“And did you?”
I hesitate, not trusting his line of questioning. Is the plan to corner me into admitting Alex is the only reason I was able to move forward?
“Eventually.”
Joe nods like he’s waiting for me to go on.
When I don’t, he presses harder.
“You went to Alex.”
My fingers curl together in my lap.
As always, this is a sidestep into talking about Alex. Every time the production team pulls me, the conversation circles back to him. Which isn’t surprising since he’s one of the best bakers in the tent, but it’s odd they only seem to want to talk about him. I need to choose my words strategically.
Be smart, Taylor.
“He noticed I was panicking.”
“And you trust him?”
I glance toward the tent without thinking, already knowing I can’t see inside from here. “I trust his read on dough.”
Joe tilts his head, eyes glinting. “Just on the dough?”
Heat rises up my neck. The look in Joe’s eyes and his underlying tone put me on edge. It’s almost as though he’s trying to lead me into a conversation I have no intention of participating in.
“He’s always very poised and calm. I’m not always calm, so his perspective helps.”
There’s a beat of silence before Joe clears his throat.
“Do you worry that leaning on him could hurt you in a technical? It’s supposed to be every baker for themselves.”
“We’re all competitors. But we’re also human. If I can give someone a tip, and it doesn’t cost me anything, I will. I’d hope they’d do the same.” I swallow hard, knowing Alex has saved me more than once by now.
“Even if it’s your biggest competition?”
“Especially then.” I smile faintly, raising an eyebrow at the camera. “If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.”
“If it came down to you and Alex in the finale… who deserves it more?”
The question lands heavier than the others. He was saving this one for the end on purpose.
“I don’t think baking works like that,” I say carefully. “On any given day, one of us could have the better bake. That doesn’t mean the other doesn’t deserve it.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
My gaze snaps to Joe’s, and all I see is cool indifference where warmth used to live. He isn’t usually this pushy. What’s his problem?
“I deserve to be here.” I inhale slow through my nose. “But, so does he.”
Behind the camera, Cameron checks his watch. Joe follows the movement with his eyes, then looks back at me. “We’ll only keep you a few more minutes.”
My gaze flicks toward the tent again.
“My loaf’s in the oven, I’ll need to get back and uncover it soon.”
“You’ve got time,” he reassures me smoothly. “How are you feeling about your bake overall?”
