“Is your sister here today?”Biff asks.
“Yeah, she’s here,” I say as Shelby gives a little wave.
He asks a production assistant to bring him a clean plate.When it arrives, he puts some cookies on the plate and carries it over to her.He gives her a charming grin and says, “Want to make sure you get some before I eat them all.”
The audience laughs as he takes his seat.
Dakota steps forward.“Okay, contestants, please head to our lounge and relax while the judges deliberate.You’ve done everything you can—now it’s all in the hands of the judges.”
We file off the set to the lounge area that consists of some couches and chairs.We’re directed to sit close together but not talk.It’s so stinking awkward.I have no idea who the judges will crown the winners.I don’t think either of the other two entries were prettier than ours.But while Andie hit it out of the park on the design and execution, I played it too safe on the flavors.I didn’t want to take the risk.If we don’t win, it’s my fault.I failed.I could have added a filling or baked a couple of extra flavors.Even just the cinnamon with brown sugar frosting would have worked.
I couldn’t put the wedding stuff out of my mind and focus fully on the reason we’re here.We also could’ve done a wedding cake.Andie creates beautiful designs, and I set them off with my cake and filling combinations.But a wedding cake we can do in three hours wasn’t going to have the wow factor our cupcake bouquet did.What we did was something you don’t see on these shows, and we did it beautifully.If they can’t appreciate it, that’s not our fault.After ten long minutes, we’re ushered back onto set to line up before the judges.
Dakota stands before us with the solemnity of a jury foreperson about to announce a verdict.
“Contestants, you have each wowed the judges with your creativity, flavors, and artistic talent.You should be commended.However, there can only be one team crowned Pastry Pro Champion, and today that team is…”
I hold my breath, praying to hearHockey Honeysfor once.
“Cake Daddy!”
Father and daughter embrace each other, and we congratulate them.The Sweet Sorority Sisters seem stunned that they aren’t the victors but congratulate the winners.The judges join us and hug everyone.I’m stunned when Felicia hands us her card.
“I absolutely love the work you do.If you’d done the cinnamon and brown sugar flavor combination in your cupcakes, you would’ve won.You have the full package, and I wish you’d given it to us in that final round,” she says.“Shoot me an email with links to your website and social media.Maybe we can work together in the future.”
When I accept Biff’s hug, he whispers, “You had my vote.I understood what you were doing, and you did it perfectly.You’re on the right track.Good luck.”
Paulie doesn’t have much to say, and I’m glad because all I want to do is join Ollie and the rest of our people.
“I’m sorry, Phoebe.You deserved to win,” he says as I nestle against his chest.
“It’s okay.The money would have been nice, but we’ll be okay.Felicia wants to chat with us about maybe working together.”
“OMG, that’s awesome, Phoebe!”Shelby says from beside us.I was so lost being held by Ollie, I didn’t even notice my sister approaching.
I look around and see that Andie is taking pictures of our bouquet from every angle before it’s cut up for the audience to sample.She’s not the only one.Members of the audience and production are snapping pics too and must be asking for our info because when Colby hands her a stack of the business cards we keep in one of our bins, a bunch of hands reach out to get one.It’s possible we could end up making more than the $10,000 we hoped to win based on new business booked.
“Birdie wants pizza and to talk wedding plans.How about we go to my house?”Daphne says.
Liam and Mallory say they’ll pick up pizza and subs and meet us there.
“Wedding plans?”I ask, leaning my head back to look up into Ollie’s face.
He flushes slightly.“We had a group text going and had some ideas to get us married sooner rather than later.”
I’m trying not to be angry at Ollie and my sister for commandeering my wedding, but I thought it would be something Ollie and I could plan together.
“Am I going to get an invitation so I know when and where to show up?”I want to take back my words when I see the flash of hurt in his eyes.“I’m sorry, Ollie, I didn’t mean it.This isn’t the time and place to discuss it.Can we table it for later?”
At his stiff nod, all I want to do is wrap my arms around him and make it all better.I hope I can.
Andie’s cut up the cupcakes into sample pieces, and a production assistant is sticking a plastic fork in each to make it easier for folks to eat them.The wedding cakes are sliced too, but it seems like everyone is gravitating toward our tray first.I’m pretty sure it’s because they know they like chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting—it’s comfortable.And that’s okay.Colby put a stack of our cards on the table, and people are picking them up when they get their sample.We need to put him on our marketing team.
We make quick work of packing up and bid farewell to Carla, who says she’ll keep us apprised if the show gets picked up and becomes available to watch.We thank her for the opportunity and head to our cars.
As we drive off campus, Ollie glances at me.
“I’m sorry you didn’t win,” he says.“I thought your treats were the best of the whole competition.”
