The brief interaction is like a superpower. I thrive off the high and create the masterpiece of all masterpieces—a dense, spiced-infused cookie with a molasses drizzle. For added appeal, I counter the dark molasses accents with a snowy white glaze.
I plate them on a Christmas-red platter, sprinkle edible snowflakes over the top, and give them a chef’s kiss.
Despite the fact that it’s three past midnight, I shoot Nellie and Mr. Bruce a photo of my Spicy Ginger Delights—the name has a ring to it.
Me:I did it! Come sample these babies during a viewing party of Patty’s segment at my place, 9 a.m. Come early if you want to catch the cartoons.
CHAPTER 5
Saturday morning cartoons blare while we wait for Patty’s segment to air.
Mr. Bruce sits on the loveseat, Nellie takes the couch with me, and Jinxy feasts on his breakfast in the corner beside his portable litterbox.
To make up for my disastrous tasting party, I went all out, preparing fresh fruit, mini quiches, and mimosas to go with the star of the show.
“Okay,” I say, motioning to their plates. “Moment of truth before Patty comes on. Let’s hear what you think.”
They each take a reluctant bite and pin their lips closed while they chew.
Nellie dares for a bigger bite.
Mr. Bruce pops the remainder into his mouth and moans. “Mmm, mmm, mmm!” He reaches for another cookie and inspects it from all sides. “No one’s beating this, and I mean no one.”
My chest puffs. “Thank you.”
Nellie nods in agreement. “Total heaven town. There’s no way she’ll come up with something better than this. If you can outperform her, it’ll be a clean sweep.”
“Exactly,” Mr. Bruce agrees. Jinxy hops onto his lap and starts licking his chin.
I tip my head, trying to unsee the image of what looks like a pink worm wiggling its way from a dull, shriveled walnut.
The weekend news team, James and Jessie, turn the time over after a brief teaser of the headlines.
"For now, it's time for our special Saturday cooking segment withPatty in the Kitchen. Today, she has a special guest with her. Take it away, Patty."
The mention of a special guest has my mind working overtime. The camera pans over to Patty, whose polka dots are red and white today.
And then I spot him, the man standing beside her, and I can barely believe my eyes. It’s none other than her corporate dad.
"Thanks, James,” Patty says. “I’m happy to have this special guest joining me today. While you viewers at home know Conner Mitchell, one of the state’s most successful CEOs—to me, he’s simplyDaddy."
My insides burn with irritation.
“Wow, I wonder where she got the idea to bring her dad on,” Nellie says sarcastically.
“She must have gotten her hands on the numbers,” Mr. Bruce adds. “When your old man and his dog came on your show, we had some of the highest rankings to date.”
I nod because I’m aware of that. In fact, I planned to have my dad come on again, but sadly, he made that impossible.
“Thanks for having me, Patty," Mr. Mitchell says. "But I think we’re missing someone.” It sounds scripted, but from a man with his clout, no one will hold it against him.
Patty gasps. “Missing someone?” I can tell she’s aiming for perplexed, but it reads moresoap opera character with an icepick behind her back.
"We can't make today's holiday cookie without Polly,” Mr. Mitchell says.
Nellie spits out her mimosa. "Polly?What the bleep?”
Mr. Bruce strokes Jinxy’s withered neck. "It’s probably a bird, isn’t it? Wehatebirds, don’t we, Jinx?"
