Death by Chocolate Cupcake Read online

  I looped my bag over my shoulder and picked up the bowl. Thank goodness I’d remembered to wash it this morning. I had planned on making muffins with it tonight so that I’d have some in the morning. With any luck, I’d have a celebratory dinner tonight. Though if they picked me as host for the show I had no idea how soon I’d receive the news.

  As I placed the bowl in the backseat of the Mustang, I spotted Mrs. Wells across the street. She waved magnanimously with one arm as she held the little piglet with her other arm. The cat from last night was sitting on the steps by Mrs. Wells’ feet. I hopped into the car, buckled my seatbelt, and backed out of the driveway. My nerves were completely on edge as I thought about what was in store. I couldn’t wait to arrive to the studio, but I was terrified at the same time.

  I turned on the radio and tapped my fingers against the steering wheel in rhythm. Before I knew it, I’d already reached the city limits. Please don’t let me hit traffic and be late. I’d left two hours early just to make sure that I made the twenty-minute drive on time. With finding a parking spot at the studio, I never knew what might happen. What if my car broke down before I even got there.

  Thank goodness I pulled into the lot and got a prime parking space. Well, if you call at the back of the lot prime. The fact that I was even in the parking lot made me happy. I’d made it without having a wreck, running into traffic or out of gas. Nothing could go wrong now, right? Maybe this really was my lucky day. No, I didn’t want to use all my luck on a parking space.

  Before getting out of the car, I checked my reflection in the rearview mirror one more time. The green dress made the green in my hazel eyes stand out more. I’d done my makeup, careful not to have a heavy hand but add just the right amount. I reapplied lip gloss one more time and then grabbed my tote bag. Should I take the bowl now or would it look weird? No, I had to do it now. I might not get a chance to come back for it. They’d either love it or hate it.

  Maybe they’d think I was just eccentric and cute. Or they’d just think I was weird and a bit loopy. Some people liked quirky and some people didn’t. It was a gamble for sure, but I decided to go for it. Looping my bag over my shoulder, I grabbed the bowl. I closed the back door with a push from my tush. Fumbling with the key fob, I managed to lock the car door. Just as I reached the entrance to the studio, I dropped my keys.

  “Here, let me help you,” a male voice said from somewhere behind me.

  I had reached down to pick up the keys at the same time. Our fingers touched. I hadn’t expected to look up into gorgeous green eyes. The man had short dark hair and mesmerizing eyes and luscious long lashes. His handsome face left me speechless and I stared at him. Maybe it was only seconds, but it seemed like an eternity. Butterflies danced in my stomach when he flashed that gorgeous smile. I was even more entranced. He probably thought I was weird for staring at him.

  “Here you go,” he said, handing me the keys.

  I fumbled with the huge bowl as I tried to grab the keys from his hand at the same time. He must think I was a complete mess. A hot mess without the hot.

  “Can I help you carry that?” he asked.

  “Oh, it’s fine. I wouldn’t want to put you out or anything. I’m just going right in here.” I tried to sound casual after the long, awkward pause.

  “Well, I’m going there too, so it’s no problem at all.” He reached for the bowl and took it from my arms.

  I smiled. “Thank you.”

  Chapter 5

  “My name is Finn Fine,” he said with a gorgeous smile.

  Fine? Yes, he certainly was fine. Focus, Scarlet. Stop staring at his mesmerizing green eyes, I reminded myself.

  “Scarlet Baker,” I said. “Thanks again for helping me.”

  “You’re welcome, Scarlet,” he said.

  I liked the way my name rolled off his tongue with a slight sexy hint of Southern accent.

  “I couldn’t stand to see you struggling to open that door with this big thing.”

  “I suppose you’re wondering why I have the bowl. Well, I’m auditioning for a cooking show and I thought it would be a nice touch to have something of my grandmother’s. I suppose it’s like a good-luck charm for me. My grandmother was the best cook I know.”

  “If you’re auditioning for a cooking show it sounds like you’re a pretty good cook yourself,” Finn said.

