Read Online Take a Chance on Me by Carol Wyer - Free Book Online Page B

black shoes with red soles. Charlie wished she could carry off an outfit like that. She delivered drinks to the group of mothers then scurried into the Main Room.
    â€˜Morning. Sorry to have kept you. What can I get you?’ she asked and dropped her pen in surprise as a pair of twinkling slate-grey eyes looked into her own. As she fumbled on the floor for the pen, she heard him mumble, ‘No squealing today.’
    She rose, crimson-faced to take his order. He hesitated for a brief moment before beaming at her and saying, ‘Suddenly, I have a fancy for a bacon sandwich or maybe a ham one.’ It was the same man she had bumped into at Archipelago restaurant and more recently at the belly dancing class.
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    M ercedes was finishing a telephone conversation when Charlie ambled in. Charlie wanted to tell her about the man in the café and how she had spent an hour hiding in the Rainbow Room until he left, but Mercedes was too excited to listen.
    â€˜I’m in!’
    â€˜In what? Trouble? In cognito? In flagrante?’
    â€˜No you daft person. I’m in, are you ready for this? Nosh for Dosh. ’
    Charlie’s mouth fell open. ‘I adore that show. I watch it religiously. You are going to be one of the contestants? I’ve always wanted to be on Nosh for Dosh .’
    â€˜I know. You wrote it on your Carpe Diem list, you ninny. That’s why I’ve had Sean occupied for three days writing a wonderful character reference for me and then badgering the show to get me on. They advertised ages ago for contestants, so we were worried we’d be too late. Luckily, they had someone drop out at the last minute.’ Her smile widened further.
    â€˜Sean’s been brilliant. Even I didn’t know who he was talking about in the email he sent. It was a piece of superb fiction: “Enigmatic character with a feisty personality who adores nothing better than entertaining and cooking exotic dishes for her friends.”’ She read from her computer screen. ‘It did the job too. That was the producer on the phone. They gave me a quick interview and they love my “sunny disposition”. They’re going to come here next month to film me, before they do the scenes at home of me cooking for three complete strangers.’
    â€˜Oh my goodness! That is fantastic. I am so excited for you.’ Charlie hugged her friend. ‘Hang on. There is one major flaw in all of this. You can’t cook. Ryan always does the cooking. You’re the only person I know who can burn water.’
    â€˜Now then, don’t be defeatist. This is your challenge and according to our agreement, I have to complete it. I’ve got a plan to not merely appear on the show but to win the contest.’ She touched the side of her nose and gave a wink.
    â€˜How? You can’t cheat, Mercedes. That wouldn’t be ethical.’
    â€˜Who said anything about cheating? It isn’t all about the food. It’s about the entire evening and I’ll be the hostess with the mostess that everyone talks about for weeks, no, make that months afterwards.’
    â€˜It’ll be an incredible experience,’ said Charlie.
    â€˜You’ve got one of those wistful looks in your eyes. You really want to be on the show, don’t you?’
    â€˜Of course. I’ve dreamed of being on it for the last three years, impressing guests with my pastries and desserts. You know how much I enjoy cooking.’
    â€˜And, you are a fabulous cook. We all fight over your brownies when you bring them in. Nil desperandum. I’ll make sure you get on the show. You can be like Alfred Hitchcock and make a cameo appearance. I’ll nip into your studio and bring the cameras with me. I also have another idea of how to smuggle you onto the show without anyone complaining, but that is going to require some careful planning. Leave it to Aunty Mercedes,’ she said, giving another wink and leaving