Page 22 of Winner Takes All

“Somethingcanhappen,” Sasha says. “It doesn’t have to be more than a beginning. Love is all about risks, but it can be about reward too,” Sasha says.

Courtney nods, her expression softening. “You and Victor really meld well together. We all see it. We need you to as well. It’s not only about the food, it’s about doing together what youboth love. You’ve always had something between you, but as you get older, it’s not going away, it’s getting stronger. The way you guys challenge each other, tease each other, and laugh together really is beautiful.”

Sia leans in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Not to mention how much the audience loves it all. You gained tens of thousands of followers after that video posted. There were over a million watching it live. Imagine what you could do if you teamed up permanently. You wouldn’t need the Food Network. You’re well on your way to success without anyone’s help. You can do everything you want to do: your vlog, a restaurant, travel around the world. The possibilities are endless.”

I gaze into the fire, trying to keep my thoughts from spinning out of control. They’re right. Cooking with Victor felt natural, easy, and fun in far more ways than I could’ve expected. The idea of combining forces, of creating things together, sounds incredibly appealing. But isn’t the thought of doing something always so much better than the reality of it? I don’t even know.

Sia keeps on talking, a dreamy look crossing her face. “Being with Zach is the best decision I’ve ever made. I fought it, and he drives me absolutely mad at times, but there’s so much good in my life now. Having a true partner at your side who believes in you, pushes you, and wants you to succeed is indescribable. I can see this with you and Victor.”

Courtney grins, her eyes sparkling in the firelight. “It’s the same with Blaze and me. Life’s better. I thought I loved being single, and there are times I need my girls and my alone time, but I can’t imagine not being with him now. He makes me a better person. I think Victor can do that for you. I think you balance each other.”

Sasha nods along, her marshmallow perfectly golden. “Callan’s my rock. He’s also the biggest pain my ass sometimes.That’s love, though. It’s messy, complicated, beautiful, strong, and so worth it all. You want someone who challenges you, who fires you up, who makes you laugh, and who you can share your passion with. It’s all a big game of foreplay that comes with one hell of a happy ending.”

“I get it, you guys. You want me to quit fighting this,” I say. “You do realize you’re a little crazy, right?”

“We take that statement with pride,” Sia says with a laugh. “We want to see what the two of you will do together. Plus, we’re all sloppily, happily, stupidly in love, and we want that for you as well.”

Their words settle over me like a warm blanket. The thought’s in my head now, and it’s not going away. What would a life with Victor be like? Would we cook together? Probably. Would we keep enjoying it or would it always be a competition? There’s no doubt we’d challenge each other, push each other, and have some incredible make-up sex. Would this make us stronger, or would we tear each other down? I can imagine a lot of good. But what if it all went bad? Is this a risk I’m willing to take? Maybe.

“He wants this as much as you, if not more,” Sasha says.

“I think you’re right,” I admit.

“It’s okay to want him,” Courtney says. “We all let fear rule us for a very long time, but once we let that go, we found ourselves so much happier.”

I bite my lip, feeling the weight of their words. I’ve played it safe for so long, guarding my heart like it’s the last piece of chocolate cake on the planet. Maybe letting go of fear is the smartest thing I could do at this point.

“I guess it won’t hurt to accept a date,” I concede.

“That’s what I want to hear,” Sia says with a huge grin.

Courtney raises her marshmallow in a toast. “To Nikki and Victor, the unstoppable culinary power couple.”

Sasha laughs and joins in, and before I know it, we’re all laughing and toasting our marshmallows to the possibility of something new and beautiful... something real.

They finally stop pushing me and we catch up on our lives. We have no secrets from one another and that helps us stay healthy and strong. With girlfriends, life is so much better. Maybe this can work out. Maybe I can truly have my cake and eat it too. I guess the greatest things in life come because a person chooses to take a leap of faith.

I lean back and look up at the stars which seem to be twinkling just for me, telling me to let go of my fear. I’m going to take a chance. I’m going to say yes. I’m done playing it safe. If it works, it could be incredible. If it doesn’t, I’ll be fine because I have the best friends in the world to lean on. In all reality I’m not taking much of a risk, but it might be the best risk I’ve ever taken.

Chapter Twelve

Nikki

The last day of the competition dawns and it’s down to Victor, me, and two others. The rest have dropped out since they haven’t earned enough points to compete anymore. They’ve all taken it well and are cheering on their favorites. That’s the wonderful thing about this festival, there is a lot of love and support. I’m probably the most competitive person here, and even I’ve mellowed. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to win, but I’m not as cutthroat about it now.

My friends have helped a lot with their advice. I have done well on my own without assistance from a national program. As much as I want to win this contest, I now realize I’ve built an empire all on my own, and I can continue to grow it that way too. The money would be nice, and the victory even better, but I’m not so sure I still want a show. I like my life the way it is. A lot has changed in a short amount of time. This should terrify me, but instead, I feel an odd sense of calm.

The festival has taken on a new life, the entire community more involved than ever before. After the first duo challenge where Victor and I somehow managed not to kill each other, a lot more gossip has spread. The matchmaking trio are once again at their antics, but I’m not as worried. I’ve already decidedto accept a date with Victor, though I haven’t told him yet. I want to get through this last day of the competition.

I’m at my tent preparing for the biggest day of cooking. I know what I want to make and have a lot of prepared food already, but this one dish needs to be perfect for the judges. I’m going to make it shine. We have an hour until everything kicks off.

I’m surprised when I see Carol step up to the microphone again. The crowd goes quiet as they all turn in her direction. I see several of the volunteers filter in as if they have something to do. What’s this woman up to now?

“Due to popular demand, we’re changing up the rules. Thanks to the fantastic Food Network for making this possible, we’ve doubled the prize money.” The crowd gasps before they all clap. My heart thuds. I don’t trust the grin on Carol’s face. She’s about to drop another bomb.

“We needed to double the prize because you all enjoyed watching our fantastic cooks teaming up. We’ve already talked to Cindy and Mike, who’ve agreed to work together. But we kept it from Victor and Nikki because we like to throw out little twists just so we can see Nikki try to hide her scowl as the cameras roll.”

The whole audience looks right at me as they laugh, and I desperately try not to scowl like she just said I would. I’m going to egg her house. It’s decided. I don’t show what I’m feeling, though, as I smile and wave to the crowd to prove her wrong.

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