by Susan Willis
As David moved on to talk to Thomas she relaxed and happily hummed a tune to herself while she prepared the remainder of the ingredients. It was different baking here than at home but she was quickly getting used to the area, equipment and ovens. She did, however, think longingly of her own new kitchen she’d had installed last year – it had taken a large amount of the money from the divorce settlement. But its sleek, smooth lines, with an eye-level double oven and a shiny red island based in the centre were worth every penny. It had been her dream kitchen that she’d always wished for and she’d laughingly told Susan that she was now happier with her new kitchen than she had ever been with her ex-husband.
Suddenly, she looked up to see David approaching her bench followed by the camera. Remembering the tape on the floor she shuffled her feet into the correct position while opening a bar of chocolate and took a deep breath, determined to look good while she was being filmed.
‘So, Nicola. You’re making us a chocolate torte with a salted caramel sauce?’ David asked. ‘Can you explain to the viewers what chocolate you are using.’
‘Yes,’ she said smiling at him. ‘I find to achieve a rich chocolate flavour it’s best to use a high percentage of cocoa solids in the chocolate and the best I’ve ever found is this Lindt Excellence. It has 90% and is a very good quality.’
David quizzed. ‘Hmm, and are you ever tempted to sneak a piece while you’re baking?’
She began to break the bar into pieces and drop them into a heavy bottomed saucepan. ‘Oh, no,’ she giggled. ‘That wouldn’t be the mark of a serious baker…’
‘Okay – well done,’ he said walking away and heading back towards the front of the room.
She looked across at Simon, who winked at her in encouragement, while she placed the saucepan over a gentle heat. Adding the sugar and butter she began to stir occasionally until it was all melted and then with a hand whisk she stirred in the salt, flour and eggs, one by one until the mixture was smooth. She spooned the mixture into the tart tin and placed it carefully in a roasting tin of hot water, then making sure the water level was one centimetre below the top she slid it slowly into the oven.
It was at this stage that she realised she didn’t have a timer on her bench and spotting one lying on the spare bench at the front of the room she walked towards it just as David and the camera had stopped in front of Gemma.
Nicola set sixty minutes on the timer and then stood to the side making sure she was out of camera range to watch Gemma and David film. Instead of tying the long apron around her neck she noticed Gemma had only tied the apron around her waist which meant the halter neck top was visible to the viewers. Hmm, she mused, was this done on purpose? And if so, maybe simple sweet Gemma was much cleverer than she made herself out to be. She could of course, be hoping to find a new boyfriend when the programme was broadcast and aiming to draw attention to her obvious attributes.
While they were filming, Gemma began to talk about her strawberry cupcake recipe and how she taught it to the children at school. Vigorously, she began to cream the butter and sugar together. ‘I want it to be light and fluffy,’ she smirked into the lens of the camera.
Nicola watched in horror as David ogled and stared at Gemma’s breasts as they quivered and jiggled around with the action of the whisk. She too was captivated by the perfection and movement of them and then shook herself, incensed with resentment. David’s eyes seemed to be standing out on stalks as if he was in some type of trance and she noticed saliva collect in the corner of his mouth. She saw his Adam’s apple move up and down in his throat as he swallowed hard before he actually licked his lips in anticipation.
‘They’re going to be absolutely delicious,’ he muttered, and angrily Nicola wondered if he meant the strawberry cupcakes or Gemma’s breasts.
This, Nicola thought walking back to her bench, could be seen as a definite unfair advantage to the rest of the bakers. They’d been told that there would be an extra surprise judge at the final and she hoped that whoever it was would be female. Because even if she didn’t make it through, it would at least give the other bakers a fairer chance against Gemma’s glorious chest and legs.
The camera stopped filming and David went straight to the older woman at the front. Gently, he put an arm along her shoulder and walked her towards the door where one of the crew took over and she disappeared out of the room. David explained to everyone that the lady had decided to drop out of the competition because she was suffering with a migraine and felt the pressure and tension was too much for her.