  “Well, I don’t want to brag, but I’m okay.” I smiled.

  He chuckled. “At least you’re modest.”

  “Another one of my better qualities, I suppose.” I wiggled my eyebrows.

  Was I flirting with him? What had gotten into me? When we stepped into the building’s lobby I had no idea where to go. I hadn’t been given specific instructions. I supposed I should’ve asked, but I’d just assumed I would walk into the room and know exactly where to go, like someone would be waiting for me. An empty receptionist’s desk was on the left and a few uncomfortable-looking chairs to the right made up the lobby area. The drab gray walls weren’t welcoming. Maybe they should think about cheering this place up with some color.

  Movement caught my attention and I saw Kristen racing toward me. She seemed frazzled. Her brown hair was sticking to her forehead and cheeks as sweat beaded on her face. She wore a wrinkled white blouse and a black skirt that was slightly twisted at her waist. Her black shoes were on the right feet, so I supposed that was a plus. A wild look filled her eyes.

  “There you are,” she said as she rushed toward me. “We have to hurry.”

  “How could I be late? I came early.” I looked at Finn and he shrugged.

  “Things change suddenly around here,” he said.

  I took the bowl from his arms. “Thank you.”

  By this time Kristen had grabbed my arm and was ushering me down the long, dimly lit hallway. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to say more to Finn, but I peered over my shoulder at him. He watched as Kristen pulled me away. How must I look, cradling the bowl in my arms and being dragged down the hallway?

  It was impossible for me to return the favor after Finn had helped me inside. Maybe I could have baked him a cupcake. Finn Fine was good-looking and nice, but I supposed more conversation with him wasn’t meant to be. What was I thinking? I wasn’t here to talk with this stranger. The last thing I needed was a date. This was business and I had a focus. Two minutes here and I was already ogling some guy.

  Kristen paused in front of a closed door. “If you need to leave your belongings you can do it here. You’ll have this dressing room if you get the job. It will be your personal space where you can change clothing, et cetera.”

  She opened the door, giving me a full view of the beautiful room. A small pink sofa sat against the far wall. A mirror surrounded by lights was on the other wall. A bouquet of white roses sat on the counter. To my surprise the room was already occupied though. A blonde woman sat in the chair in front of the mirror. She looked over when we entered.

  “Corina, this is an audition. We don’t need wardrobe yet.” Kristen eyed me up and down as if she couldn’t believe what I’d worn. “This is Scarlet Baker. Scarlet, this is Corina Claremore.”

  “Nice to meet you.” The gorgeous blonde tossed her hand up.

  “You too,” I said, taking the bag off my shoulder and placing it onto the white chair by the door.

  “All right, we don’t have time to waste.” Kristen spun me around so quickly that I was dizzy.

  I wobbled for a moment, but luckily, she was holding me, and I managed to remain upright. She marched me down the hallway even faster now. Was this some sort of time-sensitive show? Would I be on a stopwatch to see how fast I could cook?

  Kristen marched me back down the hallway to another door. When we stopped, Kristen studied my face.

  “Is something wrong?” I asked.

  Did I have lipstick on my teeth? Had my false eyelashes fallen off? I shouldn’t have worn them. That would teach me not to pay attention to those YouTube makeup videos. I’d known I was doing it wrong. The lashes were probably
stuck to my cheek.

  “Well, it’s just that we need to get you into makeup,” Kristen said.

  “I knew my makeup was bad. Peach is not my color. Why do I continue to use it?” I asked.

  Kristen waved her hand. “No, no, it’s not bad, per se, it’s just not enough for the camera.”

  “Not enough? But I put on fake eyelashes.”

  “Oh, dear honey, no. It’s not the lashes. Although they kind of look like spiders took up residence above your eyes.”

  I frowned and touched my eyelashes.

  “It’s just you need a bit more for television.”

  Was she being truthful? I certainly hoped I didn’t end up looking like a clown. I supposed I had to trust her.

  “Come on, I’ll introduce you to Ruby. She’ll be doing your makeup. She’s good, but a bit annoying though. Don’t bring your boyfriend around or she’ll flirt with him.”

