A/N: We are getting closer to competition! enjoy ~S.K.
Chapter 9 - Keep Calm
Emma had a busy day on set, reviewing the audition tapes of potential contestants for her upcoming show, "Next Food Channel Star." As she navigated through the bustling corridors of the studio, she noticed a couple conversing in the lobby. The woman was blonde and kind of cute. She seemed upset, probably another reject, she thought as she walked past them to the elevators. However, something about the woman's demeanor caught her attention.
Emma spotted Mal waiting at the elevators and smiled at the older woman as she approached. But before she reached Mal, the woman in the lobby had hurriedly approached her from the right, stopping her in her tracks. She hit Emma with a friendly smile, one that Emma couldn't help but return.
"You're Emma Swan!" the woman said with a spark of recognition, her face lighting up as she realized she was talking to the host of "Million Dollar Critic."
Emma nodded and replied, "Yes, that's me. And you are?"
The woman introduced herself as Kathryn and admitted, "I'm actually a big fan of your show, 'Million Dollar Critic.' It's an honor to meet you."
Emma was pleasantly surprised by Kathryn's enthusiasm. "Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy the show."
Feeling a connection, Kathryn decided to mention her recent connection to Emma's world. "I actually had a friend on 'Improv Chef' when you were judging, Regina. It's a small world, isn't it?"
Emma was intrigued by the mention of Regina. She looked at Kathryn questioningly, but the door to the elevator had opened up, and both Emma and Mal were too engrossed in their conversation to notice.
"M-Mills? The show aired last night," Kathryn stammered, feeling a mix of emotions.
Emma's interest was piqued. "You know Regina? How do you two know each other?"
Kathryn chose to keep the details of their past relationship private, only hinting at their closeness. "We used to be very close," she said, keeping her response somewhat vague.
Emma smiled and asked Kathryn about her visit to Food Channel. Kathryn explained, "I'm here for a screen test and to pitch a show idea. I'm passionate about cooking and teaching others how to create restaurant-quality meals at home."
As they conversed, Mal seized the opportunity to add some intrigue to the competition. With a sly grin, she chimed in, "Kathryn, it's fascinating that you're here for a screen test. We're in the process of selecting contestants for a new show, and it just so happens we have a couple of open slots. Would you be interested in joining the competition?"
Emma's glare at Mal was not subtle. She wasn't thrilled about the idea of Kathryn being part of the competition, given the uncertain energy she sensed from her. Nonetheless, she kept her thoughts to herself and awaited Kathryn's response.
"Oh my god! I'd love to screen test!" Kathryn exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. She turned to her husband, still beaming, and said, "Fred, they would like me to screen test!"
Fred, her ever-supportive husband, responded with a warm smile and a congratulatory tone. "That's great, honey," he said as he joined them.
Kathryn then introduced Emma and Mal to her husband. "Ms. Swan, Ms. Drake, this is my husband, Fred." She maintained her cheerful demeanor. "Baby, you know who they are," she playfully mentioned.
Fred, the charming and affable partner, extended a hand to both Emma and Mal. "I do. A pleasure," he stated, his charisma evident in his warm greeting.
Emma greeted Fred and engaged in a handshake, although her unease with the couple's saccharine conversation was noticeable. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something about Kathryn and Fred's interaction that didn't sit right with her.
As they continued with the preparations, Mal suggested, "Great, let's get a screen test. I have time now. Em, how about you?"
Emma, now willing to proceed, responded, "Since I was about to have lunch with you, I guess I do too." She managed a smile as they all entered an elevator, heading to the test kitchen.
In the Test Kitchen Emma and Mal watched from the sidelines as Kathryn gathered ingredients from the pantry and began preparing a seemingly simple dish of Mac and Cheese. However, what truly mattered was not what she made, but how she made it while engaging with the camera and her potential audience.
They observed Kathryn's screen test closely. Emma leaned over to Mal and whispered, "Mal, I thought we were going to do the competition."
Mal kept her eyes on Kathryn but replied, "We are. But one of our picks just got arrested with a DUI."
Emma let out an exasperated sigh. "And the other slot?"
Mal responded, "She just signed today." They both turned their attention back to Kathryn as they considered her performance.
There were moments of genuine connection and engagement, where Kathryn spoke passionately about her culinary creations, but there were also instances when she seemed to trail off, unsure of what to say next.
Emma and Mal observed her performance closely. While Kathryn displayed promise, it was clear that there were individuals better suited for this type of challenge
As they watched Kathryn put together her Mac and Cheese dish, Emma couldn't help but comment quietly, "There are people who are better at this... certainly the stupid drunk." She didn't seem entirely convinced by Kathryn's performance.
Mal chuckled softly, understanding that the casting process was a complex and often unpredictable endeavor. "I guess someone has to lose the competition," Emma mused, recognizing that not every applicant would meet their criteria.
As Mal and Emma wrapped up the screen test Kathryn's Mac and Cheese, they discussed the urgency of getting the show started with their chosen contestants.
"We need to get this show on the road before any more chefs drop," Mal emphasized the need to move forward.
Emma nodded in agreement. "Seriously," she replied, realizing the challenges they were facing in finding suitable contestants for the competition.
Emma couldn't help but feel underwhelmed by the dish. The Mac and Cheese was decent, but it didn't leave a lasting impression on her palate. The noodles were cooked well, and the cheese sauce had a nice consistency, but the overall flavor lacked the wow factor she was hoping for. It was a serviceable dish, but it didn't have the unique and memorable quality she expected from contestants on a culinary competition show.
Still, Emma knew that a rushed test kitchen setting might not bring out the best in a chef's abilities. Despite her reservations about the dish, she maintained a professional demeanor and nodded approvingly. She understood that the screen test was not only about the food but also how Kathryn presented herself on camera. In that regard, Kathryn had demonstrated moments of genuine engagement with the audience, and that, combined with her passion for teaching others to cook, might make her a viable contestant.
Emma knew that the final decision on contestants would involve multiple factors, not just the quality of the dish. They needed to consider on-camera presence, the ability to connect with the audience, and the potential for growth and improvement. As she and Mal discussed the future of the competition, Emma remained focused on finding the right mix of chefs to make the show a success, despite her reservations about Kathryn's energy.
After sampling the dish, Emma offered her assessment. "This is good. Now we start filming in like two weeks. You have some catch-up to do."
Mal confirmed the next steps. "Just stop at my office in twenty minutes. We'll have some things for you to sign and consider, plus we have some further requirements."
Kathryn's excitement filled the room as she celebrated with Fred. "Wait until Regina hears I'm on a weekly show," she exclaimed.
Emma's ears perked up at the mention of Regina's name, but she didn't turn around. Instead, she overheard a private conversation between Kathryn and Fred.
"Why are you always trying to prove yourself to her? You left her," Fred whispered in a low voice, which didn't escape Emma's notice. The mention of Regina's name and the implication of a past relationship piqued her interest.
Emma couldn't help but mutter, "Very close, huh?" as she made her way to her office.
Mal, who had been observing the situation, couldn't help but smile. "Oh, this is too good," she remarked, intrigued by the intriguing dynamics at play. The two women left the couple quietly bickering in the test kitchen, setting the stage for potential drama and intrigue in the upcoming competition.
