Page 5 of Winner Takes All

“I’m very good at not talking about it, but he’s back and the sparks are going to be hot.”

“On the fire during our competition, but that’s all,” I tell her. “Apparently he’s planning on opening his own restaurant or something, according to the rumor mill.”

“That’s awesome. Is he planning on opening it here in town?”

“I don’t know, but it’s not awesome. That means he’ll be sticking around.”

“If you don’t care about him, what does it matter?” she pushes.

“Because I can’t stand him and don’t want to see him on a daily basis,” I say with far too much vigor, showing I do indeed care.

I can’t help but think of my history with Victor. Our relationship has been complicated for a very long time. We were always trying to one-up each other, but there really was a lot of sexual tension as well, if I’m being honest. We acted on that tension once or twice before I went running for the hills. How can I so desire someone I despise? Ugh, I’ll never understand my mind. He’s gone too far with cooking, though. This ismytalent,mypassion, andmydream. He needs to find his own.

“Maybe the two of you can cook together,” Sia suggests.

I shake my head. “No way. This is mine. He’s a mechanic.”

She laughs. “I don’t think so. He’s always liked working with his dad, but he’s never wanted to take over the business. This makes so much more sense. He was even a good cook in high school, always at the grills during events.”

“Grilling doesn’t make a cook,” I insist.

“Grilling makes the world go round. We saw last year that he can cook just as well on the stove top and in ovens as well.”

“Cooking isn’t a hobby for me, it’s my passion. I’ll make him cry in this competition, and then he’ll go away again,” I say.

Sia refills our drinks and takes a sip before responding. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that. I can see the fire in his eyes. I think he might want to win the competition and maybe your heart at the same time.”

“There’s not a chance of either of those things happening,” I quickly say. “This year’s prize is too valuable. It’s mine. My heart’s locked firmly away as well. If I do give it away, it certainly won’t be to Victor Fortier.”

“I know you’ll win, Nik, I’m just thinking the two of you could do some collaborating. Look at me and how happy I am rightnow. Being in love is freeing. It seems like it will be a noose, but it’s really the wings that make us fly.”

“I don’t have time for love right now. That’s a one-way street. I have too many places I want to travel to and I refuse to be tied down.”

“Let’s walk,” she says as we rise. We step onto the beach and start walking. Nothing soothes our emotions more than being at the water’s edge.

We kick off our shoes and dip our toes in the water and the gentle waves wash away my stress. I push thoughts of Victor from my mind. I’m with my best friend right now and that’s all that matters. There will be plenty of time tomorrow to stress on what’s coming next. For now, this is mine, and nothing will stop me.

Chapter Three

Nikki

I’m not sure what it says about a person when a kitchen has always been your sanctuary, but it’s always been mine, and I love it. There’s nothing like the comfort of spices filling the air while you prepare a meal to feed your loved ones. It’s a place I can lose myself in the rhythm of chopping, mixing, tasting, and serving.

Today though, the kitchen feels more like a battlefield than a sanctuary. I’m preparing for the biggest competition of my life, and nothing less than perfection is acceptable. Every single slice of my knife, every single dash of seasoning I use, has to be just right. This isn’t only a competition for me, this is the moment I create my legacy.

There are still a couple of weeks until the festival begins, and that means the pressure’s on. Some might not stress so much on things like this, but I’ve always been driven, and I can’t help but strive for perfection. There are times I wish I could simply have fun with a task, and I can when no stakes are involved, but when it comes to competition Imustwin.

I’d be lying if I said I’m not afraid of Victor’s skill. He’s talented and gave me a run for my money last year. We might’ve both lost, but he’s as hungry as I am, and I know he’s doing exactly what I’m doing right now. This makes me need to put more time into my craft. I will win this.

After about six hours straight in the kitchen I’m making too many errors, and it’s long past time for a break. Though I’ve been cooking all day, I haven’t eaten much at all, and I don’t want to prepare something for myself. It’s time to take a walk to the Mermaid Café, my absolute favorite place in town. It’s not just the food, it’s the company, and I definitely need to get out of my own head right now.

I head out of my house and make my way down the street. It doesn’t take me long to arrive. As I push open the door to the café, the familiar jingle of the bell over the entrance makes me smile. The town’s favorite waitress, Amelia, gives me a big smile as she looks up from behind the counter.

“Nikki, you’re late.”

“I was flopping in the kitchen until I dragged myself out,” I tell her as I approach.

“You never flop, you’re simply a perfectionist,” she says with a laugh. “Do you want the usual?”

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