Page 14 of Winner Takes All

Dad moves into the driver’s seat and turns the key. The engine roars to life, and his grin widens. He gives me a thumbs-up. We finish up in the shop, still chatting, giving us a perfect ending to a wonderful day.

There’s a lot ahead for me, a lot of plans to make, and a lot of dreams to fulfill, but I’m not alone in it. I have my dad and my community, and I will get the girl. It’s all going to work out. I simply need to have patience.

Chapter Seven

Nikki

The excitement in town is palpable as the summer festival fills the streets with happy visitors and busy locals. The air is thick with the scent of sizzling food, the sound of laughter, and the vibrant energy of a group of people enjoying food, sunshine, and neighbors.

This year’s festival is more exciting than ever before as the Food Network Channel moves through the crowds with their cameras rolling, filling the entire town with a new kind of excitement that seems to grow each year.

I’m currently standing at my cooking station adjusting my apron as I try to tune things out and focus on the task at hand. This is nearly impossible as I keep looking over at Victor’s station next to mine. I’m sure this was planned by the committee. He’s currently surrounded by a crowd of very giggly women.

The man has no shame as he literally plays with fire. A controlled blaze flares up as he tosses something in the pan with a flourish, making the women surrounding him erupt in gasps as they fawn over him. I try to push back my scowl. This is a competition about skill, not charm. I want to light his entire station on fire.

“If looks could kill that man would be dead,” Sia teases as she stands beside me.

I turn and see her grinning from ear to ear, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’m not giving him a death glare,” I protest, though my cheeks heat. If my eyes match my thoughts, there’s certainly murder in them right now.

“Nope, you aren’t glaring at all,” she says as her grin widens. “For a girl who claims she doesn’t like a guy, you’re sure staring a lot.”

I cross my arms, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest. If Sia’s noticing, others have to be as well. “I’m making sure he’s not cheating. Flirting with the entire female population is surely going to gain him some points. He’s not above cheating.”

Sia laughs some more, clearly enjoying my misery. “Nope. I don’t think this glare is about the contest at all. I think it’s because you don’t like seeing him flirting with other women.”

I let out a long sigh as I pick up a knife and start viciously chopping vegetables with far more force than necessary. “He’s not the worst human being in the world, but I don’t like him. This is about the contest. I’m here to win.”

Before Sia can respond, a familiar voice breaks through the noise of the crowd. I turn to see Aunt Eileen, Vivian, and Martha making their way to the front of the crowd. Of course their eyes are twinkling with mischief.

“Hello, lovely ladies. What are you two chatting about?” Aunt Eileen asks, her voice carrying.

“Looks like she’s working hard to win something other than cooking,” Vivian adds with a wink.

“She seems to be staring at a certain young man more than at her food,” Martha says with a giggle. I let out a groan. These ladies never stop.

“Good morning,” I greet with a forced smile. “What brings you over to my little corner of the festival?”

“We’re just here checking on all of the talent,” Aunt Eileen says, her eyes darting over to where Victor’s still working with fire. “We want to know how our favorite young lady is holding up against that charming young man over there.”

“I’m great,” I practically growl.

“Oh, you’re doing just lovely,” Vivian chimes in, leaning closer to inspect my ingredients. “We can’t help but notice that you seem to be distracted though.”

Martha’s still giggling, her gaze bouncing between me and Sia. “There are some who say that love and food are closely linked. Maybe that’s why you’re all fired up.”

Sia snorts, clearly enjoying this show. “She’s definitely fired up, but I don’t think it’s about cooking,” Sia tells the ladies. My friends have all become traitors.

“You all need to stop. This is how rumors get out of hand in this town. I need to focus on my dish. I’m here to win. There’s nothing more.”

“We’d never want to distract you,” Aunt Eileen says with a knowing smile that tells me she doesn’t mind distracting me one little bit. “There’s nothing wrong with winning the competition...andsome love.”

“Yep, nothing wrong with claiming the heart of a man who knows his way around the kitchen,” Vivian adds while winking. It’s quite disturbing hearing the things coming from these women’s mouths.

“I have no interest in winning any young man,” I insist, though my eyes betray me as they once again flick over to see what Victor’s doing. It seems I can’t control myself. This drives me crazy more than anything else.

“Uh-huh,” Martha says, drawing out the word in a sing-song tone. “Competition isn’t the only thing making your heart race or putting color in your cheeks.”

Sia’s laughing harder now as she nods her head. “I might have to agree with the ladies here. They seem to be onto something.”

---