Page 41 of Bake You Mine
She picked up the printed menu to remind herself why they were spending so much time together.
First course: Liam’s fig and arugula salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette and Aubrey’s mini sourdough rolls to accompany. Second course: Liam’s lamb sliders paired with Aubrey’s handcrafted pomme frites and garlic aioli dipping sauce. Third course: Liam’s choice of regional cheese plate with pimento cheese crackers and Aubrey’s mini lemon soufflés.
It was anyone’s game. Gary had been by earlier in the evening to ensure they were getting along and to review the menu. Otherwise, he’d been a hands-off ringmaster.
“I’ve already placed an order for the centerpieces. I figured you wouldn’t care about flowers, candles, and shit like that.”
Liam made a gimme motion. “You figured wrong. Show me.”
That resting dick face had returned, and Goddamnher stupid little brain for thinking up ideas to wipe away his sour expression.
“God, you’re a pain in the ass.”
“Aww, it’s nice you think of me at all, Aubs.”
She thought about him far more than she should, but she wouldn’t admit it.
After finding the photo of the floral mock-up, she enlarged the image and passed her phone over. He inspected the rusticwooden boxes filled with arrangements of sunflowers, roses, and other fall flowers. Electric candles were placed between the flowers, giving the centerpieces a warm glow.
She braced for a tirade. Instead, he handed her phone back with a smile.
“You know, I need to ask you something.”
“Do you like the centerpieces?” She tapped the phone screen.
“Yes, they’re nice. But can I ask my question?”
She waved him on.
“When did you tell Gary about your idea to expand the space?”
“Oh, not this again.” Aubrey tucked her phone into her pocket. “Does it matter? It’s not going to get you out of this competition.”
“I know. But can you indulge my curiosity?” He leaned toward her, wearing a shit-eating grin.
She forced herself to meet his eyes. “It was early June. I know because it was right around my dad’s birthday. We talked about it at dinner that night.”
He focused on her for so long that it took everything in her not to run and hide.
She tugged on her braid. “Well? What about you?”
He tapped the tabletop. “You got me beat. It was June 12th.”
“Hmm, byyourlogic, this space should be mine by rights?”
“My opinion has changed since originally making that statement.”
Being under the scrutiny of Liam’s gaze was like sitting under a hundred spotlights.
“Anyway, back to why we’re here, the last thing to do is to inspect the kitchen. I want to double-check to ensure all the equipment works as it should.”
She headed for the swinging doors, pausing to flick onthe lights. She groaned when she remembered Gary’s insistence that they use it for most of their prep and cooking.
If she found out this competition was a reality TV pilot pitch, she was gonna kill him. That said, the kitchen could work, with a little realignment during renovations. Petit Chou lacked a full kitchen, which meant it was impossible to expand in a way that matched her vision. If she won, once the walls were torn down, they could flip around the floor plan and use this kitchen to offer a broader menu. They could do full-service brunches and high teas. Maybe even lunch. Special events like bridal and baby showers.
She tried not to let the daydream get too far ahead of her, since her fate was out of her hands.
Liam brushed past her as he walked over to the stove and fussed with the knobs. With that slight contact, her brain turned to goo, like crème patisserie.
