During the writing of my holiday cozy mystery Poisoned Pudding, I decided to change directions and rewrite some of the scenes. I am sharing the scenes I deleted or changed as Poisoned Pudding Bonus Scenes.
Here is Bonus Scene 2.
Poisoned Pudding – Holiday Corner Cozy Mystery
Joya Frost was eager to talk with her boss and begin her role as part-time chef at the Silver Bells Café. She was both nervous and excited to start this next phase of her career as she walked in the back door of the café at ten minutes before six on Sunday morning.
“Good morning. I like an employee who shows up early. Did you like the apartment above the café? Did you have a good night’s sleep?” Samantha Bell greeted Joya at the door.
“It was great! Thank you again for the use of the apartment. Before we begin, could I speak to you about another part-time job I have planned? I had to find another job to make ends meet if I intend to stay in Holiday Corner.” Joya’s voice held a hint of nerves.
“Sure. I’ll get us some coffee and we can talk.” The café owner brought over two big Santa mugs of steaming coffee and placed them on a small table in the corner of the kitchen.
Joya glanced around at what she saw to be the ideal gourmet kitchen. The heart of the kitchen was the central cooking station, a gleaming expanse of stainless-steel worktables. Stovetops, grills, and broilers. The workspace was well organized, with designated areas for prep, cooking, plating, and packaging, all designed to maximize efficiency and productivity. She swallowed hard, knowing her meager budget wouldn’t allow her to set up a work area like this one in her rental space.
“Alright, now tell me about this part-time job you’re getting. I’m sorry I can’t hire you full time, but I already have two chefs,” Samantha said, as she wrapped her hands around the warm mug.
Joya took a deep breath. “I’ve leased the building that once housed the doughnut shop. I’m opening a catering company called Sugar Plum Catering. I’ll be working to get everything in order before my health inspection next Friday.”
Sam sat back in her chair and studied the woman across from her. She wasn’t too surprised by what she’d just heard. Joya’s resume spoke volumes about her love of food, her ability to create outstanding meals, and her desire to succeed.
“How old are you, Joya?” her boss asked.
“I turned twenty-seven last month. Why are you asking?” The question was a surprise.
“You seem extremely goal-driven for someone new to the business. Is there something else you’re not telling me? Something I should be worried about? Are you after my trade secrets? I have heard rumors but chose not to believe them.” The owner of Silver Bells leaned forward and looked the young woman in the eyes.
“Absolutely not! I have my own family recipes that I’ll be making. My menu is limited and in no way competes with what you are offering. And the rumors you’ve heard are false. I got myself on the wrong side of a food critic and his girlfriend. I am an honest person.” Joya’s cheeks blotched red as her breathing became more rapid.
“Well, I cannot stop you from opening your business. In fact, if you need help, please ask. I am all for going for your goals. I’ll trust what you’re saying is true. Please do not take advantage of my trust. The culinary industry is a tight-knit community, as you already know. Now let me show you around and let’s talk about your schedule.” Samantha Bell got to her feet, signaling the end of the conversation.
Joya felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. This was her second chance, and she was beyond grateful to Samantha. Walking around the Silver Bells Café and listening to Samantha talk about her café with passion and enthusiasm made the young chef more determined than ever not to disappoint her new boss. She knew she could do both; be the executive chef Ms. Bell expected and still get her Sugar Plum Catering business up and running.
Samantha sat at one of the tables near the window and invited Joya to sit with her.
“Twenty years ago, my late husband and I moved to Holiday Corner, Vermont, to begin living our dream of owning an upscale restaurant in a small town. Not just any small town. Oh no, it had to be a town with a heart. Holiday Corner is all about second chances and community. You’ve come to the right place to begin living your dream, Joya.” Sam smiled.
Joya looked around the homey restaurant that embodied the magic of Christmas while maintaining an air of sophistication and elegance. The café’s exterior was adorned in twinkling lights. Cascading garlands, and a magnificent Christmas tree, instantly making it a beacon of warmth and comfort in this holiday themed Vermont town.
The interior is a fusion of rustic charm and contemporary elegance with exposed brick walls. Gleaming hardwood floors, and oversized armchairs beside the crackling fireplace add to the coziness. All around, tastefully arranged decorations, including wreaths, silver bell ornaments, and a collection of vintage Christmas cards, add a touch of festivity.
It is the menu that has tourists coming from neighboring states and locals coming back as often as possible. The menu itself is a work of art, carefully crafted by Chef Samantha. It features heavenly dishes that melded traditional holiday flavors with modern culinary techniques.
Offerings like Evergreen Salad, Roasted Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade and Winter Squash Risotto. The dessert list showcased the café’s signature holiday dessert, the Gingerbread Souffle Tower. This masterpiece stood tall, oozing with warm molten gingerbread goodness. Served with a scoop of homemade cinnamon ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce, this dessert is a sweet testament to the Silver Bells Café and Samantha Bell’s commitment to creating pure enchantment on every plate.
As Samantha explained the history of her café and described the menu items, Joya realized she had been given an opportunity to learn from an exceptionally talented woman who believed Joya Frost had what it took to be an asset to her respected restaurant.
“I am going to go out on a limb here and offer you an opportunity to start your catering business on the right foot.” Samantha took out a business card from her pocket and pushed it across the table to Joya.
“Joy Holiday is the Events Planner for Holiday Corner. She came to me last week and wondered if I would be interested in providing appetizers for a large charity event, she has planned this coming weekend. I had to turn her down. My café doesn’t do catering and we don’t have the time. I will give you time off tomorrow to have you go to Joy’s office and apply for the position. I’ll even lend you my kitchen during the night to prepare your food at no cost. I believe in you.” Samantha sat and looked at her new employee.
Joya didn’t know what to say. Not since her grandmother had anyone said that to her. No one at all. She swallowed back her emotions and worked to keep her voice steady. “Thank you. I promise I will not let you down.”
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