Proofed for Perfection by Zarah Sainclair

Author:Zarah Sainclair
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rosselly Press
Published: 2024-05-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6: A Flour-dusted Dance and a Critic's Bite

The following morning, she dawned with a nervous energy that crackled in the air. Maya arrived at the bakery early, the familiar scent of rising dough and brewing coffee comforting amidst the pre-show jitters. Despite her usual sharp demeanor, Madame Dubois seemed surprisingly focused, meticulously measuring ingredients for the rosewater cake.

The missing crème de rose incident had cast a long shadow, replacing their usual playful banter with a tense professionalism. As Maya worked alongside Madame Dubois, their movements were practiced and precise, a silent ballet of flour-dusted hands and rhythmic whisking.

The tension peaked when the clock struck ten, the designated arrival time for the dreaded restaurant critic – a notoriously scathing man known for his biting reviews. In her starched white chef's coat, Madame Dubois stood ramrod straight, a picture of controlled anxiety. Sitting near the cooling rack where the finished cake awaited, Maya felt her heart pounding against her ribs.

The bell above the bakery door chimed, shattering the tense silence. A tall, thin man with an air of self-importance entered the bakery. His sharp eyes swept over the room, landing on Madame Dubois with a critical glint.

"Madame Dubois, I presume?" he drawled, his voice as dry as a week-old croissant.

"Oui, Monsieur Dubois," Madame Dubois replied, her voice tight with barely concealed defiance. "This is Maya, my apprentice."

The critic barely acknowledged Maya with a curt nod. He then meticulously examined the bakery, lingering on the organized shelves and spotless countertops.

Finally, his attention turned to the centerpiece – the rosewater cake. Maya watched with bated breath as Madame Dubois lifted the cake cover, revealing the masterpiece in all its glory. Pale pink frosting swirled around the base, adorned with delicate sugar roses handcrafted by Maya. The air filled with a subtle hint of rosewater, a testament to the precious crème de rose.

The critic circled the cake, his expression unreadable. He leaned in, taking a long, deliberate inhale of the aroma. Then, to everyone's surprise, a flicker of something resembling a smile played on his lips.

He took a small bite of the cake, his eyes closed in concentration as he savored the flavor. The silence in the bakery was deafening, broken only by the faint ticking of the clock. Finally, the critic opened his eyes, a genuine smile gracing his face.

"Exquisite," he declared, his voice devoid of its usual snark. The balance of flavors is perfect, and the rosewater adds a delightful touch of elegance. Bravo, Madame Dubois."

Relief washed over Maya; it was so intense that it felt like a physical sensation. A triumphant smile spread across Madame Dubois' face, the tension melting away like butter under gentle heat.

"Thank you, Monsieur," she replied, beaming with pride. "We are honored."

The critic spent the next few minutes asking questions about the cake's creation, his demeanor surprisingly jovial. Emboldened by the positive turn of events, Maya even chimed in, sharing some details about the sugar roses.

As the critic prepared to leave, he turned back towards them, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

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