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Copyright © 2018 by Nancy J. Cohen
“Here they come. Look sharp,” Marla Vail said to her friend, Tally Riggs. The judges headed down the line in their direction. Marla’s heart rate accelerated as they got closer. Being the last two contestants might be a good thing. Tally and Marla’s entries would linger in the judges’ minds more so than the other ten, even if those included chocolate Kahlua cake, blueberry crumble, and plum almond tarts.
“The money raised by the bake-off goes to a good cause,” Tally reminded her. “It doesn’t matter if we win or not.” She stood next to Marla behind a table displaying her lemon bread pudding. Tally brushed a stray blond hair off her model-perfect face. Her tall frame made Marla’s five-foot six-inch height feel short.
“I know, but a ten-thousand-dollar business grant is hard to let go.” Marla wanted to add a bistro to her hair salon and day spa. Winning the prize would allow her to move forward with her plans. But she’d be happier if Tally won. Her widowed friend had yet to reopen her dress shop after the horrific car crash that had killed her husband and put her in the hospital. Despite having generous benefits from Ken’s life insurance policy, Tally could use the money to raise her son and rebuild her business.
“Look at the crowd,” Tally pointed out. “Ticket sales must be good.”
People gathered by the cluster of tables under white tent awnings. From the paper plates and plastic forks in their hands, they couldn’t wait for the judging to end so they could sample the goods. As instructed, both Marla and Tally had brought extra portions.
A strong breeze swept by, lifting the corners of their tablecloths. An early October cold front in South Florida made Marla glad she’d worn a sweater along with jeans and ankle boots. Dry grass crunched underfoot as she shifted her feet. The day had turned out sunny with clear skies for the fall harvest festival at Kinsdale Farms. Located at the western edge of Broward County, the produce farm hosted this event each year. Various businesses sponsored the competitions that entrants applied for months in advance.
One of the judges lingered at table number eight to speak to the caramel-skinned woman there. He must have said something that displeased her, because her mouth thinned and her eyes narrowed. Marla recognized the judge as Carlton Paige, food critic. His pudgy face and rotund figure were hard to miss. Rumor said restaurateurs cringed when he entered their premises. The lady’s response made his lips curl in a sneer before he moved on.
Now only two entrants separated the judges from Marla. She glanced at the women but they were strangers to her. She’d been busy setting up earlier and hadn’t met the other contenders, although Teri DuMond was a familiar face. The chocolatier ran tours at the factory where she sold artisan chocolates. Teri had waved a greeting to Marla before the judging began.
Marla’s breath came short as the judges neared. It was silly to feel so nervous. Nonetheless, she scanned the throng looking for her husband Dalton’s reassuring figure but spied him nowhere. He had entered his own competition for best homegrown tomatoes. That contest awarded a hundred-dollar gift certificate to a plant nursery.
“Number eleven, what is it you have for us?” said the sole female judge in a Southern accent. Marla’s attention whipped forward. The judge wore her bleached hair piled high atop her head like cotton candy. Her rosy lips formed a pout as she regarded Marla with an assessing glance. Huge gold hoop earrings matched the heavy chains around her neck.
“My entry is a coconut fudge pie. You must be Raquel Hayes. I watch your cooking show on TV. It’s an honor to meet you. All of you,” Marla amended hastily.
Tristan Marsh looked down his nose at her. The pastry chef from The Royal Palate made up the last of their trio. He had a thin face with a pasty complexion like the flour he used in his confections. From his slender frame, she surmised he had a fast metabolism, spent a lot of time at the gym, or didn’t taste too many of his own creations.
Carlton Paige, the food critic, picked up a plastic fork and a sample slice of her dish. “God, I hope this isn’t as awful as the last few entries. They tasted like cardboard,” he said in an annoying nasal tone.
Raquel grimaced. “I’ve had my fill of sweets for the day. This one had better be good.”
“None of them can equal my artistry,” Tristan announced. He put a piece in his mouth and rolled it around on his tongue before he chewed and swallowed. His face gave nothing away about his opinion.
“Oh, come on, you can’t expect these amateurs to do anything fancy,” Carlton replied. His brows lifted as he tasted her dessert. Marla took that as a hopeful sign.
