Page 44 of Cloud Storm

I walk away, surrounded by the wind and the rain.

My quiet life has been transformed into a romantic movie, rather than a tragedy. And I can’t wait for it to end.

I arrive home faster than I expected and in some twisted way, it hurts that he’s not there, waiting for me at the door, ready to tell me that it is me he wants, that he’s choosing me over her.

But my head understands that it is too soon to love, although my heart—damn it—shouts to me otherwise.

I need to forget Lancelot, I need to get back on track and hate him again.

It’s easier that way.

???

Today I’m fueled by coffee and cuss words. Despite the fact that I had just two hours of light sleep last night, I’m up at five in the morning, sharp. I’m at work at the bakery kitchen already.

By the time Katie arrives, she finds me busy in front of the oven.

“Morning, boss lady,” she chirps. “What are you doing here so early?”

Our normal work day starts at seven every morning, so it’s surprising she’s here at six.

“Have you talked with Roselynn?”

“Yes, she called me yesterday,” she replies. “I have to say I’m pretty excited for this challenge, Ariel. And you know I have three kids at home, so the extra money will help a lot with my Christmas gift savings.”

“You’re in?” I have to ask, I need to be sure I can rely on her.

“Of course I’m in, this will be awesome. I can’t wait to hang the winner’s logo at the front of the bakery.

You and me both, sista, but I’m too afraid to say it out loud.

“Let’s get to work then,” I instruct her, because our main goal is to improve our baking time.

The show is about fulfilling three challenges. The first one being the taste challenge. After that, the presentation and taste challenge and at the end of the show if you survive the two previous rounds, the fantasy display challenge.

Oh my gosh, I need to watch another round of episodes. I need to do more research in magazines and read even more books.

Two weeks, the show will be recorded in just two weeks.

Coffee, come to me. Give me your power!

Roselynn appears at the door bringing a huge paper bag with her.

“The secret theme of this morning is Mexico,” she announces as if she were the host of the show.

Yes, she has the experience. She worked for years as the weather girl in a well-known morning show in LA.

Mexico theme it is.

She starts to put the ingredients on the counter. Red beans, tortillas, salsa, rice, a jar of mole, jalapeño peppers, avocado, more jars and cans, and a huge bottle of tequila.

It’s five pm somewhere, right? I want to grab the neck of said bottle and have a huge gulp of anti-nerve serum.

Sí, señor!

I take a careful look at the ingredients as the ideas start to come to mind.

“How many cupcakes?” I ask her, because I want to know which challenge it is.

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