Chapter 7 - New Host

As Emma lay in bed, her thoughts filled with a mix of relaxation and post-passion bliss after an evening with Killian, her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Mal, a producer for the Food Channel's show, Food Channel Star. She answered the call, curious about what Mal wanted.

"Hey, Mal," Emma greeted.

Mal's voice came through with a hint of urgency. "Emma, Bobby flamed out. We need to make some changes for the new show. You're getting a new co-host."

Emma's heart sank. She hadn't anticipated this turn of events. Competition shows on the Food Channel were a dime a dozen, and she wasn't sure who would be good enough to groom a chef for television, especially when her own strengths lay in taste and not hosting. She hesitated, voicing her doubts. "Mal, who's going to take this on? I'm not even sure about my hosting chops."

Mal reassured her, "Don't worry. We're bringing in a pro, someone who knows their way around the TV kitchen. They'll guide you through it."

As they hung up, Killian swaggered out of the shower, his wet hair clinging to his forehead. He held up his phone, a curious glint in his eyes. "Food Channel Star, isn't that the show you're running?"

Emma felt a wave of dread wash over her. She nodded slowly. "Yeah, it is. Looks like things just got a lot more complicated."

Emma sat on the edge of the bed, a heavy feeling of dread gnawing at her. She had been seeing Killian for a while now, and while their time together had started off with a spark of excitement, it had gradually transformed into a burden she could no longer bear. The moment had come to end things, not just for her own sanity, but for the sake of her career. "Killian, This thing between you and me…"

"It's great ain't it?" He said As she listened to Killian's charming accent, her heart sank. He was a charismatic and attractive man, there was no denying that. But beneath the surface, their relationship was riddled with complications. Killian's involvement in the show she was producing was causing a storm of emotions and unease that Emma couldn't ignore any longer.

She decided to speak up, interrupting him mid-sentence. "No, Killian, it's not great. It's not working for me anymore, and I need it to end."

His expressive blue eyes widened with surprise. "What do you mean, Emma?" he asked, clearly caught off guard by her announcement.

Taking a deep breath, Emma tried to find the right words. "It's not about you," she began. "It's me. I can't be with someone I have to work with so closely, especially on a show like Food Channel Star."

Killian's expression shifted from surprise to a sense of disappointment. "So, were you just using me to get yourself seen?" he asked, a hint of bitterness in his voice.

Emma shook her head, her curls bouncing slightly as she did. "No, it's not that. I was hiding behind you. You were convenient, and I didn't have to face my own issues."

Killian, his mood darkening, dressed in frustration left the room. Emma watched him go, her heart heavy with a mix of relief and anxiety. She hoped he would understand her decision and make the right choice for his career. But, in that moment, she was more focused on her own path and the weight that had been lifted from her shoulders.

As Emma faced the daunting task of selecting contestants for the upcoming season of Food Channel Star, her office was filled with stacks of audition tapes and application forms. It was a tedious but necessary process to find the perfect candidates to participate in the competition.

She meticulously reviewed the submissions, paying close attention to each applicant's background. Some had culinary school degrees, others boasted years of experience in restaurants, and a few were self-taught chefs with impressive accolades in food. Emma was looking for credible food sources, individuals who not only knew their way around the kitchen but also had a deep understanding of food and cooking.

On-camera experience was another vital factor. Emma understood that being a contestant on Food Channel Star required not only culinary expertise but also the ability to engage and entertain the audience. She watched as the applicants demonstrated their presence, style, and charisma on screen, considering how they talked about food and showcased their cooking skills.

Emma couldn't help but think about the significant role the chosen contestants would play in the success of the show. Their dynamic and chemistry on camera would be crucial in keeping the viewers engaged and entertained. She knew that finding the right people was essential to creating a successful season of Food Channel Star, and she continued her search, hoping to discover that one shining star among the numerous applications that had come in.

As Emma, Killian, and Mal reviewed audition tapes, they discussed their options for the remaining contestant.

Emma suggested, "How about we invite someone from another show? Bring in a fresh face."

Killian chimed in, "No offense, Swan, but other shows don't always have the greatest personalities."

Emma nodded in agreement, acknowledging that not all TV chefs were created equal.

Mal, ever the schemer, saw an opportunity to playfully tease Emma. She grinned and said, "I'll take care of our special guest."

They continued discussing the missing contestant, and Emma had another idea. "What if we do a mini-competition with Val and Mike? We could call it 'Comeback Kitchen' or something like that. It would serve as a self-contained promo for our upcoming season."

Killian liked the idea and added, "It could be the perfect lead-in to our season. Great thinking, Swan."

Mal appreciated Emma's creative thinking and humor, saying, "Now I know why you're my daughter's best friend."

With their plan in place, they wrapped up their meeting, and Mal promised to work on getting Val and Mike on board with the "Comeback Kitchen" concept. Emma felt satisfied with their progress as they prepared for the next season of Food Channel Star.