“Marla might not be in the food industry, but she’s a great baker,” Tally said in Marla’s defense. “She used to experiment with rare fruit recipes. You’d love her lychee upside-down cake. I told her she had to enter this contest.”
Marla’s cheeks warmed. “Tally likes anything with chocolate. She doesn’t have to worry about her figure like I do. If I didn’t love her, I’d be envious.”
Carlton gave Tally a smarmy onceover. “You’re not too thin, which is a good thing. A man likes a good handful, if you know what I mean.”
“Keep it in your pants, lover boy,” Tristan admonished him. He glanced at Raquel, who’d tasted Marla’s entry. “Well, how do you like it?” The pastry chef’s effeminate gesture matched his manner of speech.
“You know I can’t talk in front of the contestants. You’ll see after the tallies are done. Tally, you get it?” Raquel flicked a glance at Marla’s friend and chuckled at her pun. Her breasts jiggled with her movements.
Dear Lord, this trio of clowns is judging our entries? They seemed less than thrilled to be there. The publicity must be worth it. All of them would benefit from being in the spotlight.
“I don’t have a hope in hell of winning,” said the lady on Marla’s left after the judges departed. All the winners from the various contests would be announced later. “I’m Alyce Greene, by the way.”
Marla admired the woman’s white bomber jacket with silver trim decorating each sleeve. “I’m Marla Vail, and this is my friend, Tally Riggs. It’s our first time doing a bake-off contest.”
“I’m glad to see so many guests. Ticket sales must be brisk. That’ll be great for the Safety First Alliance.”
The non-profit organization educated the public against leaving children and pets in hot cars. Marla had signed up as a volunteer when she’d heard about their cause. “Yes, I understand eighty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the group,” she said. “I wish it could be more, but I suppose the sponsoring company has to make back some of their administrative costs.”
The contestants handed out dessert samples to the crowd that converged on their booths. The guests had each paid a dollar per ticket, which entitled them to one item. Some gluttons descended on the tables with handfuls of tickets.
“What would you two do with the prize money if you win?” Alyce asked Marla and Tally once the mob dispersed.
Each contestant had paid a fifty-dollar entry fee along with the submission of a business plan that included a food component. City council members had vetted the proposals and selected the entrants. Marla felt lucky to be chosen, although she’d entered more due to Tally’s urging than a desire to win.
“I own a salon and day spa,” she replied. “If I had the extra cash, I’d add a bistro menu to my services.”
“And I plan to open a boutique café,” Tally commented. “It’s a hot concept, combining a clothing store with food services. How about you?”
Alyce gave them a wry glance. “I don’t need the funds for myself. I write a popular food blog, and it’s monetized through affiliate ads. My husband owns a food truck operation. I’d pay off his starter loan so he could expand the business.”
“What’s this I heard about funds?” The contestant on Alyce’s other side wandered in their direction.
Alyce frowned at her. “I was just telling them about my food blog. Ladies, have you met Francine Dodger?”
Marla and Tally introduced themselves, while Marla noted similarities between the other two women. Both had brown hair and similar statures. Alyce’s eyes matched her brunette hair color, while Francine had green eyes, but otherwise they shared the same even features.
“I love your hairstyles,” Marla said. “Those pixie cuts look cute on both of you. Where do you get your hair done?”
“We go to the same stylist. It’s Karen at Salon Style,” Alyce replied.
“Are you related to each other?”
Francine darted a glance at Alyce before responding. “If we were, I’d convince Alyce to blog for my publication. I’m the publisher of Eat Well Now magazine.” She shivered in the cool air and wrapped her arms around her chest.
Without a sweater, Francine must be cold in her short-sleeved top. Its purple color along with her green eyes reminded Marla of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
“I’m a subscriber,” Tally said in an eager tone. “I love the Vintage Finds column. That’s my favorite section.”
Marla had heard of the periodical but hadn’t read it. “I like to cook, but my passion is doing hair. My reading tastes lean toward trade journals and hair fashion magazines.”
“What’s the name of your salon?” Alyce asked.
