“Thank you” Tina linked their hands together “what about you?  Any girlfriend back at home?”

“No” Lydia chuckled shyly “I’m afraid when it comes to love, I’m not so lucky in that department.”

“Are you kidding me?  You’re probably a workaholic that never makes time to date.”  Tina pointed out correctly.  “And FYI, luck has nothing to do with it, sometimes love happens in the least likely of places with least likely of people.”

“You’re right, I just have to be patient” Lydia told her then Jenny joined them.

“Hey” Jenny sat down next to Lydia.  The conversation and jokes flowed throughout the hour.  Kit announced that Bette’s time was up and brought out the three prepared plates for the three judges.  On the menu, stuffed whole chicken with steamed summer vegetables served on top of linguini in creamy white wine sauce.  The display made Tina proud and wowed their friends.  The three judges, Lydia, Jenny and the surprise guest judge taking Helena’s place, Duffy were in awe of Bette’s creation.  Bette gave a Jodie a Cheshire grin then took a seat next to Tina.  Jodie kissed Monique then went into the kitchen to start on her culinary masterpiece.

“Those looked great babe” Tina smiled proudly at Bette.  “I think victory is ours” she sealed with a kiss.

“Let’s not celebrate just yet T” Bette rubbed her back then looked at Lydia.  “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Yeah, everyone has been awesome” Lydia said then complimented Bette as well for what she had prepared.

“Thank you” Bette looked at her gratefully.

Everyone enjoyed the hour with drinks and good conversation.  Then it was Jodie’s turn to dazzle the judges and she stuck to a simple cuisine.  She prepared stuffed chicken breasts, lightly breaded and fried in olive oil then she topped it with creamy chicken sauce.  Her sides consisted of potatoes au gratin and steamed very well seasoned vegetables.  It was a hit with the judges who found it very difficult to decide which one of the two was the true victor.  Everyone was hungry and drunk enough to try both plates and they too had a hard time deciding, and soon the competition was forgotten especially by the two very drunk chefs.