The Holiday Swap(31)
“You’re good,” Cass said with a smile. “I just wanted some space from the chaos backstage.” Then she watched him fill the second bottle. “So, you’re here with . . . Sorry, can you remind me of her name again?”
“Jacintha.”
“Right! Are you enjoying yourselves so far?”
“We just got here, and apparently we’re a bit early. Jacintha hates being late, and I just do what she tells me to.” He laughed, but Cass had trouble keeping the smile on her face.
“I should probably get back,” she began.
Miguel capped the second bottle, then gave Cass what she was beginning to recognize as his signature kind and caring expression. “Listen, I don’t want to overstep, but . . . you seem a little stressed. How are you doing?”
Cass laughed weakly. “You’re right. There was a bit of on-set drama this morning. My co-host is . . . Well, let’s just say he’s doing his best to try and make me look bad.” She was aware she’d said too much, and tried to backpedal. “Actually, that’s not entirely true. I’m making myself look bad, I guess. But I’m letting him get under my skin. He keeps bringing up the concussion every chance he gets. He’s trying to undermine me, so he can take the next show away from Char—away from me.” Cass paused to take a breath. “I am so sorry, Miguel. When I invited you here it was not to be my therapist!”
He smiled, his charming bedside manner fully intact. “Head injuries can cause people to act in ways that aren’t typical for them, but that doesn’t seem to be the issue here.”
Cass wondered if pretending to be her twin sister counted as acting in an atypical way.
“Your symptoms haven’t flared, have they?” he continued.
“No, I feel great in that department.” She beamed up at him, trying to radiate health.
“Good. Then I’m not worried about you at all, and I’m the medical professional. Last I checked, that cocky co-host of yours isn’t a doctor, right?” He smiled warmly.
“You always know just the right thing to say to make me feel better,” Cass said, then remembered her dilemma and winced. “As a fan of the show, any chance you have a killer dessert idea you want to share, along with your medical opinion?”
“Seriously? You’re asking me for baking advice? Actually, Jacintha and I have this tradition—Sunday night bake-offs after our weekly family dinner with my parents. And I did just make something pretty delicious.”
Cass smiled even as she was struck with a sudden sense of longing. What would it be like to be with someone who shared your interests?
“This past Sunday we took this old recipe from back when we were kids. My parents are both doctors and were always so busy, but they baked together every Sunday evening like clockwork.” Miguel smiled at the memory. “Jacintha based this week’s competition on who could come up with the recipe’s craziest twist.”
“And let me guess, you won?”
“I did,” Miguel said, with a wink.
He told her about the coconut pie that had been on regular rotation in his house growing up, and how he had adapted it for the contest. When he was done, Cass smiled, caught up in family baking memories herself—and an idea taking shape. She could adapt one of Woodburn’s most beloved recipes and easily salvage the on-set disaster she was dealing with. “I have to run. But you’ve actually really inspired me, Miguel. You’ve given me the perfect idea. Thank you so much.” She waved goodbye and rushed off down the hall.
* * *
? ? ?
“Charlie!” Cass was almost out the door of the network’s building, but hadn’t been able to walk fast enough, evidently. Those high heels weren’t doing her feet any favors. Even back in her canvas sneakers, her feet were achy and tired. She turned at the now-familiar voice.
“Hi, Sasha. Sorry. I meant to check in before I left, but I have an appointment I need to get to.” An appointment with my bed, that is. Plus, she had to get a hold of Charlie. It wasn’t just about needing recipe guidance—at this point she was getting worried about her sister, and the bakery. Priya had said Charlie hadn’t been responding to any of her texts, either. What was going on?
“Have you not been getting my texts?” Sasha asked. She wasn’t even out of breath, despite the fact that she had been practically running to catch up to Cass.
“Oh, sorry. My phone has been, uh, glitchy.” Cass could only assume Charlie’s phone was now filled with texts from Sasha, too. And yet, she still hadn’t responded.
“So, do you have it?” Sasha asked.
“Have what?”
“That bread mask you promised me! You said you’d bring it today, and time is running out for my pre-gala beautification plan.”
Cass slapped her hand against her forehead. “Sasha, I’m sorry. I’ve had so much on my mind. I totally spaced on this.”
Sasha was frowning. “What’s going on, Charlie? Frankly, today wasn’t the best. Arriving looking like something the cat dragged in, clearly not doing your homework, and then taking Austin’s recipe to try and cover your ass . . . Not your best look. You did manage to save the day with that great recipe for sticky toffee date square pudding. But it was too close for comfort. Not what I expect from my star chef who is looking to host her own show. Got it?”