“It’s the Cut ’N Dye. May I give you my card?”
The other women reached into their purses, and they all exchanged business cards.
“You must be freezing in that skimpy top,” Alyce said to Francine. She took off her white bomber jacket. “Here, wear this. You’ll need it to stay warm during the game, but don’t get it dirty or you’ll pay for the cleaning bill.”
“Thanks, it’s colder than I’d expected today.” Francine accepted the jacket and threw it on. “Are you ladies joining the live scavenger hunt?”
Tally gaped at her. “Don’t tell me you’re Find Franny?”
Francine’s mouth split into a grin. “Yep, that’s me. The game is so much fun each year, and Kinsdale Farms has so many places to hide.”
Marla glanced at her watch. They had to load their supplies into the car before participating in other activities.
“We’d better get this stuff cleaned up,” she said. “The kids’ craft corner starts in twenty minutes, and I see the organizers eyeing our tables.”
Alyce and Francine left to clear their spots, while Marla retrieved a large trash bag from her stash of supplies.
“Let’s meet back at the ticket booth,” Tally suggested, stacking the empty paper plates on her table. “We have some free time before the Find Franny game starts.”
“Okay, but I’d like to meet the other contestants before we leave.”
“Let me introduce you to Becky Forest. She’s the person who told me about this competition.” Tally directed Marla over to the woman who had exchanged words with Carlton Paige earlier. She’d just finished loading her plastic containers onto a foldable dolly. “Becky, this is my friend, Marla Vail. Becky is curator of the city’s history museum. She’s in charge of the exhibit detailing early Florida food practices.”
Marla raised an eyebrow. “I haven’t been over there, I’m sorry to say. Tally must love it, though. She’s into vintage cookbooks and the historical details that accompany the recipes.”
The woman’s cocoa eyes sparkled. “I know. Tally is one of my avid fans. I’ve had several cookbooks published, and she’s bought them all. Did you taste my blueberry crumble? It’s one of our original Florida recipes.”
“I’m afraid I didn’t have the chance.”
“Too bad. You should visit the museum. Ask for me, and I’ll give you a personal tour.” Becky handed her a brochure. Silver highlights glinted in her ebony hair as she angled toward the sun.
Marla scanned the information before stuffing the brochure into her cross-body purse. “My husband would enjoy your museum. He watches the History Channel all the time. I’m surprised he hasn’t mentioned it to me before.”
A frown creased Becky’s forehead. “Our publicity budget is so small that many residents haven’t heard about us. If I win today, I’d use some of the prize money for advertising. Oh, there’s Raquel. I have to speak to her before she gets stuck at the judging stand. Please excuse me.” After giving them a nod, Becky hurried off with her wheeled bundle in tow.
“Hey, guys, it’s good to see you again.” Teri the chocolatier meandered over. The blonde looked as perky as when Marla had first met her. She’d entered her chocolate Kahlua cake in the contest.
“What would you do with the prize money?” Tally asked her after they’d exchanged pleasantries. “You already own an artisan chocolate factory with a dessert café.”
“I’d like to start a line of beauty products with cacao as an ingredient. After all, every day is Valentine’s Day when it comes to chocolate.” Teri chuckled at her tag line.
“Good luck with that.” Tally signaled to another contestant. “Marla, you have to meet Gabrielle. She runs a home-based catering service and hopes to expand her business. I’d rather convince her to run the café in my new shop instead. She made the fabulous pineapple torte in today’s entries.” They went through another round of introductions.
Marla greeted the woman whose copper highlights blended in well with her medium brown hair. “I didn’t realize you knew so many people here,” she said in an aside to Tally.
Gabrielle heard her remark. “Tally and I met at a museum talk given by Becky,” she explained in a voice as smooth and sexy as aged whisky. “The curator’s research is so interesting.”
“So I gather.” Marla had been missing out on this gem. She’d have to visit the museum after all these recommendations. A flash of purple caught her attention, and she recognized Francine’s colorful top. “Hey, who’s that hunky guy over there talking to Francine?”
Teri pointed in the man’s direction. “Zach Kinsdale. He’s the eldest brother of the clan that owns the farm. They sell my signature chocolates in their farmers’ marketplace.”
