Page 3 of Midnight Snack

I pull my phone from my pocket and open my email app. Sure enough there is an email from Brittney Branch. I quickly skim through the details.

“Filming is in two months. Special judge, Ivan Richards, food editor from Texas Monthly.”

“Holy shit!” Gracie says. “If you win, that could put Sugar Bakers on the map with TM. Imagine getting one of the coveted Best in from Texas Monthly?”

“Filming is set in Midnight Texas. Halloween themed. Oh, and my partner is Damien Leblanc.” I look up at my friends. “I mean that probably means he’s French right? He’s probably a famous pastry chef from there.”

“Damien Leblanc?” Gracie repeats.

I show her the email to confirm.

She eyes the screen, then grins so big, it’s kind of creepy.

“Why are you smiling like that. Do you know who he is?”

“Yeah, do you?” Kelsie asks.

Gracie leans over and whispers something into Kelsie’s ear.

“Are you serious?” Kelsie asks.

“Oh yeah,” Gracie says.

Kelsie squeals. “Delicious!”

“Wait, isn’t this also the one where the two contestants have to live together in a cabin or condo or something?” Gracie asks.

“Oh, you’re right. There are usually cameras everywhere but the sleeping areas,” Kelsie says.

“Yes, that’s the one. I don’t know why y’all are being freaks about this. It’s not like we’re going to be sleeping in the same bed.”

Kelsie and Gracie exchange looks, then burst into more laughter.

“Are y’all going to clue me in on the secret?”

“No. It’ll be better for everyone for you to just wait and see.”

“Annoying, but alright. Can you at least tell me if he’s skilled at what he does?”

“Extremely,” Kelsie says.

“You are in so much trouble,” Gracie says. “But I’m so damn proud of you for getting on the show. That’s huge.”

“Thank you.” I hug both of my friends, then Gracie’s words filter through my brain. “Wait, why am I in trouble?”

chapter

two

Caroline

Bake It! production MEMO

From: Amelia Jane, production assistant

To: Rochelle Roberts, show runner