Ah, well. Damn.
Deryn’s mind scrambled for something, anything but the truth of why she really couldn’t use Seren’s café. Nor live in Seren’s house.
Mother’s house.
Paloma turned to face her fully, and something in that gaze shifted, taking pity on Deryn.
“In any case… A professional kitchen for a few hours daily?”
“Yes.” Deryn grabbed the lifeline with both hands.
“What were you prepared to offer in exchange?” Paloma hesitated for a second before continuing. “Before Mr. Vesely introduced you as my girlfriend?”
“A regular guest appearance on your menu. I bake enough to feed a considerable number of people. I am aware you are undertaking a soft opening. Perhaps my name on your marketing materials as the guest pastry chef once a week, with exclusive offerings, would entice more guests? I could coordinate with your house chef, and if a recipe becomes a favorite, train your pastry sous?”
“That’s certainly generous, Ms. Crowhart.”
“Is that a yes? I’m aware that I am not asking for a lot, and I’m also aware that my offer is, as you called it, generous. But I am rather desperate, and from what Ceridwen tells me, your kitchens are spectacular. I could really use something like that for the next few months that I’m on the island.”
“You’re staying for the next few months?” Paloma’s eyes were hooded, shadowy. Deryn could swear she saw apprehension in them.
Oh, well, did you think she’d rejoice?
“Yeah. I mean, I honestly don’t know. Ceridwen…” Deryn trailed off, amazed at how easy it was to talk to this woman, whom she might know in the biblical sense but who was actually a virtual stranger. And yet, this was the longest conversationshe had held with anyone outside her family in…weeks? She suddenly felt quite pathetic.
“Yes. I plan to stay for a few months. Maybe six. That’s my absolute limit. I filmed the next season ofBake Your Heart Out, and once it premieres, I am expected to do considerable promo. And I’m certain new offers will come my way as well.”
“Ah, you won, then.” Paloma’s smile was sly, obviously delighted with herself at catching Deryn’s slip.
“Would you believe me if I said I didn’t?”
“No.” Paloma turned away from her and walked to the door of the office. “Something tells me you don’t lose baking competitions, Ms. Crowhart. Will this be your third? Fourth? Impressive.”
Deryn felt her chest expand and her heart stutter. She didn’t know what she felt. She didn’t even know what Paloma was saying. Was it the certainty in her? The surety of her skill? Her acumen?
Paloma was almost across the room when she spoke again, without turning this time.
“You can use my kitchen, Ms. Crowhart.”
Her step faltered, and Deryn knew immediately where her mind went.
“You can use me…”
Okay then.
Paloma recovered quickly, however, and reached the door in two more steps. Deryn hated to put another hitch in that stride, but she liked the view so much and was not yet ready to be deprived of it.
“So, will you tell me why you need a fake girlfriend? Since I assume it’s not to prove anything to the loudmouth who dared to insult you earlier.”
7
PALOMA, CHEFS & THEIR FINICKY WAYS
THE ASTRONOMY RESORT IS A WORK OF ART!
According to our sources, the resort, which is currently undergoing a soft opening before the grand reveal at the beginning of the tourist season, is a jewel of the hospitality industry. Paloma Allende has outdone herself by all accounts of persons who have had the occasion to visit her other properties. Some residents are questioning her motivation behind choosing to run for mayor of Crow’s Nest, even if we here on Dragons do believe it is the bee’s knees. Some of her plans for the development of the island are also raising eyebrows.
Meanwhile, John Moss’s motivation is also being questioned, since Mr. Moss never seriously considered a candidacy until his friend, the disgraced Mayor Fowler, dropped out. Where he is concerned, it’s his lack of concrete plans for Crow’s Nest that is raising those very same eyebrows. Will he maintain the status quo that his predecessor propagated, or will he bring much-needed reform to the town?
