‘No, I’m not in labour, it just feels a little uncomfortable, that’s all,’ Molly replied, trying to brush over the fact that her stomach had tightened so much that it had taken her breath away. ‘Honestly, I’m okay.’
She carried on walking and they all sauntered into an impressive room where waiters circulated with free drinks and a buffet was laid out on a long trestle table. After they’d helped themselves to drinks from a passing tray, Molly’s eyes swept the room, which was packed with the families and friends of the competitors. George had run off to a set of large burgundy velvet curtains at the far end of the room and was beckoning Bree over.
‘Behind there is where the competition takes place,’ pointed out Dixie.
Molly too peered behind the curtain, which revealed another room with rows and rows of chairs laid out in front of a stage. The set on stage looked like three proper kitchens as each workstation was equipped with its own sink, baking trays, utensils, bowls and a mixer. On the back wall huge hanging letters spelled out the words ‘Baker of the Year Competition’. There was a line of pastel-coloured American-type fridges at the side and numerous pans hanging from the wall underneath the sign.
‘It all looks so real.’ Molly was amazed to think that it had been purpose-built just for this competition.
‘Is that where Daddy is going to bake?’ asked George, pointing towards the stage.
‘Yes, and see that that table there? That’s where the three judges sit. And we are sitting right at the front so you’ll be able to see everything,’ replied Molly. ‘Come on, let’s get a bite to eat before it begins.’
An hour later a loud gong sounded and everyone’s heads turned towards the curtains. ‘Welcome to you all. The auditorium is now open.’ The curtains were drawn back and there were a few gasps around the room as other members of the audience saw the room for the first time.
‘Dixie Bird, is that you? What are you doing here?’
Dixie spun round to see her old friend William Hartley, the manager of Crossley Hall Manor, standing beside her. Immediately a huge smile hitched on her face as she leant forward and kissed him on both of his cheeks. ‘It’s me all right,’ she replied.
‘You are looking beautiful as usual, but what are you doing here?’
‘My grandson is following in the footsteps of Ted and competing.’
‘Cameron Bird, why didn’t I put two and two together? I know I shouldn’t be biased but Ted was always the clear winner.’ William gave her a wink. ‘We must meet afterwards for a drink.’
‘That would be lovely,’ said Dixie, and quickly introduced the rest of the family.
‘It’s lovely to meet you all, but it’s time to take your seats. I’ll find you after the competition. Your favourite gin is still stocked behind the bar, Dixie. It’s been awaiting your return.’
‘Good man,’ replied Dixie as William touched her arm before walking off towards the auditorium.
‘If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he has a soft spot for you,’ Molly teased as she cocked an eyebrow.
‘What can I say? He is a man of good taste.’ Dixie chuckled as she took George’s hand and they all began to walk towards the front row.
Soon after they were settled William walked onto the stage and switched on the microphone. The whole room hushed and all eyes focused on him.
‘Welcome, welcome, welcome, to Crossley Hall Manor. My name is William Hartley and I am the owner and manager of this wonderful establishment. We are all here today to crown this year’s Baker of the Year!’
There was a ripple of applause around the room.
‘I’m sure you all know that this competition has been running for nearly thirty years and our team of experts trail every inch of Scotland looking for the best bakers to invite to compete for this elite title. This year’s special element is chocolate and our wonderful bakers can bake any recipe as long as it’s an original creation. So, without further ado, please welcome into the kitchen … Cameron Bird all the way from Heartcross, Paul Hughes from Edinburgh, and Graham Lewis from Newton Stewart.’
The audience erupted into applause as the three competitors walked onto the stage.
‘There’s my daddy!’ shouted George, standing up and waving madly at Cam, who gave him a quick thumbs-up and a massive smile before he went to stand behind his workstation.
Proud tears were running down Dixie’s face and Molly quickly passed her a tissue. ‘Look at him standing there, wearing Ted’s hat and apron.’
Molly too came over all emotional. She could tell Cam was nervous by the way he was fiddling with his watch strap.
William continued. ‘Now, please welcome to the stage our judges, who know exactly how our three competitors are feeling right at this very second because at one time or another they have each been standing behind these very workstations. Welcome Mary Smith, Tom Newey and Barney Miller.’
The audience cheered and clapped and each judge waved as they walked onto the stage and took their seats behind the judges’ table.
‘What are we looking for today?’ asked William, directing the question towards Barney.
‘Individuality. A unique recipe involving chocolate that shows your skill as a baker.’