Nicola nodded to herself in understanding and rubbed the back of neck – she knew how stressful it was becoming but at the same time she loved the challenge. As she reached for another saucepan, it dawned on her just how much she really wanted to win the bake off. Having to go home at this stage and not make it through to the final, she knew, would be dreadful.
David shouted into the camera, ‘BAKERS, YOU HAVE ONE HOUR LEFT.’
Forcing herself to concentrate Nicola weighed out the salt, brown sugar, whipped cream and butter to make her caramel sauce. She heard the director tell David that as they were now one contestant fewer he needed to return to her bench so once again she stood on the gaffer tape on the floor.
Before he reached her with the camera she bent down to check her chocolate torte through the glass door of the oven and then popped back up surprising him with a big grin. They talked through the method while she made the sauce on the hob, whisking all the ingredients together and bringing the sauce to boil, then simmering, before lastly adding the vanilla essence. She hoped she was portraying a professional and capable impression to the viewers that would get her through to the final because it was all she could think about now. And, she thought excitedly, success would also mean being in David’s company for another week.
With her chocolate torte cooling and the sauce ready she heard David call out, ‘BAKERS, YOU HAVE FIFTEEN MINUTES REMAINING.’
She scattered cocoa powder on the top of the torte and placed it onto a round serving plate and then cut a triangular wedge cleanly with a sharp knife to examine the centre. She poured the sauce into a separate small glass bowl with a spoon and glanced across to Simon, who was carefully placing his pie onto a serving plate.
‘BAKERS, YOUR TIME IS UP PLEASE STEP AWAY FROM YOUR PUDDINGS,’ David called and she breathed a sigh of relief, before carrying the torte and sauce down to the presentation table. She’d done her very best, she thought, joining the others on the line of stools and she could only pray it would be good enough for the final. It looked equally as good as Simon’s lemon meringue pie and Gemma’s strawberry cupcakes, she reasoned, but it was David’s opinion that counted.
David began this time with her chocolate torte and salted caramel sauce. He lifted the wedge she’d cut and put it onto a small plate and then dolloped a spoonful of sauce onto the side. With a forkful of torte dipped in the sauce he put it into his mouth and chewed.
His shoulders sank and he moaned in delight then grinned at Nicola. ‘The texture is compact and moist – just as it should be. And, although most people would serve a chocolate torte with cream, this really is quite delicious,’ he crooned. ‘The rich flavour of the dark, smooth chocolate and salted caramel blend perfectly together.’
Not realising she’d been holding her breath she let it out slowly, sighing with relief while he moved onto Thomas and his gooseberry summer pudding. After tasting this he told Thomas the gooseberries had been overcooked and were too slushy which made the pudding wet but it had been a valiant attempt and the flavours were quite good.
In Nicola’s opinion the appearance of Simon’s pie was perfect and if it tasted as good as it looked, she hoped David would give him a good review.
David said, ‘The white meringue is perfectly peaked and the lemon filling has just the right amount of lemon to suit my palate, although some people might prefer more tang. My only comment about this bake is for the semi-final you could have been a little more creative a
nd given it a twist with the addition of some other citrus, perhaps? Or used a different theme. But it is very good…’
‘And now our cupcake girl,’ David said examining Gemma’s strawberry cakes arranged perfectly on the plate.
The small paper cases were pink with white hearts and the top of each individual cake had a thick cream swirl with half a fresh strawberry in the side. Nicola had to be fair because they did look excellent but if she compared them to other cupcakes in bakers’ shops – she had seen more elaborate decorations. Maybe, she thought, trying to be charitable, Gemma was aiming for a plain and minimalistic appearance.
David tasted one and raved, ‘They look so inviting – the texture of the light sponge is perfect. And eaten with the thick, smooth cream and the fresh strawberry, the flavour profile is delicious,’ he said, and then signalled to the director to cut filming.
‘I just need to give this some extra time before I make a decision and place them in order,’ he said, and went back again to taste the torte, pie and cupcakes.
