Page 83 of The Baking Games
“You didn’t deserve this, Rhett,” she says softly. “You’re worthy of people being proud of you. You’re worthy of being loved just for who you are. You’re worthy of people showing up for you.”
I feel hot tears welling in my eyes, threatening to spill over and never stop. I haven’t cried since my grandmother died, and even then, it was only at the funeral. I don’t let myself get deep in emotions—any emotions—because I fear I won’t make it back to shore. So, why does this feel safe right now? She’s a tiny little woman, and she makes me feel so seen and safe.
“We need to go,” I murmur, pressing my lips against the top of her head.
“We have time,” she says without moving. So we stay there for several minutes. She feels so perfect in my arms. How will I ever let her go? Not just now but at the end of this competition.
I use all my strength to pull away enough to let her release her hold on me. The tears slide back down into their ducts, and I suck in a breath.
“Thanks,” I say, unsure of what other words to use. I know what I feel but can’t say it on TV. There is no privacy in this place.
“Are you okay? We can stay in here longer…”
“No, it’s fine. I’d rather get on with it.”
“Okay, if you’re sure.”
Why is she so dang nice? How does someone come from her background and still see the world in a positive light?
I open the door, and the light from the foyer pours in. I don’t want to go back to where the other contestants are and answer a bunch of questions, so I turn for the stairs.
“Come on,” Savannah says, grabbing my hand and pulling me up the stairs. I have no idea what she’s doing.
We reach the top of the stairs, and she pushes me into the bathroom. She’s strong for such a small woman. A producer is hot on our heels, but Savannah stands between me and her in the doorway.
“What are you doing?” the producer asks.
“We need a moment,” Savannah says, reaching around and turning off her mic pack. She points at me to do the same.
“You can’t keep doing this!”
“Try to stop me,” Savannah says and shuts the door. I’m in shock. “Is yours off?”
I nod. “That was pretty epic,” I say, laughing.
“You deserve privacy after that whole fiasco. Who does your mother think she is, anyway?” She pulls me away from the door to the other side of the bathroom. We’re pressed into a small alcove that should house a shelf but doesn’t.
“She’s never been proud of the path I chose. I shouldn’t have been surprised.”
Savannah puts her hands on my chest, and I feel prickly shivers run up my spine. What is this woman doing to me?
“I want you to know I’m proud of you, Rhett. I never thought I would say that in a million years, but it’s true. You’re a good guy. You’re talented. You’re kind. You don’t have to keep pushing people away. I just wanted you to know that without a bunch of cameras around.”
I can’t help myself. I pull her into a tight hug. No one has ever said anything like that to me, and I want to soak it in. I want to feel comfort in a way I’ve never felt it before. Everything in me wants to kiss her right now, but I know she doesn’t want that. She’s just such a nice person who wants to help.
“Thank you again.”
She looks up at me. “You deserve all the good things, Rhett Jennings.”
I want to tell her she’s the best thing. The very best.
“Can I tell you something?”
“Sure,” she says, stepping back.
“I haven’t been honest about something with you. And it feels like I need to get this off my chest.”
“Okay. What?”