Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck Read Free Book Online Page B

café’s kitchen. A classic competitor, Wenda hated to lose. But as far as he could tell, she was a sincere, true-blue foodie trained in New York and France. The woman was no Cat Cora, but she had mojo. Besides wanting to win, she had an affinity for exercise and plastic surgery.
    â€œLuke, darlin’.” Wenda patted his cheek. “I always win.”
    â€œThere’s always a first time.” He was feeling a bit of his own mojo this morning.
    â€œI’m sorry about your place in Manhattan. I heard the food was lovely.”
    â€œThe restaurant business isn’t for cowards.”
    â€œNeither is the food entertainment business.” Wenda stepped into him, her arms still crossed, batting thick, black eyelashes. “My network, the All Food Network, likes to see me in fun, lively competitions.”
    â€œI can do fun and lively.” Luke understood she was leading him, but where? If he was going to be roped and tied, he’d like to see it coming.
    â€œCertainly, but every once in a while I like an all-out foodie war, you know? A little smashmouth cooking.” Her tone lowered as a dark glint shadowed her gaze.
    â€œFor all the bragging rights?” If she wanted a battle, Luke could step up to the line. He’d welcome the chance to win back some selfrespect he’d lost when he closed Ami’s. Earn the right to keep the title Food & Wine declared over him when he started out: “The chef to watch.”
    â€œIf it were only bragging rights, I’d not make this request. This is about a personal best, hon. The impossible.” The wind lifted the ends of Wenda’s stiff blonde hair as she strained to communicate her message to Luke. “I didn’t come here to rumble with you, Luke.”
    Luke stepped back, the light dawning. “You want to battle Joy Ballard.”
    â€œSo bad I could roll it in batter and deep-fry it. She’s the trailblazing show host, Luke. Her show is fun, entertaining, and witty. She presents great food. And she’s the only host I haven’t competed against.”
    â€œShe says it’s not her thing. Doesn’t fit her brand.”
    â€œIs she still saying that old line?” Wenda tossed her hair when she laughed. “We’ve joked about it for so long she’s actually started to believe it. She knows it’s coming sooner or later. What do you say?”
    â€œWhat do I say?” Luke’s adrenaline shifted energy from enthusiasm to caution. “Nothing. This isn’t my competition to call, Wenda.”
    â€œI’ve cleared things with Helen, and she’s game to let Joy substitute for you. My producers and crew will go nuts. And I’m sure Dining with Joy ’s crew will have cameras rolling. But I won’t leave you out, Luke. I’ll work out some benefit, maybe a promotion for the Frogmore Café. What do you say?”
    â€œDon’t do it, Wenda. Joy doesn’t want to be on this stage. I promise you.”
    â€œOh, but I think she does.” Wenda turned to go. “Just yield the stage, Luke. I’ll make sure it’s worth your while.”
    Watching Wenda go, he pondered her plan. If she manipulated Helen into letting Joy compete after all her protesting at the Frogmore that night a few weeks ago, then who was he to stand in the way? Maybe Wenda was right.
    Who was he to fight for his right to compete? He was trying to gain back his good name, not destroy it.

Six
    At five till four Joy nestled in the cab of a Carolina Carriage. Helen would come looking for her soon, but Joy was determined to stay out of sight until absolutely necessary.
    Alfred agreed to let her sit in his ride until a paying customer came along. A few minutes later his bristled face peered down at her.
    â€œThe big clock is ticking.”
    â€œI can hear it from here.” She pushed out of the carriage, stepping down hard on the pavement. “Thanks,