‘Okay, I’m sorted,’ he said.
Nicola took a deep breath digging her fingernails into the palms of her hands praying she’d make it to the final.
David smiled. ‘This is getting harder because you guys are getting better but there are only three places for the final. So I’ll just say that I’m sorry, Thomas, but you won’t be going through to the final. You’ve done very well but on the day things didn’t quite go your way.’
Simon was the first to commiserate with Thomas and shake his hand while Nicola squeezed his arm. She was overjoyed with happiness and grinned at Simon who would also be taking his place in the final along with Gemma.
David interrupted them. ‘To put the last three in order, Simon, I’m awarding third place for your pie. And although there’s really very little to distinguish between the torte and cupcakes in flavour Gemma has used strawberries again which we had last week and the skill level required to make them is not as high as what is needed to make the chocolate torte – which is of course, entirely different to last week’s bakes. So without further ado, I’m going to award star baker for this week again to Nicola.’
‘Oh, well done,’ Simon cried and began to clap loudly.
While everyone gathered around Nicola again and she thanked them all profusely her mind was, what Jay often called, buzzing. She couldn’t ever remember feeling so alive, happy and proud of herself – to win two weeks in a row was more than she’d ever dreamt possible.
Gemma gushed, ‘Congratulations, Nicola. The chocolate torte and sauce looks awesome!’
Nicola felt slightly embarrassed. She wasn’t sure if she could have found it in herself to be so gracious if the result had been the other way around and answered, ‘Thank you, Gemma.’
With filming over, David was more relaxed and invited them all to taste the bakes. Simon and Gemma went straight away to eat the chocolate torte and she tasted Simon’s lemon meringue pie. Loud exclamations of oohs and aahs came from everyone, and they declared that her torte was definitely the best bake on the table.
She glowed under their praise. ‘And this pie is fabulous, Simon. It’s absolutely mouth-watering. This is my mum’s favourite pudding – you must give me the recipe.’
David chomped on another cupcake. ‘It was a very close run thing and I’m pleased you all agree with my decision,’ he sighed heavily. ‘But now with the heat and such a long day’s filming I’m longing for an ice-cold gin and tonic. Anyone fancy joining me?’
Simon and Thomas agreed immediately while Gemma declined claiming she had marking to do for a class next morning. Nicola was in two minds. She was desperate to get home and remove the Spanx knickers, which were now cruelly digging into her waist, but when she looked into David’s eyes she knew she couldn’t resist the temptation.
***
David insisted upon buying them all a drink at the bar and Nicola headed off to secure a table and four chairs. Music was playing in the busy pub with big groups of students celebrating and early evening shoppers stopping off for a drink. Simon and Thomas sat to her left and she placed her handbag on the chair to her right keeping the seat for David. Carrying the drinks on a tray he set them down on the table then plonked down next to her. Gratefully, they all took big gulps of the cold drinks.
‘Phew, I needed that,’ David said rubbing his neck and moving his head from side to side. ‘I’ve been at it from six this morning.’
‘It’s a shame Gemma couldn’t make it.’ Thomas muttered, to which they all nodded.
Although she’d politely agreed with the others, she was glad Gemma wasn’t there to captivate the men with her chest and legs. She glanced sideways at David remembering the way he’d ogled Gemma. But surely, she thought, that couldn’t be classed as genuine interest in her? Wasn’t he was just like all the other men and TV crew who couldn’t take their eyes off such a beautiful young girl? Well, everyone except Simon, who had, she remembered wanted to cover her up with an apron.
While Thomas and Simon struck up a conversation David turned to face her and smiled. ‘So, Ms Librarian, another win and notch on your belt.’
Her heart thumped under his direct gaze and she looked into his eyes. ‘I can’t quite believe it,’ she said. ‘And to get into the final was way beyond my dreams…’
‘You deserve to be there. Your baking skills are tremendous for someone with no actual cooking qualifications. I’ve been amazed at all this local talent but none more than yours,’ he said, and then lowered his voice. ‘Tell me, are you this talented in other areas of your life?’
