sex symbol. Edible Desire deserves the recognition. It’s about the food, the charities we support, the people who rely on our services. It was never about a hot guy in an apron.”
“Yes, I know that. But every show needs a hook. Sure, you’ll get some great buzz straight off the bat, but the network is looking for something with lasting power, something original. Our audience craves relatability, and having a cohost who resembles one of your students is just the spark we need, especially if we can find someone you have chemistry with. Someone like Maggie.”
My double take gives me whiplash as my eyes grow wide. Not only did she just crush my well-inflated ego, but she thinks someone like Maggie would be great cohost? Faye is out of her damn mind. “Nope. No way. Maggie is off limits.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s impossible. How? Let me count the ways. she’s stubborn, she lacks motivation, she’s unreliable. I’m telling you, she’s only working for me right now as a favor to a friend. I don’t need a cohost, Faye.”
“Why are you being so difficult about this? What’s wrong with bringing in someone who can get your kitchen the recognition it deserves? If you don’t want that person to be Maggie, fine. But let me put out an emergency casting call to at least try it out before you completely nix the idea.”
I sigh, feeling like I’ve pushed this too far. “And if we don’t like anyone who shows up for auditions?”
“Then I start brainstorming another plan. Just give this idea a chance. I’ll have a lineup of interested women outside your front door on Monday morning, and we’ll go from there.”
Jeez, Faye wasn’t joking when she said that she likes to move fast.
“Fine. But whoever we choose has to be someone I get along with,” I point out. “In addition, it has to be someone who can actually cook.” That’s another reason why Maggie would make an awful cohost.
Faye cringes. “You didn’t see what I saw today, Desmond. I think our pitch should be that your cohost is a total novice, someone a little resistant. Just think about it. If we play up the comedy and sexual tension aspect of it all, the network will eat it up. I could not stop laughing today at you trying to keep your professionalism, and Maggie resisting your every effort. Trust me on this. You want a show? I need that special something, that zest, and I think this is it.”
I cringe, still not buying the whole concept. “So we’re really doing this? We’re really finding someone to cohost the show with me?”
Faye’s smile spreads. “Give me some space in the kitchen on Monday afternoon, and it’s game on. Just think. As soon as we find her, we’ll be that much closer to shooting the pilot. Congratulations, Desmond. Your dreams are about to come true, and it looks like you have Maggie Stevens to thank.”
Well, shit.
TAKE III
FUTURE AND PAST
“Those who see the world through the lens of love are the true visionaries.” — Bryant McGill
14
Building Wings
Maggie
One day at my new job, and I think I can call it a success. Desmond and I didn’t kill each other. I pretty much have the registration system down. And I even assisted him at his cooking station. The guy might even owe me a raise after that one, especially since he left me to clean up the mess in the kitchen all on my own to hang out with that Faye woman.
After I clean the kitchen, I lock up and wait at the curb for the movers to arrive with all the things Monica is donating to me. To my surprise, she joins them on the ride over and helps me get my new place in decent shape for the cubbyhole that it is.
So far, I have a bed, some curtains, dishes, nearly new cookware, a love seat, and a dresser. When Monica starts to hang some decor from her last apartment “to add some personality to the place,” I refuse. Minimal decor is quite all right with me. Anything more than that, and I’ll be responsible for removing it when I finally get a place of my own.
“It’s temporary,” I remind her as I hand her a glass of wine.
She pushes out her lips in an exaggerated pout. “You’re not planning to move back to LA, are you? I know you’re still trying to find your footing here, but I kind of like having you around.”
I laugh and