Page 26 of The Holiday Swap

“No, I feel great in that department.” She beamed up at him, trying to radiate health.

“Good. Then I’m not worried about you at all, and I’m the medical professional. Last I checked, that cocky co-host of yours isn’t a doctor, right?” He smiled warmly.

“You always know just the right thing to say to make me feel better,” Cass said, then remembered her dilemma and winced. “As a fan of the show, any chance you have a killer dessert idea you want to share, along with your medical opinion?”

“Seriously? You’re asking me for baking advice? Actually, Jacintha and I have this tradition—Sunday night bake-offs after our weekly family dinner with my parents. And I did just make something pretty delicious.”

Cass smiled even as she was struck with a sudden sense of longing. What would it be like to be with someone who shared your interests?

“This past Sunday we took this old recipe from back when we were kids. My parents are both doctors and were always so busy, but they baked together every Sunday evening like clockwork.” Miguel smiled at the memory. “Jacintha based this week’s competition on who could come up with the recipe’s craziest twist.”

“And let me guess, you won?”

“I did,” Miguel said, with a wink.

He told her about the coconut pie that had been on regular rotation in his house growing up, and how he had adapted it for the contest. When he was done, Cass smiled, caught up in family baking memories herself—and an idea taking shape. She could adapt one of Woodburn’s most beloved recipes and easily salvage the on-set disaster she was dealing with. “I have to run. But you’ve actually really inspired me, Miguel. You’ve given me the perfect idea. Thank you so much.” She waved goodbye and rushed off down the hall.

•••

“Charlie!” Cass was almost out the door of the network’s building, but hadn’t been able to walk fast enough, evidently. Those high heels weren’t doing her feet any favors. Even back in her canvas sneakers, her feet were achy and tired. She turned at the now-familiar voice.

“Hi, Sasha. Sorry. I meant to check in before I left, but I have an appointment I need to get to.”An appointment with my bed, that is.Plus, shehadto get a hold of Charlie. It wasn’t just about needing recipe guidance—at this point she was getting worried about her sister, and the bakery. Priya had said Charlie hadn’t been responding to any of her texts, either. What was going on?

“Have you not been getting my texts?” Sasha asked. She wasn’t even out of breath, despite the fact that she had been practically running to catch up to Cass.

“Oh, sorry. My phone has been, uh, glitchy.” Cass could only assume Charlie’s phone was now filled with texts from Sasha, too. And yet, she still hadn’t responded.

“So, do you have it?” Sasha asked.

“Have what?”

“That bread mask you promised me! You said you’d bring it today, and time is running out for my pre-gala beautification plan.”

Cass slapped her hand against her forehead. “Sasha, I’m sorry. I’ve had so much on my mind. I totally spaced on this.”

Sasha was frowning. “What’s going on, Charlie? Frankly, today wasn’t the best. Arriving looking like something the cat dragged in, clearly not doing your homework, and then taking Austin’s recipe to try and cover your ass... Not your best look. You did manage to save the day with that great recipe for sticky toffee date squarepudding. But it was too close for comfort. Not what I expect from my star chef who is looking to host her own show. Got it?”

Cass felt indignant. Was this how her sister was treated every day? But she had no idea what to say to Sasha. She needed to talk to Charlie. There had to be a way to make Sasha see Austin for who he really was, rather than him blaming everything on her. “I’m just a bit tired,” she said, hating how lame that sounded.

“Is it the concussion? Austin said he thought you were acting a bit off, and I have to say I’m beginning to agree with him.”

“It’s not the concussion. I didn’t sleep well last night. There’s... some stuff going on back home with my family’s bakery. I’ve been distracted. But it won’t happen again.”

“I expect more from you, Charlie. There’s a lot on the line here—for everyone. And even though you pulled off a bit of a miracle in there today, you still need to pull it together. Got it?”

Cass knew Austin was right in one regard—her behaviorwas indeedcompletely out of character. And Charlie, if the situation were reversed, would never have let it get to this point. She’d never be standing in front of her boss, cowed and near tears. Cass swallowed hard and straightened her shoulders, knowing her only job right now was to convince Sasha her worries were for naught.

“Like I said, it won’t happen again. You have my word.”

•••

Cass walked toward the car, distracted by thoughts of Austin and how ostentatious he was even when she outperformed him, as well as her promise to Sasha, and so it took her a moment to recognize the attractive, dark-haired couple ahead of her. She slowed and watched as Miguel stood beside an Uber, opening the car’s door for the beautiful woman Cass had seen him with in the audience.Jacintha,Miguel’s wife. As Cass watched, the two embraced before Jacintha got in the Uber and Miguel shut the door, waving as the car pulled away.

“Hey,” Miguel said, spotting her as he turned.

“Hey,” Cass replied, now standing beside Charlie’s Prius. “I can’t thank you enough for the recipe inspiration. You saved me.”

“I only greased the tins,” he said. Cass smiled at his clever baking reference. “You were the one who pulled it off. And the look on Austin’s face when he realized what was happening...” Miguel chuckled. “My sister and I were impressed. She’ll be so disappointed not to have met you in person. But she had to get back to work.”

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