The shock on her face, a stark white against her flushed cheeks, should have felt like the triumphant rise of a perfectly made soufflé, but her betrayal scorched the satisfaction from his heart.
This whole adventure was a big mistake.
Ava stood rooted to the ground as Zach flung incredible accusations at her. Too many of them were landing in the soft places of her heart. In the silence after his last verbal volley, she looked around to see a semicircle of people around them.
“We’re destined to fight in front of crowds, I guess.” But her attempt at humor didn’t land. He still glowered at her. She let the half smile she’d pasted on drop to the ground.
His wordsI wish I’d never kissed youechoed in her ears.
“As far as not knowing how to cook, I trusted you with that information and you practically shouted it to everyone in earshot.” She blinked rapidly against the stinging in her eyes. “You said you feel like everyone always betrays you—maybe it’s because you treat them like this.” She jabbed a finger in hissternum. “I never did any of those things you’re accusing me of. At least, not the crazy-talk ones.” He leaned away from her, so she moved closer to him. “Yes, I wrote some things in my notebook, yes, I gave that other person some paprika. But I can’t believe you’d think I’d actually sabotage everything just for an article.” Her breath came in short gasps. “Maybe you really are the person I always thought you were.”
Zach wrung out a washcloth and began wiping down the table. “I guess both of our eyes are being opened today.”
“Hey, is everything all right here?” Ollie stood on the other side of the table, Eliza beside him. They both wore matching expressions of worry and concern. “Ava, you okay? Zach?”
“We’re fine, Oliver.” Zach’s growl wasn’t very convincing.
“Ava, do you need me to take him out for you?” Ollie started coming around the table.
“I’m fine, Ollie.” His concern for her was sweet, especially as he was Zach’s brother and should, by rights, be on his side.
“She doesn’t need you to defend her,” Zach said.
Ava straightened. “What I don’t need is another person in my life who doesn’t know me and doesn’t want me.” She untied her apron and threw it at the ground near his feet.
Behind her, a crowd ringed around them. Dani pushed her way through until she stood between them.
“What is going on here?” Color was high on Dani’s cheeks.
“Ava—” Zach said.
“Are you going to accuse me again?” Something red-hot flared through her chest.
“No. Don’t say anything.” Dani cut her hand through the air. “This was completely unprofessional, Zach. You’re disqualified. Third place now goes to the first runner-up.” A murmur rippled through the crowd. Dani shook her head and turned away.
Ava raised her chin. “I guess that’s my signal to leave.”
Zach’s shoulders heaved. He froze. Blinked. Opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He ran a hand through his hair. “Ava. Wait. I—I had some bad news and I’m reacting poorly.” He reached out a hand to her. “Let me explain. Please.”
Bad news? She’d give him bad news. “Goodbye, Zach.”
Weaving her way through the crowd, she beelined for the exit. A few people gave her an “Attagirl” as she passed by.
She broke free of the cooking tent and headed straight for the hotel. If she was lucky, she could make it there before the tears started falling.
She was moving so fast, she almost didn’t see Mia. The young woman had Finn by one hand and held Cody’s with the other. Cody held Maggie in his arm.
“Ava!” Mia’s call stopped Ava in her tracks. “I thought I’d find you here. I know the contest must have just ended.”
“We had hoped to be there, but the kids got restless,” Cody said. “We ended up finding corn dogs and walking around.” Maggie patted Cody on the head.
“I’m sorry we missed it,” Mia said. “How did you and Zach do?”
Ava’s heart seized. “We took third.” And lost everything.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Or congratulations?” Mia’s brow furrowed. “Third is good, right? Even if it’s not first, at least you placed.”
Try telling that to Zach. But Mia didn’t need to know the humiliation Ava now felt. “Third is good, but we’re disappointed not to have won the money for the Silver Platter.” That was an understatement, but again, Mia didn’t need someone to rain on her apparently perfect day.
