Page 44 of Third Time Lucky

Approaching the three of them, Lucy appears visibly more anxious. I wonder what was said. Aaron better have kept his mouth shut. But obviously, I can’t ask. That would prove I know what she doesn’t want me to know, and I’d hate to make her uncomfortable. Sure, she can’t trust Aaron. But she can trust me.

The four of us stand in the warm, inviting kitchen, enveloped by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Our eyes follow Audrina’s graceful steps as she makes her way to the front of the room. The last of the day’s sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating her features and casting a golden glow across her.

Her hands rest lightly on the countertop as she looks us over, tilting her head and evaluating the four of us with a calculating gaze.

‘Since there are unexpectedly four of you,’ she begins, her voice laced with amusement, ‘we’re going to make two teams.’

Aaron and Madi immediately lock elbows, their competitive spirits already flaring.

‘Team!’ Aaron calls out as if we are in a playground, choosing sides for a game that is sure to end in victory.

I can’t help but laugh at their antics, my nerves melting away as I look over at Lucy. I flash her a nervous smile.

‘Wanna be my partner?’

She feigns hesitation. ‘I dunno,’ she drawls. ‘If you’re all that’s left… I guess.’

Thankfully, I can tell she’s kidding; otherwise, my racing heart may have flatlined there.

‘Team!’ I call out with almost as much competitive nature as my brother did, glancing at Aaron with renewed confidence.

‘We’re going to kick their asses,’ I say quietly in Lucy’s direction only.

She grins mischievously. ‘Then count me in,’ she says. ‘But, seriously, how do you know Audrina Leighton? I watch her show.’

‘We’re in the same business,’ I say, proud to call someone like her a colleague. ‘She’s mentored me for years.’

‘Wow,’ Lucy says, looking impressed.

The sudden clap of hands interrupts our conversation.

‘Alright, teams are set! Aaron and Madi, you’re a team. And Lucy and – what’s your name again?’ she asks me with a playful glint.

‘Funny.’

I met Audrina at my first kitchen job. She was the head chef, and I was her sous. The number of things this woman taught me is insane. Basically, she created a protégé in me, and we’ve been friends ever since – even now when she has her own national cooking show. She sends me a text, checking in a couple of times a month. And she can’t wait until the restaurant is opened – she’s requested to be on the permanent VIP list.

‘Lucy and Asher, you two are a team,’ Audri declares. ‘Whose dessert will wow me? Let’s find out.’

As Audrina gives instructions and advice, I catch Lucy’s eye and nod confidently.

‘We got this –I measure, you mix. Mid-speed, easy.’

She follows directions and works the mixer, pouring in each ingredient as I hand them to her; our movements synchronize as we dance around each other in the small space.

‘Too much!’ Aaron yells excitedly at Madi. ‘Too freaking much – unless you like cakes that taste like the main ingredient is salt-water, you beautiful maddening minx,’ he says through a laugh, trading places with her and demoting her to running the hand mixer as opposed to measuring out ingredients.

‘Problems?’ I inquire, not really caring if they have them or not because, so far, Lucy and I are killing it. Of course, we’re only five minutes in, but I’m calling it now – we will be the ones to wow Audrina.

‘Just mind your business, asshole,’ Aaron responds.

Lucy laughs. ‘Do you two work together too?’

I guess we haven’t really talked much about Aaron. Usually, my little brother isn’t the topic with women I’m steadily earning a crush on.

‘We’re business partners, and he’s been my sous chef off and on. But occasionally, he pretends he’s the boss.’

‘Occasionally, I have to be the boss,’ Aaron claims.

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