Fair point."I was trying to be practical."
"Practical is overrated. You know what's not overrated? National television exposure for your bakery. Think about it, every time they show your hometown, every time they mention your business, that's free advertising. The kind of advertising you can't afford to buy."
She's not wrong. My marketing budget consists of whatever I can squeeze out of my personal Instagram account and the occasional food blog review. Last month's electric bill took the last of my advertising funds.
"The application deadline is tomorrow," Maya continues. "One video. That's it. What's the worst that could happen?"
Famous last words.
But I'm already picturing it. Camera crews in Millbrook. Food Network mentions. Maybe even a cookbook deal if things go really well. The kind of success that could turnTrinity's Tablefrom a struggling local bakery into something bigger. Something stable.
Something that wouldn't require me to stare at overdue notices every morning while I drink my coffee.
"Fine." The word escapes before I can stop it. "One video. But if this ruins my reputation, I'm blaming you."
Maya squeals and throws her arms around me, nearly toppling us both into the wedding cake.
"This is going to be amazing! We need to plan your outfit, practice your talking points?—"
"I'm not making talking points. It's a dating show, not a business presentation."
"Everything is a business presentation if you're smart about it."
This is why Maya handles my social media.
Three hours later, I'm standing in my apartment living room wearing my best sweater, the navy blue one that brings out my eyes, according to Maya, and staring at her phone propped up on my coffee table like it's a venomous snake.
"Just be yourself," Maya says from behind the camera. "But like, the version of yourself that gets guys to propose after three dates."
"I've never had a guy propose after three dates."
"That's because you've never tried. Now, introduce yourself and tell them why you'd be perfect for Korgan."
I take a deep breath. The red recording light blinks at me expectantly.
"Hi, I'm Trinity Lewis. I'm twenty-six, I live in Millbrook, Maine, and I own a bakery called Trinity's Table."
Pause. This feels deeply unnatural.
"I'm here because..."Because my best friend ambushed me into this?"Because I believe in taking chances. And also because I make really good cinnamon rolls."
Maya makes encouraging gestures from behind the phone.
"Um. I think Korgan and I would be a good match because we're both... hardworking? And I'm told I'm funny, though probably not in the way that translates well to television." Ifidget with my hands. "I should mention that I'm not really looking for drama. I'm more of a 'let's have a nice dinner and talk about books' kind of person, which I realize might not make for compelling viewing, but?—"
"Cut!" Maya throws her hands up. "Trinity, you sound like you're applying for a library card, not competing for a man's heart."
"I told you this was a bad idea."
"It's not a bad idea, you're just overthinking it. Let's try again. This time, more confidence. More romance."
"I don't do romance. I do baked goods and sarcasm."
"Then lead with the baked goods! Food is romantic. Feeding someone is intimate."
She has a point. Food is my language. The way I show love, express creativity, make people happy. If I'm going to do this ridiculous thing, I might as well do it honestly.
"Okay. Take two."