  “I don’t have a boyfriend,” I said.

  “Even better,” Kristen said.

  Kristen led me down the hallway. Once in front of another door she knocked. A couple seconds later it opened. Kristen motioned for me to follow her inside. A tall blonde woman stood in front of the mirror, looking over at us when we walked in.

  “Oh, good, I was waiting for you, wondering what happened.” She looked right at me and my makeup.

  “I did my own lashes,” I mumbled.

  “I hoped that wasn’t professional work. We don’t have a lot of time so come sit down.” She patted the chair. “My name is Ruby.”

  “Nice to meet you, Ruby,” I said. “I’m Scarlet Baker.”

  As soon as I took a seat in the chair Ruby started wiping my current makeup off.

  “Don’t worry,” Kristen said. “Ruby will have you ready to go in no time.”

  A bit of fear came coursed through me when I thought that Ruby might put something on my face that looked outrageous, but I would just have to have faith that Ruby knew what she was doing. Kristen said Ruby was good. It couldn’t be worse than what I’d already done, right?

  “Are you from around here?” I asked.

  I’d never been good at small talk.

  “Actually, I’m originally from New York,” she said. “I came down here to take this job.”

  “How do you like it so far?” I asked.

  Ruby paused as she was dipping the brush into the brown eyeshadow. “Oh, I suppose it’s okay.”

  She didn’t seem too sure about that.

  “Is everything all right?” I asked. “You don’t like it here?”

  “Oh, no, it’s fine, I suppose. It’s just that, well, I don’t know… I’m not…”

  A knock sounded on the door, interrupting what Ruby had been about to tell me. I was curious, and I hoped to get her to talk more. Plus, I sensed that Ruby wanted someone to talk to and I thought I was a good listener. Maybe I wasn’t good at conversation, but I definitely listened well and tried to offer advice. After the door opened a tall, good-looking blond guy poked his head through.

  “Can I talk to you?” he asked.

  “I really don’t think there’s anything to talk about, Kyle,” Ruby said as she brushed blush on my right cheek.

  She put a little more pressure on the movement than she had before he entered. Plus, she kept brushing. That’s good. You can stop any time now. Okay, that’s enough. But she just kept on adding layers.

  Ruby wasn’t even looking at my face as she repeatedly swabbed the bristles across my cheek. She was too focused on the guy to pay attention to my face. I wished he would go away. Obviously, she was angry with him and didn’t want to talk to him.

  “Please,” he said. “I just need to talk to you for a moment.”

  “No,” she said with a snap to her voice.

  He glared at her. I didn’t like the way he looked at her. No wonder she didn’t want to talk to this guy. I wanted to tell him to get lost, but I supposed it was none of my business. Ruby switched to my other cheek now. At least I was equally overdone. If she didn’t tell him to get lost or talk to him, either one, then my fear would come true and I would definitely look like a clown.

  After a few more seconds, Ruby finally put the brush down and stepped outside into the hallway to speak with the guy. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Definitely too much blush. I looked as if I’d been out on a hot summer day with no shade.

  I grabbed some tissue from the box on countertop and tried to wipe off some of the stain. After rubbing for a bit, I studied my reflection. I supposed that was a bit better. Now it just looked as if I hadn’t been in the air conditioning at all, a bit flushed. Maybe the remaining color on my cheeks was from being a bit stressed right now. Most of the time I broke out in hives when I got nervous. I hoped that didn’t happen today.

  Oh, who was I kidding? As soon as I stepped on set I was sure it would happen. Maybe I should’ve worn a turtleneck. Although I guessed that would’ve looked kind of weird considering that it was August in Georgia.

  Raised voices came from the other side of the door. I wondered if I should step out there and intervene. I hoped they hadn’t come to an actual fight. If he touched her then I would have to knock him senseless. Was anyone else hearing their argument? Was it bad that I was trying to make out what they were saying?

