her suggestion to add another security camera near that rear staircase; still, that wouldn’t help Evie now.
And even if Melanie hadn’t been in the stairwell with Evie that night, what the hell was up with those DMs? Evie was a television personality. Of course, there would be people who didn’t like her. Assholes showed up in her Instagram comments and Twitter replies every day, but the things Melanie Burns sent were next level. Melanie probably viewed her as a thorn in her side, since Evie whooped her ass onSupreme Chef, but that was years go. Talk about getting a grip. Nicole couldn’t protect Evie from everything and everyone, but that didn’t stop Nicole from caring. She’d already contacted Nicole’s agent but hadn’t received a reply. Sure, it was the weekend, but she was going to follow up right after New Year’s Day. This kind of shit just couldn’t fly.
The suits atThe Dishhad already found a short-term replacement for Evie. They were due back at the studio in three days, and reality star and newly single housewife Montgomery Fent would be there to whip up easy meals and snacks. The camera loved Montgomery, but she wasn’t a chef and she didn’t have Evie’s spark. In that respect Evie’s job was most likely safe—for now. Nicole knew she had to be patient, but hoped like hell Evie would start showing signs of at least some memory recovery. The rest she could fake. Maybe.
Nicole picked up her phone and looked at the picture Evie had sent her the night before. Then she sent Raquelle a text. Anything new from Chef Burns?
Bless Raquelle. She was responding before Nicole’s screen went dim. Nothing, but I do remember that she had watched all of Evie’s Instagram videos.
Nicole:Unhealthy obsession, maybe?
Raquelle:You could be right.
Nicole was still reluctant to torment Evie with her theory about what happened that night, but needed to talk to Evie about Melanie. Whether she recovered her memory or not, she needed to keep her guard up when it came to Melanie Burns. Nicole switched over to Evie’s Instagram and looked at the photo of the carbonara Raquelle had posted for her. Thousands of likes and nearly as many comments. Her fans were still with her. She liked the photo and left her own encouraging comment for good measure.
“Are you texting?” Jane’s muffled voice rose up from the sheets.
“Just checking on Evie.” Nicole quickly switched over to their conversation.
“I’ll allow that.” Jane slipped out of bed and slowly made her way to the bathroom.
Nicole had no clue how she was going to sort this shit out, but if she found out that Melanie Burns had been the one in the stairwell with Evie that night, if she found out that asshole laid a hand on her—well, Nicole was the nonviolent type, but she was going to be real pissed, and she’d make sure Melanie paid for what she did. She sent Evie a text. Hey gorgeous. How’s your day going?
Evie replied immediately. Good. Met a horse last night. A picture of gray and white horse popped up on the phone. Made some eggs 78 ways. Never want to look at an egg again. About to watch Supreme Chef.
Beautiful horse. Sorry about the eggs.That Pleasant boy hasn’t gotten fresh with you has he?
Yes, ma’am, he has and I’m handling it.
“I should have given her the alk.” Nicole groaned out loud. Pasta looked amazing. I’m proud of you.
Evie sent back a few heart-shaped emojis.
“Just relax,” Nicole told herself. “Everything is gonna be okay.” Now if she could only make herself believe it.
* * *
Evie glanced up at the screen and felt herself cringing. She was stuffed to the brim with various egg dishes, but it wasn’t her full stomach that was making her feel off. When Lilah and Jesse came back from church, they joined her and Vega for a marathon ofSupreme Chef. After a few episodes Evie was ready to watch her season. She knew it would be strange to see herself on screen, competent in the kitchen, unafraid, but she wanted to know everything about her past, not just the parts neatly packed in boxes.
They were halfway through the second episode. Evie had won the first challenge with a shrimp and grits creation which granted her immunity in the final round. The first thing Evie noticed was how good she looked. Fresh faced. Braids piled in a high bun on her head. She looked right in a chef’s jacket. Confident, and she moved around the kitchen with the same certainty.
And then there was Chef Burns. Lilah warned Evie that Melanie would be in nearly half the episodes. She’d had plenty to distract her, but those messages were now burned into her new memory. On the screen they were rushing around a farmers’ market, searching for ingredients to make a main course dish. They cut to Melanie in the interview chair.
“I don’t know what Tiffany thinks she’s going to do with all of those mushrooms. This isn’t a one-ingredient-dish challenge.”
The camera went back to a tall, plus-size Asian who was scrambling to grab onions and carrots. It was her friend, Evie remembered. The one who sent her flowers in the hospital. Evie thought about texting her, but what would she say? Evie stared at the screen, watching as the show went on. The camera wasn’t on her much, instead following Tiffany as she cried after cutting her finger. It was painful to watch her hands shake and she struggled to pull her meal together.
They cut to an interview with a guy named Jaren who commented on how Tiffany had the talent, she just needed to up her confidence. She was genuine competition. Once they presented the dishes, they cut back to Evie.
“I feel bad for Tiffany. I’ve definitely been there. I know how it feels when your nerves knock you off your feet,” she said to the camera. They cut back to Tiffany in the back corner of the waiting area. She was holding her hand to her mouth, trying not to cry. Evie went right up to her and pulled her into a hug.