The station with my nameplate is one of the stations stocked full of light pink appliances and utensils. It’s in the middle of the pack, but I don’t mind.
Alex and Brandon occupy the front stations, Lila and Ace just behind them. Chloe and Diane are in the row ahead of me, and across the aisle at the other pink station, RaeAnn gives me a small wave. Khalil and Jasper settle into the final row behind me at the back of the room.
Our charismatic hosts saunter in and stand at the front of the room with their backs to us, chatting quietly to themselves.
“Contestants! Remember, quiet on set while our hosts are doing the cold open. In three… two… one…” The lead producer, Sharon, calls before diving out of the way.
“Welcome toAmerica’s Next Great Baker, where dreams rise, tempers bake, and someone inevitably burns caramel in the first hour.” Judy announces with a flourish of her hands.
“I give it eight minutes.” Theo quips, pointing backwards at us over his shoulder.
“Eight? How optimistic of you.” Judy teases him, slinging an arm around his shoulders, pulling him into a side hug. “Have a little faith, Theo!”
He gives a dramatic sigh before shrugging into the camera with a guilty expression.
“CUT! That was perfect, guys, let’s reset. Keep it pushing to the introduction of our judges and our first bake!”
I can’t stop smiling.
My cheeks already ache from the excitement.
Bouncing on my toes, I pull my apron over my head and fasten it tight around my waist. While the production team makes final adjustments, I glance down to find my station fully stocked with everything I need for my lemon-blueberry crème puffs.
Just you wait, judges—you’re about to get a blast of sunshine straight in the kisser.
Adrenaline whips through my body, and I wrap my arms around myself, trying to contain the urge to fist pump the air.
“And we’re ready in… three… two... one!”
“Contestants, welcome to the ANGB kitchen! We are so happy to have you here for this first season!” Judy exclaims, throwing her arms in the air and wooing as we clap wildly in response.
“But we aren’t the only ones who’ll be along for the ride here in the kitchen. We have two incredible judges joining us this season. They’ll be the judge, jury, and executioner during your time in the tent,” Theo says, then turns to Judy. “Should we bring them out?”
“No better time than the present! Our first judge is a Southern powerhouse known for her perfect pies and delectable desserts. Please welcome, Magnolia Beauregard!”
MagnoliafreakingBeauregard?
No way.
There’s no way I’m about to bake for the legend herself.
But sure enough, in walks a very curvy woman with stark white hair, decked out in a lime green cardigan, neon pink shoes, and bright red lipstick. Her smile is wide and perfectly white as she waves with both hands, coming to stand beside our hosts.
“Good morning, y’all. Thank you so much for being here. I can’t wait to see what you cook up for us today!”
Her Southern drawl is thick, her tone smooth as molasses—the kind of voice I could listen to all day. I bite my lip and subtly jog in place when our eyes connect, and she winks my way.
“And not to be outdone by our sassy debutante, we have an icon in his own right, at least in his own mind. Please welcome, Garrett Sloan!”
I’m not familiar with the silver fox who walks in, but his presence alone sucks all the air out of the room. His sharp, discerning gaze sweeps over each of our faces. I shiver, barely breathing, when his eyes meet mine. It’s like being caught in a mousetrap of judgment. When he looks away, I finally exhale.
“Hello everyone. I hope you brought your best, because if you can’t stand the heat, you’ll have no choice but to get out of our kitchen.”
Magnolia lets out a full, booming laugh before turning to Garrett and playfully scolding him. “Oh, honey, let them settle in before you try to scare the daylights outta them!”
Garrett gives a nonchalant shrug, but there’s a quirk to his lips I don’t miss. He might mean business, but he’s having fun.
Good. That’s very, very good to know.