  I eased over to the door and leaned close so that I could hear the conversation. He was saying something about her going out with another guy and she said he’d started it. “You dated her. I assumed we were broken up.”

  “Corina means nothing to me,” he said.

  Corina? The wardrobe coordinator? Maybe I was getting the whole conversation wrong. Now they were talking so fast that I couldn’t understand. Maybe if they slowed it down a bit I would get all the juicy details. Just as I got close, the door swung open and I stumbled backwards, landing on a nearby cabinet.

  “Oh, sorry, are you all right?” Ruby asked. “I didn’t know you were standing by the door.”

  Now my already red cheeks were probably redder than ever.

  “Oh, I just thought I saw a penny and wanted to pick it up.” I gestured.

  She looked down at the floor.

  “It wasn’t a penny after all, just a reflection, I guess.” I chuckled.

  I was really bad at lying.

  “Sorry about the interruption,” she said. “We can finish now.”

  Based on the color on my cheeks I hoped we were finished with those. I sat back down in the chair and she grabbed a wand of mascara.

  “Are you sure everything is okay?” I asked.

  “That’s just my boyfriend,” she said. “Well, should I say ex-boyfriend. He accused me of cheating, but he’s the one who’s cheating. And I just don’t want to deal with him anymore.”

  “Sorry to hear that,” I said. “Relationships can be very difficult.”

  “And it’s hard when that special someone is mean,” she said.

  “Perhaps you all could try to work it out and see a therapist or something.”

  “You know, I probably would if he didn’t have so many other flaws, but at this point, I don’t see any reason to do it.”

  “I can understand that.”

  “Thanks for the advice though. I bet you have an amazing relationship. Since you’re so understanding.”

  “Oh, actually, I don’t have a relationship with anyone at the moment.”

  “A gorgeous girl like you? I’m surprised.” She swiped my left eyebrow with a brush.

  I shrugged. “I guess the right guy just hasn’t come along. I dated someone for the last two years. Unfortunately, I know all too well about cheating because I caught him. He claimed it was because I didn’t love him.”

  “Guys can be the worst,” she said.

  “It’s funny considering I did all kinds of things for him. He was just making excuses. And I wasn’t going to be dumb enough to fall for it. I did everything I could for him. For heaven’s sake, I did his laundry.”

  Drew and I had talked about planning our l
ives together. I’d arranged for him to go out with his friends to sporting events and other things. I’d sacrificed a lot for him, like staying in Kentucky when I could have been in Georgia with my family.

  In my opinion, I’d done too much for Drew, and he’d stepped all over me. I was never going to let that happen again. What was the point of ever being in a relationship again? My mother was deeply upset about this prospect. She said I’d change my mind. Maybe I would. I didn’t know, but for right now, all I wanted to worry about was my career and getting this job on the show.

  “We’re all done,” Ruby said, standing beside me and looking into the mirror. “What do you think?”

  “Wow, I didn’t know my makeup could ever look this good. Can you come to my house every day?”

  The blush disaster didn’t look bad now.

  She laughed. “Thank you. I wish I could. But hey, if you get the job here I’ll be doing your makeup all the time.”

  “I think that sounds great,” I said. “Fingers crossed.”

  Kristen opened the door. “Are you finished yet? We have only a couple of minutes.” She motioned for me to get up and follow her.

  “Good luck,” Ruby said.

  “Thank you,” I said as I hurried out the door.

  Kristen practically shoved me down the hallway. Corina ran past us and bumped me in the shoulder. She didn’t even say sorry as she ran by.

  “What was that all about?” Kristen asked.

  “I don’t know. She seemed to be in a hurry.”

  “Are you all right?”

  “Oh, yeah, I’m fine. She didn’t hit me that hard,” I said.

  Chapter 6

  After Kristen opened a door, she practically pushed me through into a room. When my eyes adjusted to the bright lights, I realized that we were on the set. A full kitchen filled the room as if we’d just stepped into someone’s house. It was beautiful with lovely white cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, and marble countertops. I would love a kitchen that looked like this one, with so much space and so many countertops to place everything.