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“It’s not like you need the money,” Destiny said.
“As Pierre said, the money isn’t what this is about,” she said.
“Everyone, gather around,” one of the producers said. “We are going to get started today and then you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon.”
They listened to what the next challenge was going to be. Not a meal but seven bite-sized appetizers. Seven dishes to perfect. It wasn’t going to be about individual plating this time, but what looked good to the guests on a platter and could be easily picked up and eaten while standing or talking.
The Retreat had weddings and other events like this before. They specialized in them. Grace knew how this worked and hoped it played in her favor.
“Three hours for this,” Pierre said. “Not a lot of time for seven different dishes.”
“No,” Grace said. She was trying to figure this out in her head right now. They were given thirty minutes to plan their menu and she and Pierre were sitting at the table next to each other writing notes.
“When can we see what is available to use?” Destiny asked.
“Part of this challenge is to see if you can adapt,” one of the judges said, walking over while they were making their menu. “You have an idea of what we provide. There may be more or less options or variety. As you know, in a kitchen, food could spoil or not be up to your standards at the last minute.”
Grace held her grin in place. She knew that more than most, living on an island. Pierre winked at her, as he knew what she was thinking. He was in the same situation.
“That’s ridiculous,” Destiny said. “We just send people to the store.”
She rolled her eyes and got back to her menu.
“Five more minutes of planning,” another judge said. “Then the clock starts.”
Pierre looked at her. “How many dishes did you come up with?”
“Fourteen,” she said. “I don’t know what they are giving me. I’ve got a few in the same categories. Some hot, some cold. Fish, chicken, beef, vegetarian. You?”
“The same,” Pierre said. Destiny was further away and trying to see if she could hear what was being said behind the doors in hopes of knowing what food was available in the pantry. “How many do you think she has planned out?”
“Maybe eight,” she said. “I think she’s cocky enough to believe what she is going to do will be there. Maybe she’s playing it safe. I’m not. Not at this point of the game. I’m hoping for some surprises back there.”
“We think alike,” Pierre said. “Let’s hope it’s the right way of thinking.”
And six hours later, Grace was laughing as she let herself into the hotel room. Lincoln was nowhere to be found. Part of her was disappointed, the other part happy he wasn’t sitting here waiting.
She grabbed a change of clothes and went into the bathroom to shower and change. It was just after two and she’d hoped they could relax and then get a nice dinner out tonight.
When she came out of the bathroom ten minutes later, she heard the TV on and looked around the corner to see Lincoln sitting in the chair.
“Hey,” he said. “Sorry I wasn’t here when you got back.”
She noticed the package on the table next to him. “It’s fine. What did you buy?”
“Eli asked me to pick up some kind of taffy or something for Griffin. I have no idea. You know Griffin and his sweet tooth. It’s supposed to be a joke and Eli found out it wasn’t that far.”
“That’s nice. That’s a big bag.”
She walked over and looked inside and saw all sorts of sweets and chocolates in it. “Some is for Egan and Blake. The rest for the pilots too for picking up the slack while I was out.”
“Does Roxy like candy?” she asked.
He lifted an eyebrow at her. “Everyone does. I think it’s the right thing to do.”
“It is,” she said. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to ask that. I’m not even sure where it came from.”
“It’s fine,” he said. “You’re smiling. Did it go well today or are we calling for the jet to go home tomorrow?”
