She stabbed her fork into her pie and tried not to smile. Or look at him.
Why was arguing with him so much fun?
“Just to be clear,” Jack said, grinning from ear to ear, “this is still about a wedding, not the next season ofTop Chef: Passive-Aggressive Edition. You know, not a declaration of war.”
Nate snorted. “With these two? Might be both.”
Daphne stabbed a forkful of shepherd’s pie, refusing to give Finn the satisfaction of seeing how much she enjoyed it. But when she caught his eye again, she saw something beyond the competitive gleam—appreciation, perhaps. Something... else?
“Bless it,” Granny D muttered, refilling her iced tea. “If the sparks get any thicker in here, I’ll need my fan.”
“You know”—Rosemary slid a glance Daphne’s way—“there’s a fine line between competition and courtship.”
“Which trope is that?” Jack scrunched his brow as if he hadn’t just sent Daphne’s cheeks into a broil.
She wanted to strangle everyone at the table and then hide for a thousand years.
But she wasn’t a quitter, so she lifted her glass toward Finn. “May the best chef win.”
Finn met her toast for toast. “To good food and worthy opponents.”
Chapter 8
@TeaThymeNC:Pro tip: When life hands you salt instead of sugar, remember that though some people say revenge is a dish best served cold, I’m thinking warm, with clotted cream, and just the tiniest hint (or a great deal) of cayenne.??#BakerBeware #PlottingInThePantry
Comments:
@TGDPub:I hear salt is underrated in baked goods. Some might even say... essential. Just trying to elevate your flavors, cupcake.
@JackAustenPhotography:Bold of you to show your face here, mate. I suggest witness protection.
@MaggiesFlowerCottage:I knew those scones tasted like the ocean. Bless your heart, Daphne.??
@TeaThymeNC:@TGDPub Oh, you’ve elevated something, all right.
@TeaThymeNC:@JackAustenPhotography Would you mind drafting the obituary? Something tasteful.
PM from @TGDPub to @TeaThymeNC:In all sincerity, I’d only meant to exchange salt in your personal sugar bowl so it would only affect you. NOT your customers.
@TeaThymeNC:And that’s supposed to make me feel better?
@TGDPub:It was only meant to be a windup, luv. I’m not a villain.
@TeaThymeNC:You know, most villains would say something like that.
@TGDPub:Now you’re just trying to make me smile, aren’t you?
@TeaThymeNC:Ending the conversation now.
@TGDPub:Were Ms. Maggie and her friend all right after the salty exchange?
@TeaThymeNC:(insert extra-large sigh): Yes. Thank goodness your little “windup” debacle only impacted two of the sweetest people in Wisteria.
@TGDPub:Besides you, of course.
@TeaThymeNC:Nice try, but the competition is still on.
Of all the things to go wrong, it had to be this.
