Page 44 of The Baking Games

I stand up without thinking and face Connor, pulling Savannah up from her chair. My nose is inches from his nose.

“Watch it, Connor,” I say, a warning woven into my voice. He looks surprised.

“Wait. Is something going on between you two? Was the audience right? Are you and Savannah here… what’s the polite way to say ‘having relations’ on TV?”

Without thinking, I grab his shirt in my left hand. It’s not my best hand, but I could do some damage if I wanted. That’s the perk of being the biggest guy here… or in most places, really.

“Shut your stupid mouth, Connor,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Rhett, don’t! You’ll get yourself kicked out of the competition, and that’s what he wants because he’s afraid he can’t win with you here.”

What did she just say? Did Savannah just compliment me? Or is she just trying to keep me from ripping this guy apart and getting blood on her vintage apron?

I slowly release him so that his feet are fully touching the ground again, and I see the color come back into his face. If nothing else, Connor has received a warning he needed.

“Savannah, your boyfriend seems to have anger problems,” he says with a sneer. “Enjoy your waffles, lovebirds.”

Savannah and I just sit there in silence. What else is there to say?

CHAPTER 13

AFTERNOON CONFESSIONAL

Producer: So, Connor, what’s the history with you and Savannah?

Connor: We dated for a couple of years, but she’s obsessed with her sister.

Producer: And you didn’t like that?

Connor: Who would? Her sister is annoying, and she’s twenty years old. Like, move on with your life.

Producer: Savannah broke up with you then?

Connor, after a pause: It was mutual.

SAVANNAH

I don’t know what to make of Rhett at this point. The way he stood up for me to Connor was shocking. It was fun to watch Connor squirm, quite literally, under Rhett’s hand. But why did Rhett do that? Why didn’t he join in the fun of criticizing me?

Normally, I’d talk to Maggie about it and get her well-earned wisdom, but I can’t because Rhett is attached to me. This is going to be tough.

I asked a producer what we do when we have to change clothes. She said they will release us, and someone will come stand outside the bathroom door while we change. We have five minutes. As for showering, they will do the same. Release us and give us ten minutes each to shower.

“Um, I have a little problem,” I say as we walk toward the courtyard.

“What?” Rhett says, exasperated.

“I need to use the bathroom.”

He pauses for a moment. “What do you mean by ‘use the bathroom’?”

I stare at him. “Do I have to go into details?”

“Ew.”

“No! I just have to pee, but what are we supposed to do?”

He nods toward the bathroom where he hid on that first night. “You go in, and I’ll stand outside.”