She wriggled in the chair and then felt his knee press against hers under the table – she gasped with pleasure. The bodily contact sent waves of desire shooting through her and she longed to feel the touch of his skin on hers. She teased, ‘I’m not sure what you mean about other areas.’
His face was close to hers now and he whispered in her ear, ‘I was thinking more of the bedroom area?’
Heat radiated across her chest and she knew her face was flushed. She felt quite light-headed with the knowledge that he was truly flirting and seemed to want her as much as she did him. ‘Oh,’ she said. ‘Let’s put it this way – I don’t think you’d be disappointed with my skills in that department either!’
‘Touché,’ he uttered pulling away from her and relaxing back into the chair.
He grinned and then flexed his shoulders casually linking his hands behind his head. In any other man this, she decided, would look arrogant and conceited but because he was so handsome it looked a completely natural pose. The pale blue shirt seemed to make his blue sparkling eyes even more prominent and she shivered with delight. He was so damn attractive and sexy that it was impossible to restrain her thoughts and she wished with all her heart that she was alone with him. She sipped the drink and daydreamed of throwing all caution aside, swiping the glasses from the table, and lying on top of him to kiss him until he cried for more.
Simon interrupted her thoughts by asking David where he lived.
David told them about his new apartment on the Quayside overlooking the river Tyne. ‘I moved there after our separation and although I love the new property – it only has two bedrooms. But I’m looking upon it as a transitional home until I meet someone to share things with again.’
Had he glanced at her when he’d mentioned he was looking for someone, Nicola wondered, and hoped she wasn’t imagining it. She thought of herself rattling around alone in her big old house and how staid her life had become. The trendy apartment sounded new and exciting and she knew she’d move in with him tomorrow without a moment’s hesitation.
All too soon David was bidding them goodnight and stood up to leave. ‘I’ll see you all again next week at the final. Make sure you give your recipes a great deal of thought. It’s what we call the showstopper round where we’ll be looking for the most impressive creations that taste first class. It’ll be the biggest test of your skill and talent and I know the guest judge will be lo
oking for professional standards in both appearance and flavour.’
Simon nodded. ‘I don’t suppose you’ll tell us the name of the judge that’s coming?’
‘Now, Simon. You know I can’t do that – it’s top secret. But prepare to be amazed,’ he said as he walked towards the door.
Thomas followed David out, and Nicola sipped her drink thoughtfully. ‘It has to be something sensational,’ she said, and Simon nodded in agreement. They both mentioned recipes they’d tried many times before and new ones they’d read in magazines but didn’t come up with anything conclusive.
Simon said, ‘I suppose we shouldn’t be talking about recipes as we are in competition with each other but as I’m going home to an empty house I’ve no one else to mull it over with.’
Nicola smiled. He was such an easy man to talk to, she thought, and the one thing she loved about Simon was that he was a good listener. ‘Same here. But I’ll be ringing Jay when I get home. Although he usually tells me to bake all his own favourites, like the chocolate torte…’
‘Well, for once he was right. You must be very proud of him.’
‘Oh, I am. He’s doing a law degree and has worked so hard. Even though his dad left in the middle of his school exams he didn’t let it affect his studies. He’s definitely my blue-eyed boy,’ she said smiling, and knowing that if Jay could hear he’d be cringing.
Simon stood up to leave and Nicola drained her glass. ‘I’m just going to nip into the ladies’ before I drive home,’ she said.
He bent down towards her and pecked her on the cheek. ‘Thanks, Nicola. And I’ll see you next week…’
***
She nearly ran into the toilets in her hurry to remove the Spanx knickers and when she rolled them down to her ankles tears of sheer relief weren’t far away. Feeling reckless, she laughed, removed them completely, and stuffed them in her handbag. Giggling at the thought of being involved in an accident and taken to hospital wearing no knickers – she ran out towards the car park.