Page 81 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 57

Cheri sat at her desk to review emails from her Fifth Avenue Catering staff. She had hired a manager before leaving for Crystal City who expertly handled multiple events at Rockefeller Center, a famous mystery author’s novel launch party at the 92nd Street Y—after receiving a glowing reference from the romance author—and two more bar mitzvahs. There was always a bat or bar mitzvah, which was great for business. Cheri always marveled at the thousands some high-society parents spent on extravagant entertainment and food when their kids likely would have been just as happy going to the zoo, bowling, or having a pizza party. Then again, her parents did the same for her.

After considering special requests for each event, Cheri typed an email with a list of menus for each occasion, even including the napkin colors and edible centerpieces. Before hitting send, she decided to authorize her manager to hire more staff, adding, When I’m away, I want Fifth Avenue Catering to be fully staffed. I trust you to handle these events in my absence but call if you have any questions or issues. Satisfied her catering company was in good hands, she scrolled through her personal emails and stopped reading when she spotted an email from her parents. As she read it, her forehead creased.

Darling,

Daddy and I will be in Europe a bit longer than expected. The downturn in the market has our finances in a bit of a shambles, I’m afraid. No worries, though. You know how hard Daddy works. It’ll all get straightened out soon. We hope your catering business is doing well and are so proud of you. Much love.

Ciao,

Mommy & Daddy xo

P.S. You should see Daddy. He’s getting so buff!

Cheri reread the email and frowned. Their stocks must have really taken a hit. My parents have never had financial difficulties except when they first built their business. I hope they don’t suffer too much of a loss. Then a selfish thought crossed her mind. I wonder if my trust fund has been affected. Her mind shifted to the conversation at Coconuts. I hope Alex’s guesses aren’t right about Daddy’s exercise. Maybe it’s to relieve stress.

After turning the computer off, Cheri padded to the kitchen and reached for a bag of almonds. Eating over her sink, she giggled. I’m a celebrity chef who’s eating nuts over the sink. I’m glad my clients can’t see me.

Pouring Diet Coke over ice, she added a freshly squeezed lime and stepped into her bedroom where row after row of designer clothes beckoned but the earlier email from her mother nagged at her. My parents and financial problems don’t compute. I suppose if their bottom line affects mine I could sell my clothes online or to an upscale resale boutique.Clothes are just things. Hope’s family tragedy pointed that out in billboard-sized letters.

Deciding on yoga pants and a simple tee, Cheri put on her favorite Skechers and took a long walk through her wooded neighborhood to clear her head. She waved to neighbors, petted several dogs, and decided to sweep off her front porch, something she realized she had never done. Being super wealthy, she never had to do mundane chores but found them strangely enjoyable and relaxing.

After using the broom to remove an elaborate cobweb, she straightened a floral swag on the front door and decided to check her email one more time. Being far from New York and her business was challenging. As the owner, she was constantly worried there would be a kitchen fire at her company, food poisoning for a client, a food allergy at an event, or vital employees would quit leaving her shorthanded. Not seeing anything that needed her attention, she scrolled and deleted junk mail but stopped cold when one email caught her attention.

Her eyes widened when she read the subject line: Bridal Bonanza and Celebrity Bake-Off.

After scrolling the lengthy message inviting her to attend an upcoming bridal show featuring caterers, wedding planners, brides-to-be, florists, bakers, photographers, DJ’s, bridal dress shops, entertainers, jewelry store owners, and food vendors, her pulse raced. This is exciting. It looks like a major event.

Cheri scanned the rest of the email. Each business was encouraged to rent vendor booths for the event which was touted as the premiere trade show for brides and weddings. The email mentioned the entertainment would consist of models wearing bridal gowns, a champagne taste testing, plus a celebrity bake-off. A bake-off? I’ve got to get involved in that.

I wonder if Suzy knows about the Bridal Bonanza. Reading further, to her surprise, there was an entry form for a wedding cake decorating contest. This will give Fifth Avenue Catering the name recognition it needs here in the Ozarks. She checked the date of the event and the requirements which mentioned three chefs would be chosen to compete. The competition would be timed and judged by the audience. She clapped her hands together. I hope they choose me as one of the three chefs. I’ve got to practice.

Wasting no time, she filled out the online form to enter the competition and listed Fifth Avenue Catering rather than her own name, always guarding her privacy. One question asked why she wanted to participate. Cheri typed that she was new to the area and hoped to open a second Fifth Avenue Catering shop in Crystal City. She scratched her head and decided to stretch the truth to increase her chances, mentioning she worked with local wedding planner Suzanne Jacobs with Weddings By Suzanne. Cheri knew Suzy wouldn’t mind. Besides, she had meant to ask Suzy if they could team up on some of her weddings, so it was mostly true.

Cheri reread the entire email so she wouldn’t miss a single word, especially the details describing how the three participating chefs would be asked to decorate a wedding cake in twenty minutes or less. The cakes were to be baked beforehand, brought in “naked” and transformed entirely at the show. The cakes and chefs would be judged by participants on the best time, appearance, and uniqueness.

Cheri groaned. She was more of a savory cook than a pastry chef but decided she could practice at home prior to the event. She loved cooking competitions and had won several in culinary school, albeit none involving a wedding cake. Quickly scanning the information, she noted the date, contact person, and phone number and couldn’t wait to ask Suzy if Weddings by Suzanne had secured a booth. Cheri printed out the email and tucked it in her purse to show her friend.

I’ve got to practice. I can make my mark in Crystal City with this. The exposure for Fifth Avenue Catering will be invaluable. Stepping into her kitchen, she made a cup of coffee for fortitude. I’ve got to research wedding cakes. After the coffee brewed, Cheri reviewed Pinterest boards and Googled a plethora of wedding cake designs. Perched on a bar stool at her kitchen counter, her back ached from sitting in the same position. Cheri glanced at the clock and realized she had spent hours poring over cake photos. Her right hand was now in the form of an eagle’s claw after moving the mouse around for hours.

The variety of cakes was endless—traditional, modern, seasonal, quirky, spooky, vintage, themed, you name it. She studied the photos, mentally deciding which would be the fastest to make, yet unique enough for the Bridal Bonanza competition.

Stepping outside for fresh air, Cheri stared at the sky to clear her head since the cake designs were blurring together. After she wrapped her head around a cake-baking plan, she couldn’t wait to begin experimenting.

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