6
“That one is all talk,” Mama scoffs as Zeus’ voice grows fainter.
“Mama!” I exclaim, turning to face her. “What are you doing here?”
“Brandee Jean, did you really think I would leave you out here alone?” She reaches up and adjusts my crown slightly, so it sits a little higher on my head. “Now you’ve done real good getting where you are now, but it’s gonna take Mama’s expertise to bring this one home.” Grabbing my chin in her hand, Mama brings my face down to hers. “And no more helping the competition. You hear me?”
I pull away from her, my stomach churning.
Mama was always a little more cutthroat than me. Sure, I liked to win. But if another contestant ripped her nylons and I had a spare pair, I wouldn’t hesitate to give them away. Mama said that type of thing was “shooting myself i
