Queen of the Cookbooks by Ashton Lee

Author:Ashton Lee [Lee, Ashton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2016-10-04T04:00:00+00:00

7

Coronation of a Queen

It was now nearly one o’clock, and a long line had been forming for the last two hours just inside the front door of the library, extending all the way down to the computer terminals for Becca Brachle’s long-awaited book signing. At the moment, there were nearly two dozen people waiting to snap up a copy of the Best of the Becca Broccoli Show Cookbook, and Becca sat at her table beaming as she wielded her pen masterfully and with great patience.

“And how do you want this signed?” she was saying to a very tall woman wearing pink capri pants and flats. It was a question she was happy to repeat, since it meant her sales were going well. In fact, they were exceeding all of her expectations, and she was going to run out of stock at this rate.

“Oh,” the woman began, “could you write, ‘To my best girlfriend forever, Shellie Raye Compton’? That’s me, of course. Now, I know we’re not even close to being that, but when my grandchildren see it someday, they won’t know the difference, will they? So maybe you could fudge just a little?”

Becca remained pleasant and pliable. The customer was always right. “Good point.” She quickly signed the title page and handed over the copy with a smile and a nod. “Mission accomplished.”

Next in line was Douglas McShay, who had been partially hidden from view by the Compton woman’s height, and Becca stood up, leaned across the table, and gave him a big hug. “You snuck up on me, you rascal, but I’m happy to see you as usual. Where’s Connie?”

“She’s out sampling all the food. She says she wants to cast an informed vote for best in show. Funny the way she puts things sometimes. So I’ve been assigned the task of getting a copy of your cookbook for us. But she still thinks you should have had a tent out there today, and I agree with her. We both swear by your okra and tomato gumbo stock, just to mention one recipe we love. Connie says she never would have thought of cutting the okra on the bias to soak up more of the seasonings. So simple, but also genius.”

Becca put down her pen, wrinkled her nose, and shook her head. “Thank you both for the compliment, but I just don’t think it would be fair to have a professional in the contest. I ran The Becca Broccoli Show on the radio for years for profit. Besides, all you have to do is look at this line to know I’m already a winner today. I don’t say it to brag, but I do think I would have had a definite advantage with my expertise.”

Douglas leaned in and whispered, “No matter what, you’ll still be our Queen of the Cookbooks.” Then he forked over his money, and while Becca signed his copy, added, “Where’s my little godson today?”

Becca handed over his cookbook and eyed him with amused skepticism. “You think I’d bring him along with me for this? No, Justin’s watching Markie at home.

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