Page 165 of A Very Merry Enemy
I pull her close, wrapping my arms around her from behind as we watch the chaos around us.
“No matter what happens,” I say against her ear, “I’m so fucking proud of you.”
“I owe Mawmaw a thank you,” she says, leaning back against me.
Over at the judging table, the other teams are turning in their desserts. Henry and his sister present something that looks like it collapsed. The couple in the ugly Christmas sweaters has a dessert that’s clearly burnt. The teenager team brings them a chunky chocolate cookie that looks pretty impressive.
Each team presents, the panel tastes, makes notes, and they move on to the next.
Through it all, Dominic is growing angrier. He’s barely speaking during the tastings and doesn’t smile at anyone. He’s focused on Holiday and me, watching how obviously happy she is.
I’d be willing to bet that he’s finally seeing the real Holiday. The version of her that exists when she’s not being controlled or manipulated. The Holiday who hums while she works and does victory dances when something goes right.
I don’t think he’s ever known this version of her.
“Ten minutes remaining!” the mayor says.
The last few teams are rushing to plate their desserts and hurrying to the front before the timer buzzes.
“Time’s up!” Mayor Thompson announces. “If you haven’t presented your dessert, you’re unfortunately out of the running. Thank you for participating.”
The two teams that didn’t finish look crushed, but they accept it gracefully. The judges continue to taste the desserts, and some of their faces say more than their words could have. Once they’ve finished tasting everything, Mayor Thompson speaks up.
“Our panel will now take ten minutes to deliberate. And then we’ll announce our winner.”
The tent is filled with conversations of people speculating. Contestants are nervously waiting. The energy is electric.
“You ready for this?” I ask.
“With you? Always.”
The judges huddle together. They’re comparing notes, discussing, and debating. I can see Patty and Marcus having an animated conversation. Mary is nodding at something Thomas says. Dominic is standing with his arms crossed, barely participating.
Five minutes pass, then ten.
Finally, they break their meeting, and Mayor Thompson goes to the microphone again.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he says, and the tent falls silent. “Our panel has reached a decision.”
Holiday’s hand grabs mine and she interlocks our fingers together.
“This was an incredibly difficult choice. Every team here today showed remarkable skill and creativity. But there can only be one winner.”
The pause feels like it lasts forever, and I swear, I can hear my own heartbeat. I feel Holiday’s pulse racing where our hands are joined.
Dominic suddenly stands up from the judging table. His chair scrapes against the floor, the sound harsh in the silent tent.
“This is ridiculous,” he says, his voice carrying over the crowd. “I can’t be a part of this.”
Everyone turns to look at him.
“Chef Laurent—” Patty starts.
“She doesn’t deserve to win,” Dominic says, pointing at Holiday. “She’s?—”
“Dominic.” Holiday’s voice cuts through the tent like a blade. She steps forward, pulling her hand from mine. “Stop.”
“You think you can just leave me?” His voice is rising now,his professional mask completely gone. “After everything I gave you. Everything I did for you?”
