Free Worth the Risk by Meryl Sawyer Page B

it work somehow. But I really want her to study this summer and help me with City Seeds. Why should I pay someone to work in our business while Amber earns minimum wage working in a restaurant?”
    â€œBecause the experience would do her good,” Brad replied in a strained tone that indicated he didn’t agree with her. “She might discover that she doesn’t care for the restaurant business.”
    â€œThat’s what you thought when we came to lunch.” The second the words left her lips, Lexi cursed herself for saying them. “What I mean is…Amber is stubborn. She won’t admit she doesn’t like working at Black Jack’s even if she does.”
    â€œI understand,” Brad said, but it was clear that he didn’t. They walked to his car in silence and he made no attempt to put his arm around her again.

Chapter 9
    Unlike the preliminary round, the finals of the bake-off were held in the evening. Lexi was grateful, and she was sure the other working parents were as well.
    Amber had come to Samuel Houston High School’s cafeteria midafternoon to bake and decorate her torte. At this point, the chefs had sampled the desserts and decided the winner. Lexi expected Brad to make the announcement after the head of the foundation called the group in the auditorium to order.
    Once again, she glanced around to see if Brad had arrived. This would be the first time she’d seen him since their disagreement last week. He might have come in through a back entrance, she decided.
    A cold knot had formed in Lexi’s stomach the minute she’d walked up the steps of the auditorium. She was concerned that she’d ruined her chances with Brad. No matter how many times she thought about it, Lexi felt she was right. Her sister did not need a job handed to her. If she won, that was one thing, but if she didn’t, then summer school was the best place for her.
    The curtains parted to reveal a spacious stage with a podium in the center. On a table stood a large silver trophy and an easel with a huge mock-up of the thousand-dollar check the winner would receive. The other side of the stage had a table with the desserts on it. Seated in the rear were the judges and several other people, including Brad and Charmayne.
    Lexi tried to relax, but it was impossible. The air in the huge room seemed to be electrified as Brad was introduced and stepped up to the microphone.
    Looking very handsome, he smiled at the audience. Lexi warned herself that Amber might not be the only Morrison to be disappointed today. What if Brad left without talking to her?
    â€œI want to thank our judges for their hard work in both rounds of this Light-and-Healthy Bake-Off,” Brad told the audience.
    Lexi barely listened as he introduced the chefs who’d judged the contest. Get a grip, she told herself. Win or lose—her sister would need her. The contestants were seated in the first row with their backs to the group. Lexi could see Amber’s glossy-brown hair but not her face.
    â€œI’d like you all to meet Charmayne Collins,” Brad said, “pastry chef at Black Jack’s. The winner will be interning with her this summer, in addition to winning the prize money.
    â€œMy goal in sponsoring this contest is to help combat childhood obesity. I was an overweight kid myself. I know how being overweight can make you miserable, wreck your health. People need to think about what they eat.”
    Charmayne added, “That’s where I come in as a pastry chef. Everyone loves dessert, but it isn’t always good for us. That’s why we’ve asked contestants to create healthier desserts with reduced sugar and fat.”
    â€œWe have some really outstanding desserts here tonight,” Brad said. “The judges told me it was difficult to pick a winner. In fact just one vote separated the first runner-up and the winner.”
    â€œMaybe we should announce the second