Page 38 of The Baking Games

Everybody turns and looks in her direction. Tears are already streaming down her face. I think she knew. I think we all did. Several of us walk over and hug Bianca as the show winds down to a close, and we return to our regularly scheduled programming.

CHAPTER 12

SAVANNAH

That was brutal.

I slump over onto the couch in the courtyard area, trying to hold back tears that have been threatening to spill over for several minutes now.

The room is buzzing with activity as the other contestants talk about the challenge, but I can only think about how badly I did. I feel like an absolute failure. Zara notices and makes her way over, her presence immediately calming me a bit.

She's beautiful in that natural way, with her black hair and ringlet curls that perfectly shape her face. She sits down beside me, giving me a sympathetic smile.

"Hey there, Savannah. Tough day?" I laugh and nod, unable to trust my voice. It's probably pretty shaky right now. It feels like there's a lump in my throat that's going to choke me. "Let me tell you something,” Zara says, leaning in a little bit closer. "I've had my fair share of failures. More than I can count, but every single one of them taught me something valuable."

I look at her, trying to find comfort. "Oh yeah, like what?"

"Well, like how to pick myself up and keep going,” she says. "You know, failure is just a stepping stone. It's not the end of the road unless you decide that it is. It's just part of the journey, and from what I've seen, you've got skills and determination that will keep you going no matter what."

I sigh, my shoulders sagging a bit. "This just all feels so overwhelming. I want to do well so badly, not just for me but for my sister, too."

She nods, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know, and that's exactly why you can't give up. You must show your sister and yourself that setbacks don't define you. What matters is how you bounce back from them."

I nod, trying to take her words to heart. "Thanks. I guess I needed to hear that."

She leans back, looking around the area. "You know, I've traveled all over the world. I've learned a lot from my experiences, and one thing that stands out is that people appreciate resilience no matter where you go. They respect someone who doesn't give up even when things get tough."

"You've been to a lot of places. I've barely been out of Georgia."

She smiles. "Traveling taught me that the world is full of possibilities. Every place has its challenges and rewards, but the most important journey is the one you take within yourself. What you learn about yourself through your travels. Finding your own strength and courage is what really matters."

I manage a small smile. "I wish I had your confidence. You make everything sound so easy."

She chuckles. "Trust me, it's not always easy. I've had my share of sleepless nights and moments of doubt, but I've learned to embrace those moments as part of my growth process, and you will, too."

At that moment, I notice that Rhett is nearby, his eyes on us. There's a flicker of something in his gaze. Concern. Could that be it? He quickly looks away and continues talking to someone else, but seeing that softer side of him is strange, even if just for a moment. I've seen it a few times now, like at the assisted living center and when he helped me with the blender, but then he turns right back into good old Rhett—competitive, silent, walls up all around him like some sort of fortress.

"Remember,” Zara says, continuing, “we're all in this together, even if we're competing with each other. Everybody should be rooting for everybody else, even if it doesn't always feel like it."

I laugh. "Thanks, but I know some people here are definitely not rooting for me, including my ex-boyfriend."

She rolls her eyes. "Oh, yes, I heard about that. Gossip flies through here pretty quickly. To be honest, I don't really like that guy."

I look at her and smile. "Neither do I."

She squeezes my leg before she gets up and walks back inside. As the evening wears on, I try to join in conversation with others, but my mind just keeps drifting back to my failure of a challenge. I can't shake the feeling of inadequacy. The room finally starts to empty out, and everybody starts heading off to bed. I find myself sitting alone, lost in thought.

Rhett walks by, apparently heading to his own room, and pauses momentarily.

"You okay?" he asks, his tone surprisingly gentle. I force a smile.

"Yeah. Just processing, I guess."

He nods, not pressing further. "You'll bounce back, Sunny. We all have our off days."

I raise an eyebrow. "Even you?"

"Especially me", he says with a smirk. "Don't let it get to your head."