They zipped right by the door where Kelly had finished her first round earlier this afternoon, then stopped in front of a set of double doors with the Four Square Cooking Show logo on them. A man with a clipboard checked off something on a sheet and let them in. Martin Schlipshel and the judges were already there.

I’ve got this. She raised her chin, set a smile on her face, and walked inside, but just as she did she caught a glimpse of two people rushing down the hall. For a second her brain told her she’d seen Andrew, but by the time she turned, they were around the corner. Her imagination had to be in overdrive. No distractions. This is my big shot. Don’t blow it now. She balled her fists and then shook out her hands.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five

“I’m Kelly. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to bake for you,” she said to Martin and the judges.

“We’ve already introduced the judges for the show, so I’ll just do an impromptu intro for you. We won’t be filming that. Then I’ll get you to stand on the blue X. They’ll check the lighting and when they say action, we’ll be rolling.”

“Okay.”

He quickly went through the introductions, and everyone was so relaxed and welcoming. It really put her at ease.

“Places, everyone,” a voice came from above.

Kelly took her position on the blue X.

“Action.”

Martin paused for a two-count then started with, “What have you prepared for our judges this round, Kelly?”

She clasped her hands in front of her to keep from using them when she spoke. “I’ve prepared a fiftieth wedding anniversary Flourless Chocolate Cake with a Spicy Mexican Frosting. I made almond flour with the almonds, and integrated the chocolate into both the cake and frosting. I pulverized the conversation hearts into sugar and used that in the cake as well. The cayenne peppers are highlighted in the spicy frosting and as flowers in the plate garnish. The golden fifty on top represents the traditional gift of gold for that wedding anniversary.”

“Thank you, Kelly.”

The three judges dove into the dessert.

She watched their facial expressions. No one seemed to be grabbing for water, always a good sign when it came to using peppers in food.

“Let’s start with Chef Georgie,” Martin said.

“Thanks, Martin.” Chef Georgie pushed her long dark hair over her shoulder. “Kelly, you’ve given us a wonderful dessert that seems rich and special enough for fifty years of marriage.”

The way Chef Georgie rolled her R’s made “marriage” sound like the most beautiful thing in the world.

“The flourless cake is ultra-rich and delicious. I love the crunchy top, and I can taste the teeniest hint of the fruity conversation hearts in the chocolate. The frosting is perfectly spicy. It’s lovely.”