“Are these the entries?” Steph asked as she entered.
“Yes. I’m going to let them cool and then decorate.” Her stomach fluttered. “I’m nervous as hell. My best friend came down this morning and surprised me. I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s going to make sure I look like a million bucks.”
“Today is your day. I can feel it,” Steph said.
“From your mouth to God’s ears,” Rosaleen whispered.
“You go get beautified. I’m going to get the shop in opening condition. I think we’re going to be packed with people. The Pumpkin Bake Off is a huge deal, and you’re the star picked to win it all. They know you’ll be making your entries here so they’ll be trying to catch a glimpse.”
“Whatever brings them in, I’ll take it,” she said, waving as she walked upstairs.
HER HEART KNOCKED IN her chest as she drove down the street with Julie at her side, cradling the pumpkin bread like it was an infant.
“Don’t forget to breathe. You got this,
boss lady.”
“I got this.” She nodded as they pulled into the parking lot.
“No, we’re going to walk in there like we’re the Mikaelsons from The Originals, and everyone is beneath us, darling,” Julie said with a British accent.
Laughing, she shook her head. “I couldn’t do this without you.”
“You could. I’m just making it a more colorful experience.” Jules winked. “Now come on, Pumpkin Queen, it’s time to let them know you’ve arrived to ascend to the throne.”
“Girl, you’ve been reading too many historical romances.”
Julie snorted. “Girl, this is my Game of Thrones speak.”
Exiting the car, they made their way into the community center where they were intercepted by volunteers.
“Welcome, Rosaleen. We’re so happy you decided to join us this year.”
“I’m excited to be a part of it.”
“To keep things fair, the judges won’t know who has baked what. The room is clear, and we’ll place it onto a glass pedestal. At nine-fifteen the judges will come in, sample, deliberate, and make their final judgment, which they will announce at ten. Then the next deadline for the pumpkin roll will be due at one o’clock. Good luck.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. Now the only thing left to do was wait and bake.
“Do you ever feel like you need a drink but you know you can’t have it?” Rosaleen asked.
Julie laughed. “Oh, yeah.” Julie linked their arms. “Come on. I’ll keep your brain occupied.” Relinquishing her baby and hoping for the best had her fit to be tied. What if something happened on the way to the pedestal? Would they like it? Her brain filled with a dozen questions she couldn’t answer. Pausing in front of the door, she found herself staring at Alaric through a glass.
“Hello, Captain America,” Julie whispered.
Alaric opened the door. “Hi.”
“Hi, Alaric. This is my best friend, Julie. She came in from Cincinnati to cheer me on. Julie, this is Alaric.”
“Nice to meet you, Alaric,” Julie said grinning.
“Likewise.”
His mother cleared her throat. “And this is my mother, Mrs. Bulley.”
“Mrs. Bulley, it’s nice to meet you.” Julie nodded.
“You as well,” Mrs. Bulley said. No Joan today I see. “We should get our– your entry in, Alaric.”