Chapter 32
Phoebe helped the boy finish his questions, and soon two more kids came over for help. She explained everything patiently. Everyone else was doing a great job with their teaching. The local kids were eager to make the most of this rare learning opportunity and focused on their lessons intently. Of course, some funny moments happened, most of them courtesy of Maddox.
After two hours, the kids left the yard. Not long after, they each returned, carrying meat, fresh vegetables, or other produce from their farms, bringing gifts for Phoebe and her group. Phoebe held the fish, spices, and tacos, a gift from the boy’s grandmother, and smiled. “How about we have fish tacos for dinner?”
Maddox and the others all nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, that sounds perfect!” They then followed Phoebe into the kitchen to prepare the meal. The two guys offered to help clean the fish, though they were clumsy. Phoebe didn’t mind; she simply waited until they finished. After Lexie washed the fish, Phoebe took it and began slicing effortlessly.
Watching the knife move deftly, thin, even slices of fish fell one after another. James was transfixed and exclaimed, “Pherbs, your knife skills are incredible!” Maddox leaned over for a look. “Impressive!” Lexie looked on with awe. “You definitely have the skills of a chef.”
Phoebe smiled at the three of them. “I actually studied this before.” Then she began marinating the fish, with the others helping. The two fish they’d received were large, so Phoebe asked the others what they preferred, and they all agreed on tacos. She also prepared coleslaw.
Meanwhile, Reece and his group returned from working outside, and the moment they reached the courtyard, they were hit by the mouthwatering smell of food. Erika sniffed the air and couldn’t hold back. “What are they cooking over there?” Erika had only had one pancake in the morning, and the midday meal at the farm wasn’t anything special, so now she was starving. Sienna smelled it too, feeling a bit irked; it was definitely Phoebe cooking something. “No idea,” she replied dismissively.
To please Lager, Sienna asked softly, “What would you all like for dinner? Let me make it.” With her nose still full of the enticing aroma, Erika blurted, “Whatever they’re having!” Sienna’s smile faltered, but she recovered quickly, replying politely, “Sure. I’ll take a look. If it’s something I know, I’ll make it.” Then Sienna added eagerly, “And if I don’t know it, I’ll see if the show crew has a recipe video so I can learn on the spot.” Erika wanted to laugh but instead managed a strained smile. “Well, that’s sweet of you.”
Reece, smelling the aroma, guessed it was Phoebe’s cooking, and his stomach churned with envy. He looked at Sienna, his expression hopeful. “We’re counting on you for dinner.” Sienna flashed him a bright smile and replied, “No problem, leave it to me!”
Suddenly, a barrage of comments flooded in: “Do you think Sienna can make fish tacos?” “Of course, she can! Isn’t there a recipe video!” “I mean the flavor of Phoebe’s.” “Not gonna lie, that’s delicious. I can practically taste Phoebe’s from here.” “Me too! Just watching her, I wanted to lick my screen.” “Phoebe’s cooking is the real deal. Just her knife skills and seasoning technique say it all.” “Bienna’s gonna have a hard time matching that level.” “How can you all doubt Sienna!” “Seriously, Sienna is no worse than Phoebe.” “Right! Sienna even took cooking lessons before joining the show!” “Give her a chance!” “Sure, but meanwhile, Jamar’s still in the bathroom.”
Jamar and Sienna’s fans suddenly fell silent, thoroughly shut down. Meanwhile, Reece and his group walked into the courtyard and found Maddox’s group sitting there, enjoying their meal. Phoebe was eating calmly, while the other three seemed unable to stop themselves. Lexie, looking blissful, said, “This fish taco is amazing!” Maddox looked up. “Best fish tacos I’ve ever had.” He gave Phoebe a thumbs-up and continued. “Way better than a restaurant chef’s!” James added, “I usually don’t even like fish, but I can’t stop eating this!” They all marveled at Phoebe’s cooking skill. Phoebe just smiled. “Glad you all like it.”
Watching the others eating so happily, Erika felt even hungrier. She turned to Sienna, asking, “So, can you make fish tacos?” Erika had little hope in Sienna’s skills at this point but really wanted fish tacos. Sienna gave her a reassuring nod. “I actually learned how to make it. But we don’t have any fish or spices, so we’ll need to buy some from a villager.”
Today’s farm work had earned them 15 dollars each. Reece volunteered. “I’ll go buy it.” The smell had him craving fish tacos too; it was just so appetizing.
Not long after, the four in the courtyard had finished both trays of fish tacos. Maddox and James even finished the rest of the coleslaw. Then Maddox leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach. “I haven’t eaten this well in forever!” James chuckled. “Same. I seldom eat this much.” Lexie nodded. “Same here?” Then she looked over at Phoebe and asked, “Phee, what’s on the menu for tomorrow!” Phoebe laughed. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll make it!” Lexie clung to Phoebe’s arm. “You’re the best, Pherbs!” Maddox grinned. “We’re so spoiled with Phoebe around.” James added, “So lucky to be in the same group as Phoebe.”
Especially considering the misfortune of Jamar still dealing with his stomach issues, James felt lucky not to be in that group. Maddox said slyly, “Nothing like a little contrast to make you appreciate life.”
Just then, Reece walked back with the fish and seasonings in hand. He overheard them and glanced at Phoebe, eyes full of envy. She’s treating Maddox so well. Why couldn’t she spoil him like that? Reece muttered. If it weren’t for the livestream, Reece would have pulled Phoebe into the kitchen and asked her to make something just for him.
As he was lost in thought, Sienna came out of the kitchen. “You’re back, Mr. Hill,” she said sweetly. Noticing Phoebe in the courtyard, Sienna walked over to Reece quickly and reached for the fish and produce in his hands, saying, “We wanted fish, so you went to buy some. That was really kind of you.” Sienna did it to make Phoebe jealous, to remind her that whatever she wanted, Reece would provide. And Phoebe, his actual girlfriend, didn’t care one bit. Too bad Phoebe didn’t spare her a single glance. Sienna felt a pang of disappointment, figuring Phoebe was just faking indifference.