The photographer arranged us in a line, another assistant straightening our clothes.
We were all wearing black-and-white checkered aprons with the show’s logo on them. I couldn’t see much beyond the blinding lights shining on us and fought hard not to give in to the urge to close my eyes. I’d already been told off for blinking too much earlier.
I’d have to put my foot down tomorrow on the eyelashes, because they were a hazard. It was only a matter of time before one of them dropped into my batter.
“Rayna, sweetheart, can you look less constipated and more ecstatic to be on the show?” the photographer asked.
Mae snorted next to me, and I elbowed her. Once they’d taken our photos from every angle, we moved on to the individual interviews.
It was the first time we’d meet our host, Ezra Lee. He was a famous radio presenter who now wanted to make his foray into television.
I was sweating under the lights, and the clothes they made us wear were stifling. They’d assigned each of us a character, and apparently I was going to be the sweet small-town girl who liked to wear cute dresses that weighed a ton and were as stiff and unbending as one of my toffees.
Mae found herself in the role of rebel, her ripped jeans and tank top screaming “I don’t give a shit.” The look suited her, even if it wasn’t anywhere close to her actual personality.
At this stage, I had no control over my facial expressions anymore, my face muscles having given out with an agonized cry of defeat hours ago.
The rest of the day was much of the same. The first day of filming was tomorrow, and I hoped it would include a lot of baking and not so much talking.
“So, what’s your specialty?” a voice asked too close to my personal space.
I looked up and met the grinning face of one of the other contestants. He had blond hair, blue eyes, and a tan that looked like it didn’t come from being outside. His teeth were also blindingly white and glowed at me when he smiled.
Not one to be rude, I plastered a tentative smile on my face. It wouldn’t do anyone any favors if I made enemies right from the start. That would come naturally with time. “Cupcakes.”
He thrust his hand at me, and I took it. His shake was limp, and I released him as soon as was socially acceptable.
“I’m Karl. I own Karl’s Bakery.”
I’d heard of Karl’s, since it had branches in most major towns. I wondered what he was doing participating in a reality TV show.
“I’m Rayna.”
“Great. That’s great. So, what are you up to after we finish today?”
Is he asking me out? Or is this just a friendly question among competitors? Am I reading too much into this? I hope he’s not asking me out.
“I’m going back to the hotel. I need to check in with my family.”
There were no phones allowed on set, only at the hotel. We also weren’t permitted to discuss any details of the show. But since I had to get someone to cover for me while I was gone, my niece knew what I was doing; I just couldn’t give her any details.
She was looking after my bakery with her friend, and I had absolute confidence that they’d do a great job. Didn’t mean I wouldn’t stress out and call her to make sure everything was okay.
I also had to sign a nondisclosure agreement and had to stay at the hotel paid for by the production company for the entire time we were filming. There were no exceptions, not even if you had a family.
Karl obviously didn’t get my weak hint that I would be busy. “We should have a drink at the bar. It would be great to get to know one of my fellow contestants.”
Mae walked past us, and I grabbed her arm. She came to a screeching stop, yelping. “What a great idea. I’m sure Mae would love to join us.”
This way, I wouldn’t have to decline an invitation by a fellow contestant and could stay for a little while before excusing myself.
Karl looked from Mae to me before recovering. “Yeah, sure. Should we say seven?”
Philipa joined our huddle. “What are you guys talking about?”
Mae turned to her, a smile on her face as usual. “We’re having a drink at the hotel bar tonight. You should join us.”
Philipa nodded, her straight black bob dancing around her face with the movement. “That sounds great. I’ll let Charlie know as well. What time?”
