The Heavenly Baker Read Online Free PDF Page B

all failing dismally. I pray he lets me down gently. I don’t like public scenes.
    He places the beer down in front of me but this time sits down opposite me which I don’t like. Already he’s putting distance between us.
    â€˜I’ve annoyed you, haven’t I?’ I say, chewing on my lip.
    â€˜You have.’
    â€˜I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.’
    â€˜Why do you think Laura invited you up this weekend?’
    â€˜To check my suitability for the new Heavenly Baker baking contest, I presume?’
    â€˜Yes. And do you know how we decided on the criteria for inviting potential contestants?’
    â€˜No, but by the look in your eye you’re about to tell me.’
    â€˜I am.’
    â€˜OK.’
    â€˜We researched bakeries all over the country. We did a lot of background research, then we contacted people to ask for their opinions about the products their local bakers were providing and the service, and do you know what your customers said about you?’
    â€˜You’ve been looking into me?’
    â€˜We looked into hundreds of bakeries. How else were we going to compile a list of contestants?’
    â€˜I suppose that makes sense,’ I muse. When I look back he has his phone in his hand and is surfing the net. It’s really not a good sign.
    â€˜ A fantastic service coupled with truly exquisite cakes. Her cupcakes are the finest I have ever tasted. That quote is direct from a Mrs Ethel Baines.’
    â€˜You spoke to Ethel?’
    â€˜I did, and she was happy to talk all day about how a visit to Little Angels Bakery is the highlight of her week. And there are a lot more to go with that, so you can imagine I wanted to check out the competition.’
    â€˜I’m not your competition,’ I say, shaking my head vigorously.
    â€˜How can you say that? You have no competition in your area. Didn’t the local supermarket try to headhunt you to head up their bakery division?’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜Not once.’
    â€˜That’s true.’
    â€˜How many times have they asked?’
    â€˜A few times, I think.’
    â€˜Does the number seven sound familiar?’
    â€˜It might.’ I cringe. I really, truly don’t want to talk about this stuff.
    â€˜Why can’t you see how amazing you are?’
    â€˜You don’t know anything about me!’ I retort. ‘You’re not qualified to say that.’
    â€˜I’m not. But I have it on good authority that you are and I’d really like to find out for myself.’
    â€˜Oh!’
    â€˜So yes, you annoy me when you put yourself down. Your screen test today was amazing. You weren’t expecting to go in front of a live television audience and you really didn’t have to.’
    â€˜It would have been rude to say no. You did invite me, after all.’
    â€˜And that, I think, might be the essence of you right there. You’ll go to any lengths to help people but you don’t help yourself. You had to rely on your friend to send your application in but it should have been you. You’re a natural in the kitchen.’
    â€˜I feel safe there.’
    â€˜Then promise me that you’ll enter the competition and you will believe you are good enough to win.’
    â€˜I can’t promise that,’ I say.
    â€˜Why can’t you?’
    â€˜Because it’s too much pressure, but I will promise you that if you ask me to enter then I will do the job to the best of my ability and that’s all you can really ask of me.’
    â€˜It’s a deal,’ says the Heavenly Baker and I see that smile return and it really is a heart breaker. How many girls have succumbed to that smile – and do I really want to know?
    â€˜Now, about that photo?’ he enquires.
    â€˜I can’t ask.’
    â€˜No, silly. I’m asking you.’ Holding out his phone, he snaps me sitting across the table holding up my beer. It feels