He settled back into the seat, watching the people move along the sidewalks as if they were in a hurry.
Whoever had nominated him for this show, he owed them big, because he could get used to being treated like this!
The limo pulled to a stop.
“Hang on a sec,” Lori said as she dialed her phone. “We’re here. Thanks, see you shortly.” She hung up and tucked her phone into her purse. The driver came around and opened the door for them.
He let Lori slide out first, then followed behind her.
The inside of the building had an industrial look to it, kind of minimalist and modern. Frosted glass doors blocked the view of most everything down the wide corridor. People were moving booms and cameras with purpose. A brunette wearing all purple sauntered by. Andrew nudged Lori. “Was that…”
She nodded. “Sure was.”
“I never knew she was that tall.”
Lori used a cardkey to unlock one of the doors with the Four Square Cooking Show logo on it. “This,” she said, throwing her arms wide and backing into the room, “will be your kitchen.”
It was a lot bigger than it appeared on television. White subway tiles made for a clean, sharp look and all of the equipment, like he’d seen online, was truly top-notch. Instead of a ceiling, above the kitchen was open with an abundance of grids holding lights and cameras. A microphone boom extended across the room. “There’s a lot going on up there.”
“You’d be freaked out if you knew how many camera, lights and mics are all over this space, and on you all the time. You’ll want to remember you’re always on camera and watch your mouth, because you never know what they’re recording.”
“Good to know.” Now he was a little freaked out.
The kitchen was stocked with an industrial-sized mixer and two large ovens. The shiny silver wire racks that made up the pantry were nicely stocked and organized by type. One held nothing but bowls, tools, and baking pans, where another held spices and more sugary confections than he’d ever laid his eyes on in one space. The refrigerator had a glass front. He’d be able to quickly find what he’d need.
“What do you think?”
“I’m used to working in the finest restaurant in all of France, and this will do very nicely.”
A man in the hall was talking about product-placement shots he needed in tomorrow’s filming.
Andrew stared at the pantry, but his ears were totally tuned in to what was going on in the hall.
“…and Mark was just telling us that since they’re not going to film another season of Charlie’s show, they’re thinking about picking up the winner of this for a special or two. It could work into something new.”
“That would be good. Charlie was so hard to work with. I can’t imagine having to drag that through another season.”
“You and me both.”
The door closed, and it was completely silent. The kitchen was definitely soundproof. Even the banging and squeaking of the equipment being moved up and down the hall had disappeared.
He’d been flattered to be invited to the competition, but things had just gotten way more interesting.
When he’d left Paris, he’d been thinking that if he won, he’d invest the $100,000 into Francois’ newest restaurant. It was a safe investment that would surely make a nice return. Or he could invest in the one opening in Mykonos, and hopefully that would help ensure him getting to work in that restaurant for a while. It would be quite an experience to cook for the rich and famous, and play with them too.
But now, after his visit home, he had to really consider the opportunity to open a restaurant in Bailey’s Fork and further foster his relationship with Dad. Was there any chance Kelly might let him back into her life? From what he could see, all she had was that pig. There hadn’t been a single sign of a guy in her life. His mom’s words replayed in his head. Fight to get her back.
Chapter Twenty-One
Kelly walked Sara one more time through all of Gray’s routines. “Thanks so much for staying here while I’m gone.”
“You’d do the same for me,” Sara insisted.
“Except you have a well-behaved beagle. I have a pig.”
“You’ve trained him better than most dogs,” Sara said. “It’ll be fine. I’m not worried at all.”
Am I crazy leaving like this? Her head swam. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Believe it, and do us proud,” Sara said. “Are you sure you don’t want me to take you to the airport?”
“No. Lyft will be easier. Besides, then they can lift this suitcase and put it in the car.” Kelly set her hand on the top of the large rolling suitcase. She knew she’d overpacked, but she needed wardrobe options, and she couldn’t trust that the hotel would have a decent hair dryer. That could be a real disaster.
“Did you get any sleep last night?”
Kelly shook her head. “Barely. I had the entire last season of Four Square Cooking Show still DVR’d, so I ended up binge watching them. At least I won’t bake anything too similar to what’s been done on the show in the last season.”
“Good use of your time, except you’re going to be a zombie tonight.”
“True, and it’s almost time to go.” Kelly checked her phone again. “My car will be here in two minutes.”
“This is it!”
“Come here, Gray.” The pink-and-gray pig ran into the room, sliding to a stop in front of her. “You be good for Sara.”
He lifted his chin in the air, his ears flopping wide like he might take flight.
“I’m going to miss you.” She scratched his chin, then put him back in his room. He raced right out the doggy door.
She balanced her carry-on bag on top of the suitcase and headed outside.
“Let me help you down the stairs,” Sara said, rushing to her side. Between the two of them they were able to bounce the suitcase down a step at a time to
