“Don’t get me wrong. It’s delicious, and gorgeous. I could eat both of them right now. But the tastes are mature. You’ve given us a complicated combination. It works from a dessert perspective, but I’m afraid you’ve totally missed the mark for Puppy Love and Paper Roses this round.”

The words cut like swords. “Thank you, chef.” Andrew heard his heart pounding in his head.

Chef Georgie laid one of the nougat rods down on the napkin in front of her. “I agree. It’s as if you didn’t listen to the challenge at all. I think these are lovely. I’d love to have them at my next restaurant opening or gala, so let’s definitely talk. But to serve to children? This would never fly. Not to mention that you served them in a thin glass.” She tapped it with her fingernail. “You don’t have kids, do you?”

“No, ma’am.” Andrew regretted the mistake.

“I didn’t think so. One of these would get broken for sure. What if someone got hurt?”

He hadn’t even considered the glass being a problem for kids. His mind flickered to the days when there were kids’ parties at Main Street Cafe. The running. The laughter. She was so right. He’d blown it.

Andrew’s T-shirt clung to his body under the heavy chef’s jacket. He ran a finger under the collar.

“Chef Collin. What are your thoughts?”

Chef Collin straightened. “Okay. It’s an elaborate dish. It might be a little too over-the-top frou-frou for a kids Valentine’s Day party, but I know my kid would eat it. It’s good. The technique was on point. The paw prints are playful. I’d give you this to take away with you. Listen carefully to the theme of the challenge.”

“Yes, chef,” Andrew said. “Thank you.” He turned and walked off stage as the theme music played.

When he exited the stage door, Lori led him back to his dressing room. He was angry with himself for making the stupid mistake.

“It’ll be fine,” she said.

“Thank goodness it’s a double elimination, or I’d be going home right now.”

“But you’re not. It’s one so-so round. Be flawless the rest of them. I have a feeling you’ve got it in you.” Lori flung the door open to his dressing room and then spoke into her radio. “We’re in the dressing room.”

Over her radio, a crackled voice commanded, “Thank you. Next contestant. Come forward.”

“What was I thinking? I’d have been better off making a simple cupcake.” My training is more mature than this. I’m not going to be able to just pull old recipes out of my hat and execute.

“They just couldn’t appreciate what you made,” Lori said, trying to be supportive.