“It’s generous of them to host the festival.” Marla scanned the crowd, searching for her husband. She didn’t spy his tall figure anywhere.
Tally nudged her with an elbow. “Are you kidding? This event is a gold mine for them. Thousands of residents come out every year. It must bring in tons of new customers.”
“That’s true. Look, I’d better find Dalton to tell him we’re entering the Find Franny contest. I’ll connect back with you at the ticket booth. Bye, ladies,” she told the others.
After she’d loaded her supplies into the car, Marla sought her husband. The judging at his homegrown tomato competition had ended, and he’d donated his specimens to onlookers. He stood by his designated table, peering at the crowd through dark sunglasses. A grin lit his face as he noticed her approach.
“How’d it go?” he asked. He cut a handsome figure in his belted blue jeans and tucked-in sport shirt.
Marla’s nerves fired at his proximity as her body responded. “Fine. We met the judges and the other contestants. Tally and I want to join the Find Franny hunt.”
“You go ahead. I’m starving. The barbecue wagon is calling to me.”
“I thought you wanted to pick strawberries when we finished here.”
“It might be better to come back another time when there’s less of a crowd.”
Marla surveyed the fields stretching into the distance. “Not too many folks are out there today. Guess they’re more interested in the fun goings-on.”
“Let’s meet inside the market at four o’clock,” Dalton said in his commanding tone. “Where’s Tally?”
“She’s talking to some people she knows.”
“Too bad she didn’t bring Luke. He might have enjoyed this place.”
The mention of Tally’s baby brought a twinge of longing to Marla’s heart. She’d cared for the infant while Tally was in the hospital and missed him dearly.
“It’s good for Tally to get out on her own and meet new people. It’ll help her heal and accept her loss. When she reopens her dress store, she’ll have even less free time. Besides, she spends hours with Luke already.” Her friend still had to recover psychologically, if not physically, from her hidden wounds.
“She’s checked in with the sitter, hasn’t she?” Dalton asked, a crease between his brows. As a homicide detective, he tended to be suspicious of everyone, especially after the last case that had hit close to home.
“Of course she’s called. Don’t be such a worrywart. With her video monitoring system, Tally can see Luke on her cell phone.” When Dalton opened his mouth to speak, Marla put a finger to his lips. “Don’t say it. If we ever have children, we’ll have to learn to trust someone as well. I’m not going to be glued to the house with a baby.”
His gaze sparked, and he rubbed her belly. “I can’t wait for you to have that choice.”
Marla stepped back. “We have Brianna in the meantime, and she keeps us busy enough.” Her stepdaughter would be a senior in high school next year, and then she’d go away to college. They’d be empty nesters unless Marla got pregnant.
“I’d better see what Brianna is doing, now that you’ve reminded me,” Dalton said.
“Leave her alone, Dalton. She might be driving, and you don’t want to distract her.”
His frown deepened. “Why does that thought upset me?”
“She’ll be fine. You have to let the baby bird learn how to fly.”
As Marla turned away, she realized she had her own issues with letting go. An ache in her chest for Tally’s son hit her hard. She missed his sweet innocence and powdery baby smell. Her gaze fell upon all the couples with strollers at the fair, and she heaved a sigh. It had taken her a long time to consider having children of her own. Now she had to live with her decisions.
The Find Franny game would be a fun diversion. She paid the five-dollar registration fee and received a printed set of rules along with a card divided into eight sections. Gamers had to get each square stamped before finding Francine.
“We have to split up,” Marla said to Tally with a note of disappointment. They’d met up again at the registration table. “This says no teams are allowed. That sucks.”
Tally chuckled. “You should love this game. It will test your sleuthing skills, Marla. You might be the expert in solving murder cases along with Dalton, but I’m good at finding things. I bet I win first place.”
Marla’s heart warmed. Seeing Tally happy was a prize in itself. “Hey, I’ve got this. It’ll be easy. All we have to do is follow the clues. May the best woman win!”
As Tally loped off in another direction, Marla grinned at the challenge ahead. After all, what could be so difficult about a live scavenger hunt?
