The woman shifted her stance and frowned. “Jesse?”
“Tall”—Molly waved a hand above her head to make her point—“broad shoulders, wavy brown hair.”Perfect teeth.
She appeared confused. “I’ll see who I can find.” She turned and stepped into the rear of the store. It had a one-way mirror that overlooked the front counter, and as Molly checked her reflection in the glass, a shiver ran down her spine. Was Jesse back there watching her from his position in the kitchen?
The woman returned what seemed like minutes later. “I’m sorry, but the boss isn’t here right now. Can I pass on a message, love? What’s your name?”
The boss?Molly hesitated. Should she give her name? Perhaps not. “Thanks, but I’ll catch him some other time.”
Back in her car, Molly rested her hands on the steering wheel, her sight focused on the ocean across the boardwalk as her heartbeat slowed. Doubt crept in. Had she acted too hastily? What good would confronting him do? And now, with Jesse unavailable, maybe a rethink was in order.
She’d just pulled into her driveway when CeCe texted to say that Luka had been called into work and extending a pizza-and-dessert invitation. Molly smiled at how, after a shitty day, that particular combo sounded perfect.
Carter Bay Road was only a short drive from the CBD, but with every home in the area built on an acreage, it had a country feel to it that Molly loved.
With a container of home-baked brownies in one hand and a bottle of red in the other, Molly walked straight in through the open entry door, down the hallway, and into the family room.
“Your timing’s perfect.” CeCe leaned in for a hug. “Pizza’s in the oven.”
“Yum. I’m starving.”
They chatted about their day, Molly trying to erase Jesse Sinclair and her visit to the patisserie from her mind. By the time they sat down to eat, she’d almost succeeded.
“Oh, I forgot. I have something for you.” CeCe rose from the table and grabbed a flyer from the sideboard.
Molly wiped her hands on her napkin, took the offered leaflet, and scanned its contents. “The Clifton Falls Wine and Food Festival, Petrie Park Bake-off. Sounds great. Are we going?”
CeCe sat down again. “It would be rude not to since Lime Tree Hill’s a major sponsor. And…” She inhaled deeply. “We were wondering if you’d consider being a contestant.”
“What, in the bake-off?” Molly took another bite of pizza, savoring the fresh taste of mozzarella and basil on her tongue. “And who’s we? You and that brother of yours?”
“He knows how much you love to bake. And it’s only two days. He’s going to call you about it, but I wanted to give you a heads-up. You know how persuasive Mitch can be.”
Wasn’t that the truth? Mitch, CeCe’s older half-brother, and his wife, Tayla, owned Lime Tree Hill, one of the largest citrus fruit operations in the district. An all-around good guy, Mitch knew how to get what he wanted with little more than a smile.
“Is Tayla entering? She’s a great baker.”
“Not this time.” CeCe pressed a finger to her lips and smiled. “She’s been a tad peaky lately.”
Molly leaned back in her chair and appraised her cousin’s amused expression. “What? No way. She’s pregnant again?”
“Did I say that? I did not say that. You’re putting words into my mouth.”
“You’re useless at keeping secrets.”
“But they’re safe with you.” CeCe grinned and sipped her wine. “Anyway, getting back to the bake-off. Thoughts?”
“Is it my kind of thing—a baking contest?”
“Course it is. It’s a great way to get your name out there too, you know, in case you want to go freelance later.”
“Yes, good point.” Molly ran her gaze over the flyer again. “The proceeds go to charity. That’s a plus.”
“I watched it last year. They attach a huge tent to the main kitchen of the Culinary Institute, and the judges were hilarious. And you should see the setup—it’s just likeMasterChef.”
Molly looked up. “Will you do it with me?”
“Pfft. Don’t be ridiculous! You know banana muffins are about my limit. So, are you in?”
