Tammy finds the paper and looks up, smiling. “And the fact that you and Sadie are so forgiving—well, the viewers are simply eating it up.”
I feel like they’ve violated some of my personal rights, but I don’t know what I can do about it. Besides, the damage is done.
“Enjoy your day off,” Paula says from her seat, speaking for the first time. She offers us a weak smile as we turn to leave.
Frowning, I head to the door.
Mason shuts it behind us, looking grim. “I’m sorry, Harper. I had no idea?—”
“It’s not your fault.” I rub my temples. A headache looms, and I can tell it’s going to be a bad one.
After I say goodbye, I head to my room. On the way, I pass Chrissy and Christy.
They look immaculate, with their blown-out hair, carefully applied makeup, and designer clothing.
Christy wrinkles her nose at my outfit. “Harper, darling. You look like you didn’t get a wink of sleep.”
“Poor thing,” Chrissy coos. “Did we just see you coming from Tammy’s office? With how horrible you look, I can only imagine the worst. I hope everything is all right.”
Because murder is generally frowned upon, I give them a smile as fake as their own. “No, everything’s great. I’m so excited about Thursday’s competition.”
Their smiles falter. Chrissy finds her tongue first. “That’s wonderful! I’ve heard we can use the kitchens in our off time.” She leans close as if she’s going to tell me a secret. “You mightwant to take some time today to work on your piping. Your last cookies looked a little wobbly.”
“That’s true.” Then I can’t resist. “But I suppose you could say I’ve always preferred a morenaturalstyle. If you go overboard, the cookies become fake and unappetizing, and then no one likes them.”
With that, I give them my best perky smile and walk away.
CHAPTER TWELVE
I recheck my phone.Riley and Linus should have been here by now, but I’m afraid the snow has slowed them down. I glance out the window of the restaurant that overlooks the massive, snow-covered lake. The snow’s really coming down.
It’s Friday night, and the teams still in the competition are euphoric, even if there will be an elimination on Monday. Scott and Misty are at a table with Eugene and Max. Max has a huge plate of nachos, and he doesn’t appear to be sharing with anyone—not even his grandfather. Even from across the room, I can hear Scott’s occasional laugh as he tries to steal a chip in good fun only to have his hand swatted away.
Sadie, Brandon, and I are at a larger table with Cole and Jerome. Jessica and Anne, the pretty cousins from Tennessee, joined us a few minutes ago. The guys are arguing about burgers while Jessica, Sadie, and Anne eye the dessert menu. You’d think we’ve had enough sweets in the last week, but no.
My phone chimes, and I jump.
Think I could hide in a hat and sunglasses and join you?
I smile at Mason’s text and write him back.Doubt it. One of the waitresses already recognized us, and she asked where you are.
And you didn’t tell her? I bet she’d be willing to make me a poster.
“Mason?” Sadie asks from my side, and I nod.
She and I are doing all right. We managed to get through the last few competitions unscathed, though it was a close call yesterday. We had a batch of cookies come out of the oven a little too close to time, and our frosting was a melted mess. The judges were brutal, and Sadie cried. I’m hoping the fact that they tasted exquisite will save us, though I have no idea how the viewers will vote. We could very well be going home come Monday.
Brandon shoots me a smile. It’s friendly, but hesitant, and a lot frustrated. I’m beginning to think this is ridiculous. Sadie’s a big girl—she dealt with the awful interview. Surely she can handle the news that Brandon admitted their relationship was a sham.
Except, I’ve been watching them, and I’m not sure it is. They’re not just friends—they’re good friends.
They exchange inside jokes, and though it sounds cliché, they finish each other’s sentences. I study them, and concern gnaws at my belly.
Sometime in the last few years, while Brandon and I attended different colleges, he and Sadie got close. But now we have a chance to be together. Surely Brandon won’t throw that away, not after all this time.
It’s just so inconvenient Sadie has feelings for Brandon too. Real feelings. The kind that aren’t so easy to get over.
I feel her pain. I know better than anyone how hard it is to love Brandon from afar.
