Chapter 3
The pastry chefs froze, eyeing the messy scene.
Loretta slapped both hands on either side of her face. “Oh, no! Now what are we going to do? We’re already behind!”
John put the cake back down and placed his hands on top of his head, as if to hold himself in place. He looked as though he was about to run out of the kitchen and jump overboard.
Ruth stepped in front of him, blocking his view of the mess. “Look at me, John.”
John’s frantic blue eyes met hers.
Ruth continued, speaking slowly, “Now I want you to take three long, deep breaths with me.”
He nodded, and they took the breaths together. Loretta was already on her hands and knees, cleaning and mumbling something to herself.
“Better?” Ruth asked.
“Yeah,” John said. Ruth could tell he still felt the pressure, but at le
