He gave a good-natured wave to the excited fans before heading over to the judge’s table, smiling at the other three judges already seated. He knew only one, Rowen Gallagher, pastry chef extraordinaire. She waved at him as he approached. “You finally made it.” Rowen handed him a folder. “Phyllis Kine, meet Cameron Banner.” Cameron shook the other lady’s hand, recalling an article written about the health-conscious chef opening the ultimate foodie restaurant dedicated to serving all dishes eight hundred calories or less. Phyllis shook his hand with a warm smile. “Welcome. I hope you packed antacids.” Cameron chuckled. “That bad, eh?” “I guess I’m just not used to eating a lot of butter and sugar.” Phyllis took a sip from her glass of iced water. “There is some real talent here, though.” “Excellent. I’m looking forward to this.” Cameron assessed Phyllis’ long, willowy form and imagined that most foods probably caused the woman some kind of gastro distress.
