The chef and host moved on to the next station and Remy caught Staci looking at him. He winked at her and she frowned at him. When the judges had tried all the dishes Remy, Staci and Conner had the top three meals.
“Our top three produced some really good and healthy dishes and all three will be presenting them at an LA Food Fair later this week. But today’s winner is Staci.”
Everyone clapped and Remy felt a pang of resentment that he hadn’t won, but the smile on Staci’s face made up for it. He wasn’t happy to lose but he did like seeing her happy. Next time though he wanted her to have to besatisfied with second.
THEY TOOKABREAKFROM filming after her win was announced. And the studio was cleared. Staci wanted to share her news with someone. Though as Alysse had reminded her last night, she wasn’t supposed to share any details from the contest. All of the episodes were being taped to air once the entire competition was over.
“Another winning dish. Looks like you might be the chef to watch,” Quinn said coming up to her. Quinn had been at the station next to her during the Quick Cook challenge and had made a faux risotto from boil in a bag rice. It had sounded pretty good but there hadn’t been enough time to cook the rice and it had stuck together.
“I think each new challenge is going to up the stakes. So far they’ve been up my alley.”
“Lucky,” he said. “I wonder what the elimination challenge will be this week.”
“From watching the show I thought they’d have told us already but I guess not,” she said. She noticed Remy standing at the back of the room talking to Marcel. She’d heard—well everyone had—how much Marcel had enjoyed his dish and Staci was surprised that she’d beaten him.
“What’s his story?” Quinn asked, gesturing toward Remy.
“Out of work New Orleans chef. I wonder if it’s an effect of Katrina. I know that was years ago but I’ve heard from friends there that the city still hasn’t recovered.”
“Who knows? He’s good,” Quinn said.
Staci was getting a little annoyed at the way Quinn was talking about everyone else’s skills and not his own. “Everyone’s good or they wouldn’t be here. You earned a spot just like everyone else. Shake off what just happened and focus on what you’llbe doing next.”
He gave her a half smile. “Sorry. I didn’t sleep well last night. I don’t like having to share a room.”
“I don’t either,” Vivian said, joining their group. “The Princess and The Pea over here tossed and turned all night. But it didn’t seem to affect your cooking.”
“I don’t need a lot of sleep,” Staci said. “I’ve always been able to function on five hours.”
Remy was lingering at the edge of the group. She tried to ignore him, wanted to show him he meant nothing more to her than any of the other chefs in the competition, but her heart beat a little faster and she found herself staring at him when she thought he wasn’t looking.
“What’s everyone’s thoughts on the elimination challenge?” Remy asked.
“Well, I’m guessing an offsite test,” Vivian said. “I saw that they were bringing the cars around front for us. Plus they always start with that on the show.”
“Do they?” Staci asked. “I’ve only watched a few episodes.”
“Not me. I’ve been addicted to the show from the beginning. Love everything about it.” Vivian smiled.
“Maybe we just have to go shop for our ingredients,” Quinn suggested.
“I was hoping for a mystery basket,” Staci said. She had done well with the first blind challenge after all.
“Doubt it after the Quick Cook,” Vivian said.
“I don’t care what it is as long as we start soon,” Quinn said. “The waiting is hell.”
The rest of the chefs continued talking and Remy took her arm and drew her away from the group. “Congratulations on your win.”
“Thank you,” she said. “I wasn’t sure I could beat you. You had Marcel eating out of your hand.”
“I was surprised. Critics don’t usually go for easy comfort foods.”
“No they don’t but that was the spirit of the challenge,” she said.
“Your mac and cheese looked good,” he said.
“Thanks. Family recipe,” she said with a quick grin.
