Page 77 of A Sudden Romance

Almost a month ago, she hadn’t seen any of this coming, finding the true love of her heart. And yes, while celebrating Jesus’s birthday this Christmas, Sabastian was a bonus gift she hadn’t expected.

CHAPTER 17

Standing behind the tall black curtain with two other chefs, Sabastian could barely register his surroundings as loud cheers erupted beyond the curtain.

Grey was addressing the audience about the chef showdowns he and three other producers had hosted in different states during the spring, summer, and fall. “And now, we’re here in Colorado”—his voice rang out with a dramatic flair perfect for a showman—“for what better place could there be for ‘The Winter Showdown’?”

He hadn’t asked about Iris when Sabastian and the rest of the team toured the venue yesterday to get acquainted with the appliances brought in for the event. A reputable appliance company sponsored the show and donated most of the equipment. Sabastian had never heard of the show before, perhaps because it was on V-Food TV, which he rarely watched.

“‘The Winter Showdown’ is our last episode for the season, and we haven’t decided if we’ll have another show. So let’s hope these chefs can make this one of our best episodes yet!” Grey played it up beyond the curtain. “Our MC for today is Jameson.”

Cheers and clapping escalated, and soon, the tall, energetic host Sabastian met yesterday introduced himself to the audience.

“What’s in it for our three contestants? You might ask...”

The host continued talking over excited voices about the cash prize and the opportunity for the winner to compete with executive chefs in Vegas. “Even the runner-up will get a chance to go as a standby. So let’s get these hopeful contestants cooking.”

“This is taking forever.” Sherry spoke in a hushed voice. Standing to Sabastian’s right, the woman in her forties bounced from foot to foot. No doubt, the caffeine she’d downed throughout the day was catching up to her.

“I’m so excited,” Vylo, the other chef, squealed as she tucked red hair under her hairnet.

Hard not to admire her enthusiasm. The experience fascinated the women since they arrived yesterday.

They were surrounded by cameras, and the curtains could open at any time. Still, that didn’t stop Vylo from gushing. “We’re going to be celebrities! I’ve always wondered what it was like.”

For someone in her late thirties, she was still surprisingly eager for the spotlight.

As long as it wasn’t anything like the cooking show Chopped, Sabastian could pull it off. Perhaps through this experience, he’d gain the confidence to run his own kitchen someday.

He stifled a yawn. It must be close to four since the schedule indicated the show started then.

Like all the other chefs and film crew, he’d been up since four a.m. They needed them at the venue at five forty-five to start filming as they asked them to give a brief background of themselves. It hadn’t been as intimidating as he’d thought.

Losing this event wasn’t an option, not when Iris had hope in him and not when he was on TV for everyone to see.

“And now, please give a warm welcome to our contestants!”

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