The kitchen was stocked with an industrial-sized mixer and two large ovens. The shiny silver wire racks that made up the pantry were nicely stocked and organized by type. One held nothing but bowls, tools, and baking pans, where another held spices and more sugary confections than he’d ever laid his eyes on in one space. The refrigerator had a glass front. He’d be able to quickly find what he’d need.

“What do you think?”

“I’m used to working in the finest restaurant in all of France, and this will do very nicely.”

A man in the hall was talking about product-placement shots he needed in tomorrow’s filming.

Andrew stared at the pantry, but his ears were totally tuned in to what was going on in the hall.

“…and Mark was just telling us that since they’re not going to film another season of Charlie’s show, they’re thinking about picking up the winner of this for a special or two. It could work into something new.”

“That would be good. Charlie was so hard to work with. I can’t imagine having to drag that through another season.”

“You and me both.”

The door closed, and it was completely silent. The kitchen was definitely soundproof. Even the banging and squeaking of the equipment being moved up and down the hall had disappeared.

He’d been flattered to be invited to the competition, but things had just gotten way more interesting.

When he’d left Paris, he’d been thinking that if he won, he’d invest the $100,000 into Francois’ newest restaurant. It was a safe investment that would surely make a nice return. Or he could invest in the one opening in Mykonos, and hopefully that would help ensure him getting to work in that restaurant for a while. It would be quite an experience to cook for the rich and famous, and play with them too.

But now, after his visit home, he had to really consider the opportunity to open a restaurant in Bailey’s Fork and further foster his relationship with Dad. Was there any chance Kelly might let him back into her life? From what he could see, all she had was that pig. There hadn’t been a single sign of a guy in her life. His mom’s words replayed in his head. Fight to get her back.

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Kelly walked Sara one more time through all of Gray’s routines. “Thanks so much for staying here while I’m gone.”

“You’d do the same for me,” Sara insisted.

“Except you have a well-behaved beagle. I have a pig.”

“You’ve trained him better than most dogs,” Sara said. “It’ll be fine. I’m not worried at all.”

Am I crazy leaving like this? Her head swam. “I can’t believe this is happening.”