Chapter 6 #2
“Councilwoman Crowhart sure does. No tilting at windmills for her. I’ve been watching her work the Town Council for months now. It’s been…an interesting experience.”
Paloma’s smile was razor-sharp, and Deryn’s chest swelled with pride.
“You are right that she works the Council, rather than works on the Council. She did the same back when we were children with our endearing, but still very dysfunctional, family.”
“I have a lot of respect for your sisters, Ms. Crowhart. And I find myself siding with your even more esteemed aunt on the ham incident. So, why do you need my kitchen?”
Deryn stood up and joined Paloma at the windows.
The island was entirely engulfed in darkness now, the little dots of lights blinking on and off in the distance.
She placed her fingertips on the glass, its cold surface centering her.
She caught Paloma’s glance as the woman slowly dropped her own hand, which had been propped nearby.
“My career depends on visibility, Ms. Allende. And my social media is my channel to gain said visibility when I’m not filming or doing exhibitions.
I post three or four recipes a week. I can’t do it from Ceridwen’s kitchen, even if she’d allow me the privilege.
It’s an intimate place, a personal one, and she deserves that sanctuary to be protected.
Rhiannon lives with Prudence now, so…” Deryn shrugged.
The little apartment on top of the bookstore was too small anyway, not to mention how it now housed not just her sister and her fiancée but also a possum and a cat.
Who were nesting. Deryn decided to follow her own advice and not bring up anything about the queer critters.
Her family was weird enough to adore it. The rest of the world? Maybe not.
“Your twin sister has a magnificent kitchen at the Brew, Ms. Crowhart.”
Ah, well. Damn.
Deryn’s mind scrambled for something, anything but the truth of why she really couldn’t use Seren’s café. Nor live in Seren’s house.
Mother’s house.
Paloma turned to face her fully, and something in that gaze shifted, taking pity on Deryn.
“In any case… A professional kitchen for a few hours daily?”
“Yes.” Deryn grabbed the lifeline with both hands.
“What were you prepared to offer in exchange?” Paloma hesitated for a second before continuing. “Before Mr. Vesely introduced you as my girlfriend?”
“A regular guest appearance on your menu. I bake enough to feed a considerable number of people. I am aware you are undertaking a soft opening. Perhaps my name on your marketing materials as the guest pastry chef once a week, with exclusive offerings, would entice more guests? I could coordinate with your house chef, and if a recipe becomes a favorite, train your pastry sous?”
“That’s certainly generous, Ms. Crowhart.”
“Is that a yes? I’m aware that I am not asking for a lot, and I’m also aware that my offer is, as you called it, generous.
But I am rather desperate, and from what Ceridwen tells me, your kitchens are spectacular.
I could really use something like that for the next few months that I’m on the island. ”
“You’re staying for the next few months?” Paloma’s eyes were hooded, shadowy. Deryn could swear she saw apprehension in them.
Oh, well, did you think she’d rejoice?
“Yeah. I mean, I honestly don’t know. Ceridwen…
” Deryn trailed off, amazed at how easy it was to talk to this woman, whom she might know in the biblical sense but who was actually a virtual stranger.
And yet, this was the longest conversation she had held with anyone outside her family in…
weeks? She suddenly felt quite pathetic.
“Yes. I plan to stay for a few months. Maybe six. That’s my absolute limit. I filmed the next season of Bake Your Heart Out, and once it premieres, I am expected to do considerable promo. And I’m certain new offers will come my way as well.”
“Ah, you won, then.” Paloma’s smile was sly, obviously delighted with herself at catching Deryn’s slip.
“Would you believe me if I said I didn’t?”
“No.” Paloma turned away from her and walked to the door of the office. “Something tells me you don’t lose baking competitions, Ms. Crowhart. Will this be your third? Fourth? Impressive.”
Deryn felt her chest expand and her heart stutter. She didn’t know what she felt. She didn’t even know what Paloma was saying. Was it the certainty in her? The surety of her skill? Her acumen?
Paloma was almost across the room when she spoke again, without turning this time.
“You can use my kitchen, Ms. Crowhart.”
Her step faltered, and Deryn knew immediately where her mind went.
“You can use me…”
Okay then.
Paloma recovered quickly, however, and reached the door in two more steps. Deryn hated to put another hitch in that stride, but she liked the view so much and was not yet ready to be deprived of it.
“So, will you tell me why you need a fake girlfriend? Since I assume it’s not to prove anything to the loudmouth who dared to insult you earlier.”