Page 113 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 79

Everyone shifted in their seats as the chef from Beth’s Bakery chewed on a nail, Julio winked at the crowd, and Cheri stared at her cake, likely avoiding eye contact with her former chef.

Strutting across the stage, the emcee said, “And the winner is . . . recount.”

Everyone groaned as the host and his assistant quickly shuffled the pink cards like they were Vegas dealers. After they recounted the votes from all three bowls, the ponytailed assistant whispered in his ear.

Alex studied Cheri who was nonchalantly wiping sweat from her upper lip. “I wish he’d hurry up. Cheri looks like she’s about to pass out from the stress. I’m sure she doesn’t want her childhood crush to see her with a sweat moustache.”

Suzy and Hope nodded as the announcer clapped his hands.

“We have a winner but first I want to thank our extraordinary culinary contestants—Beth, Julio, and Cheri. You’re all supremely talented and your cakes are nothing short of stupendous.” He turned toward the bakers. “I hope you brought business cards because I’m sure every bride will want to hire you.”

The crowd had obviously had enough and began chanting “Winner, winner,” while clapping in unison and stomping their feet.

“Ah, I see you’re getting restless.” The host made a fake drumroll sound. “The winner is . . . and by an ounce of frosting, I might add . . . Cheri Van Buren.”

Alex, Suzy, and Hope jumped out of their chairs and cheered like high school kids winning a tournament.

Julio didn’t appear to be the least bit fazed. Instead, he rushed to Cheri’s side and embraced her.

Alex clapped a hand over her mouth. “Cheri’s as pink as your blouse, Suzy.”

The unknowing audience cheered.

“Looks like Julio doesn’t mind losing.” The emcee hooted as he once again thanked everyone and announced a short break. “Return in ten minutes to see our wedding gown models. You’ll want to put these dresses on your wish list, brides. Tally ho.”

“That emcee is a goofball.” Alex frowned as the tall, thin man disappeared behind the curtain. Climbing the riser steps, she rushed toward Cheri. Suzy and Hope practically galloped alongside her as they gave their winning friend a group hug.

Suzy squeezed Cheri’s hand. “Congratulations. Your cake’s gorgeous. I’m sure several of my brides will request your spring love bird cake.” She held her cell in the air and pointed toward the screen. “I hope you don’t mind but I posted photos online. Your cake is already getting likes and shares on my Facebook page.”

“Thank you, Suzy. That’s wonderful.” Cheri’s eyes glistened. “It means the world that you ladies are here.”

“We wouldn’t have missed it.” Hope pointed toward Cheri’s cake. “It’s stunning. I don’t know how you decorated it so fast.”

Alex cleared her throat. “Yes, yes, your cake is a work of art, but I want to know about Ju—”

“Well done, Cheri. Bravo.” Julio picked the New Yorker up and kissed both of her cheeks. After setting her back on the ground, he placed his hands on her shoulders, giving the socialite a onceover. “Look who’s all grown up,” he said in a thick Italian accent.

Cheri stammered. “Julio, how . . . how did you know about this competition? About me? About Crystal City?”

He cocked his head. “Your mom, of course. I saw her sitting at a sidewalk café in Paris. We had espressos together while she told me about your catering business.” Grinning, he added, “Your mom mentioned the cake competition, so I went to the Google.” He waved his hand with a flourish. “The rest, as they say, is history. Besides, I thought it would be great fun to surprise you.”

“Or give me a heart attack.” Cheri placed her hand over her chest. Once again, she attempted to nonchalantly wipe the sweat conspicuously reforming on her upper lip.

Hope studied both chefs who never took their eyes off one another. Turning to Alex and Suzy, she said, “Maybe we should leave.”

“Not a chance.” Alex planted herself on stage as she blatantly gawked from Cheri to Julio and back again.

The staggeringly handsome chef draped his arm across Cheri’s shoulders. “You surely can’t expect me to come all this way and not have dinner with me. How about it, my Cheri?”

Cheri’s eyebrows shot up, clearly unable to speak.

Mouths agape, Alex, Suzy, and Hope stared agog at the couple.

Julio nudged her. “I’m thrilled you’re a chef now. I can’t wait to hear all about your life, my Cheri.”

“I love how you pronounce her name. Just like the song, ‘My Cheri Amour’.” Alex extended her hand. “I’m Alex.” She motioned toward her friends. “This is Suzy and Hope. We’re friends of Cheri’s except we pronounce her name Sherry. I like the way you say it better.”

“Where are my manners?” Cheri reached for the threesome. “These are my new, wonderful friends.”

“They’re enchanting—and beautiful.” Julio kissed the top of each woman’s hand. “I love American women. Any friend of Cheri’s is a friend of mine.”

“I may never wash my hand.” Hope half-curtsied as if she were meeting royalty. Continuing to ogle Julio, she said, “Nothing like this happens in my life. Not even close.”

---