"I'm the head chef. If they see me nervous, they'll get nervous. We're the first team they're working with, so they already have plenty to worry about without me adding to it."
"You're going to do great. You've come up with amazing recipes that incorporate the staple of our state. People aren't just trying new food here; they're coming home. Remember that."
He gives me another kiss, and we part. Time to get the show on the road.
I greet everyone as they come in before they're guided to their pre-booked tables. Because the change in lineup was made after bookings closed, we have a lot of diners who were coming to support the other team.
There are a few frowns and whispers, but as soon as they eat Jud's food, I see the change. They can't help but love it.
Each table has a spare seat for Yplanda. She hops from table to table to chat with the diners and see how they feel about the restaurant. Everything is captured by the cameras on the walls and numerous microphones.
She raises her hand to call me, so I head over to the table where she's sitting with a single person. A man wearing a suit and bowtie.
"Skyler, this is Patrick. He's visiting Vermont and booked a table specifically to try out your food, isn't that right?"
I hold out my hand to shake Patrick's. "Welcome to Maple Sky. I hope you're enjoying our selection."
"Hello, Skyler. I am enjoying it indeed. I was really intrigued when I read that Chef Judson Hale was part of this project. Can you tell me a little more about your concept?"
"Of course. I have to give Judson full credit for incorporating my own produced maple syrup into all of our recipes. You might not even know it's there in some dishes, but it really brings the flavors together. I produce maple syrup, but even I didn't know how versatile it could be. And the best thing is that you can even take one of our recipe cards home and try it for yourself."
"Thank you, Skyler. I think I will do just that. I'm torn between the maple-glazed turkey and one of the desserts. I have a sweet tooth, so it's probably quite unwise to take one of those recipes home."
I grab a recipe card box and put it on the table for Patrick before I leave him to check on everyone.
The rest of the night goes off in a flash, and soon we're saying goodbye to the last diners.
As soon as the restaurant door closes behind them, there's a loud cheer from everyone.
Jud comes out of the kitchen and runs to me, wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug.
"We did it. We did it."
"You sure did. Everyone loved your food," I say.
"No,wedid it. Together. This wouldn't have been possible without all of us, plus the guys at Vino who banded together to help out."
Yolanda looks at her phone and smiles wide as she reads whatever is on it. She comes over to join Jud and me.
"This isn't standard practice, but after what I witnessed over the last few days and tonight, I feel I need to say something. I've never seen anyone put on a show so quickly and so well as you did. I just spoke to the Samantha and the producing team, who have been watching some of the footage live, and they're very impressed. Congratulations on your achievement today. We've kicked off the show with a bang, and I wish you all the best for the rest of the week and the competition."
Everyone claps, and then they start dispersing to clean up.
Yolanda turns to us.
"Guys, you've really outdone yourselves. Between you and me, the producers were shitting a brick when the other team had their accident, but you've pulled through and surprised them. As you know, the winners are decided by the diners who score the meal and the dining experience. I honestly wish you all the best, but I think you already stand a great chance of winning."
"Thank you, Yolanda. That means a lot," I say.
"And, Jud, your food really impressed Patrick Ludlow."
I smile, remembering the good-natured inquisitive guy from earlier, but when I look at Jud, he's gone pale, as if he’s seen a ghost.
25
Judson
"Jud, are you okay?"
