Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
I can probably take Emily out of the running since she hasn’t given me the time of day since the first night. Then again, I haven’t looked her way much either.
Yeah, I’m fucked.
The whole idea was to get to know all of them and click with one.
And right now? With June and Misty out of the running for me, I’m left with three.
I give a silent thank you when Chef Pierre interrupts my racing thoughts.
“Ladies and gentlemen”—he clinks on his glass for the umpteenth time—“I hope you all enjoyed this gourmet meal. I know I did. Chefs Katie and Marc are passing out our secret ballots along with pens. Please pick your favorite dish. Pick only one, or your vote will be thrown out. Again, I ask that you judge each dish on its own merits. It’s not fair to judge a dessert against a vegetable, after all. Think about which dish you enjoyed most compared to other dishes of its kind. Make your selection, and then please fold your paper into quarters. A staffer will be by to collect them in a moment.”
I look around. “Where’s Evie?” I ask River. “Shouldn’t she be doing this instead of Chef? It was all her idea.”
“She’s not feeling well,” River says gruffly.
“Again?” I shake my head. “What the hell is going on with her?”
“You think I know?” River looks down at the paper Marc slid in front of him. He picks up his pen and makes a mark.
“That was quick,” I say.
“I know what I like,” is all he says.
I pick up my pen and make a check mark next to the dessert. Is it a better dessert than the jerk chicken was an entrée? Than the callaloo was a vegetable? Hell if I know. I fold the paper into quarters and shove it into the bowl when the staffer walks by.
A few minutes later, Chef Pierre dings on that damned glass again. “The votes are in, ladies and gentlemen. Each of you got one vote, as did each chef who worked on the meal tonight. Before I announce the winner, I want to thank Chefs Katie and Marc and guest Chef Desi once more for their hard work tonight. This event was put together at the last minute, and you all did amazing jobs.” He begins clapping.
We all join in.
“You should all be proud of what you’ve accomplished,” Pierre continues. “This meal was worthy of the finest restaurants in the world. Let’s also thank our brilliant sommelier, Brian, for his excellent wine choices.”
More applause.
Normally this kind of ass-kissing to everyone involved would get on my last nerve, but every minute that Chef talks is more time until I have to break the news to Riv about the break-in, so I’m game for all of it.
Chef continues speaking until the French doors open, and out walks Evie.
Damn.
She looks like she’s been run over by a truck.
But she smiles and touches Chef’s arm.
“Ah, here’s the woman of the hour herself,” Chef says. “Evangeline, I have the winner here.” He hands her a paper.
“Thank you, Chef,” Evangeline says. “Before I announce our winner, I want to remind all of you that the woman who wins will get a date with the gentleman of her choice tomorrow evening. I’ll be planning something else for the rest of you. Originally, Sebastian was scheduled to perform tomorrow evening, but that has been postponed until the evening after.”
All gazes turn to me, and I wave. “I’ll make it worth the wait. I’ve got a new number to debut.”
Heather meets my gaze, her dark-blue eyes twinkling. “I can’t wait!”
My heart bumps against my chest. Man, I like her a lot. But she and Alex were flirting up a storm while they were cooking, and I’ve got to say that sweet potato stuff was delicious.
For the love of God, I’m a billionaire rock star. Why in hell am I acting like a high-school boy with a crush?
Evangeline takes the paper Chef gave her. “Also, I haven’t forgotten that Emily and June also have dates since they weren’t chosen in the drawing yesterday, and Ariel and Emily have lunches with Sebastian and Brett, respectively, since they won the Blind Man's Bluff game. I assure you that everything will happen as soon as I get our schedule up to date.” She unfolds the paper in her hand. “I hope you know that you’re all winners. These dishes were all spectacular.”
Did she even try any of the food? She didn’t show up until we were finished.
“Brett, it’s nice to have you back with us,” Evie continues. “And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for.” She eyes the paper. “It looks like we had a very close race, but the winner is—”
EPISODE 109
FOR REAL THIS TIME
Emily
Evangeline opens the paper and scans it. “Looks like we had a very close race, but the winner is—”