Page 105 of Fever Dream
Yes. Where are you?
Emmett
Is this code for you want me to go down on you again like yesterday?
Julia
We’re really excelling at keeping it professional, huh?
Emmett
I’ve never excelled at professionalism, to be honest. But I promise not to eat your pussy again.
Emmett
This morning.
Emmett
Maybe later, though. If you’re lucky.
Julia
That was a onetime thing, remember? Now tell me where you are.
Emmett
Barn office, going over a couple of contracts for Parker.
Julia
Be there in twenty minutes. I’ll try to wear something that will keep your mind out of the gutter.
Emmett
Doll, that outfit doesn’t exist.
I woke up to an email from Richard telling me to double-check the set and make sure nothing is out of place for tonight’s elimination ceremony. I already know it’s perfect because I manage this location with neurotic precision. After all, it’s my cover for spending more time around Emmett.
But the final line of “don’t let me down” read an awful lot like a threat. So here I am, checking the setup at the bunkhouse. Flowerpots watered, and their contents deadheaded. The trellis and archway set exactly the way they need to be for filming. Everything in order, as expected.
This is also my way of stalling on the second request in that email from the big boss. The part where he wants me to book Emmett for a bull-riding demo at a local rodeo. Richard believes it will make him “even more irresistible” to the women on the show and to the viewers. And while I don’t disagree, I do know that, thanks to Carl, Emmett’s feelings around the local rodeo circuit might be… complicated.
So my plan is to check in with him on that—uncomfortable as it might be. But first things first.
I knock on the open screen door as I pop my head in the front door of the bunkhouse. “Hello, ladies,” I call out as I step into the living room.
Jada, Akira, and Catherine are hanging out in the living room. Jada has Akira’s foot in her lap and is painting her toenails. Catherine is seated close by with her feet in a footbath.
“Julia!” Jada greets me with genuine enthusiasm and a welcoming smile. She’s usually dressed to the nines, but today she’s slouched back in a matching sweatsuit with her cornrow braids pulled up into a high ponytail. “Come hang out! We’re doing pedicures for each other, and I just used this toothpick to draw a dick on Akira’s big toe.”
Akira shoots me a dramatic disapproving look, but the slight twitch of her lips gives away her smothered amusement.
Catherine waves me in. “She really did. Come see.”
I slip off my shoes and pad across the floor, grinning.
Sure enough, Akira’s biggest toenail is painted a pale pink and layered on top, in darker pink, is a tiny cock and balls.
