@badactors!
Job dusts his flour-covered hands down on either of his hips as he peers into his journal, propped up against the tiles at the edge of the counter, to ensure that he isnât missing any part of his plan. Heâs just finished preparing the batter for the banana bread he plans on serving as desert; the buttermilk biscuits, a staple at any Edwards dinner, are already rising in the oven, and a large, whole chicken has been seasoned and propped atop a can of beer in the middle of a large tray, destined to join the biscuits in the oven as soon as theyâre done chopping up the vegetables to accompany it. Last will be the green beans, meant to be fried with minced garlic shortly before dinner it served.
Heâd be lying if he said he didnât look forward to this. With what has been his very hospitable stay at the Collins ranch, heâs been meaning to ask Mr. Collins to allow him to prepare dinner for some time now - though, admittedly, itâs mostly the notion of feeding Junior which has had Jobâs heart set on the request. There isnât much else he can do to show his affection - broke and a stranger to the town, itâs always been Juni thatâs had them set out on their little adventures. But Job could do this - could utilize what is arguably his best skill, with great care, to prepare something that will put a smile on Juniâs face and fill his stomach with a warm and gratifying meal. This is what he looks forward to the most -- gauging Juniâs reaction upon taking his first bite, or the tired lazing-about thatâs sure to come after none of them will be able to possibly fit another bite into their mouths.Â
Satisfied that all is going according to plan, he turns to watch Juni chop away at a large onion, the tips of his fingers dangerously close to the blade as he brings his knife down. âThatâs great,â he comments and reaches to briefly squeeze Juniâs shoulder, a careful touch that could easily pass as merely friendly, and glances back to the chicken, still orphaned alone on its tray. âYou can just separate the rings ân scatted âem around. Then Iâmma need you to chop some carrots for me.â




















