Amber Crewes [Crewes - Ice Cream and Guilty Pleasures

It was a snowy night in Sandy Bay, and as Meghan Truman snuggled beneath a patterned wool blanket, she felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Her new friend, Jacqueline, had invited her over for some television and girl talk while her boyfriend, Jack, had taken her out the night before to Lucianos , her favorite Italian restaurant in town.

That was such a good show, Jacqueline gushed as the light from the fireplace made her eyes glow. Lets flip over to the news; weve been watching so much of this reality show that I think my brain is turning to mush!

Oh, stop, Meghan protested good-naturedly. Miss-to-Mrs. has been my favorite show since college. The contestants are so funny and ridiculous, and its hilarious to watch them compete for one fellows attention.

Jacqueline playfully stuck out her tongue and rose from her position on the couch. While you watch the end of this silly show, Im going to go grab another glass of cabernet for you. I know its one you like, and youll need a little wine when we switch over to a serious news show as opposed to this goofy trash TV.

Meghan chuckled as Jacqueline walked into the kitchen. Make sure its a small pour, she called to her. Its my favorite drink, but I have a lot of things to do tomorrow. Im busy at the bakery this weekend, and I have so many errands to do.

Jacqueline wrinkled her nose as she walked back into her dimly-lit living room with two glasses of red wine in her hands. Trudy agreed to a three-day weekend? Thats probably for the best for both of you...you did say that shes been a little moody lately.

Meghan nodded as she thought of her assistant. Trudy had been a helpful companion at the bakery for a few months, but lately, she had been fussy and irritable, and Meghan was eager to get some time away from her.

Well anyway, here is your cabernet, Jacqueline said as she handed the glass to Meghan. I hope you like it.

Meghan took a sip and sighed. Its perfect, she cooed as she passed the remote to Jacqueline. I guess you can change the channel now, Jackie .

Jacqueline laughed. Hardly anyone calls me Jackie but I like it. Its cute.

Meghan grinned. Jackie it is, then. She settled back against the couch and yawned. Im getting sleepy. Im afraid the news will just knock me right out.

Jacqueline shrugged, but as she changed the channel to the Sandy Bay News station, both women gasped. Look at that, she murmured as the sight of dozens of elegantly-dressed couples filled the screen. The couples paraded around an ornate ballroom, and then the show flashed to a shot of ten smiling people being served lobster on gold plates.

What is this? More reality television? Meghan asked in wonder as her dark eyes widened. This is the Sandy Bay News channel, isnt it? Surely something so fancy isnt happening in Sandy Bay?

Jackie raised a finger to her lips. Shhhhh, she ordered Meghan. I want to hear what this is.

The channel cut to a shot of a young, stunningly beautiful brunette woman reporting from a studio. She had a dazzling white smile, and her eyes twinkled as she addressed the audience. With the upcoming Governors Ball around the corner, there is no doubt that this event will be the social event of the year in Sandy Bay. We just showed you clips from last years event, and as a reporter and guest, I can say that it was a fine affair. With celebrities coming into Sandy Bay from around the world, a marvelous menu, and a live band, the Governors Ball is a night to remember. Isnt that right, Kirsty?

Meghans jaw dropped. Of course Kirsty Fisher is in charge of such a fancy event, she muttered as Kirsty Fisher, one of Sandy Bays social butterflies, appeared next to the young brunette woman. As a business owner in Sandy Bay, Meghan had frequently interacted with Kirsty who was constantly trying to get her to help with events in town, or provide goods for a party or festival, and while Meghan admired Kirstys commitment to her causes, she could be a bit much.

Thank you for having me, Kirsty smiled as she flipped her blonde hair behind her narrow shoulders. This years ball will be the night of all nights! We have so many special guests coming to town, and of course, Governor Brown and his lovely wife, Paula, will be hosting. The tickets are five-thousand dollars per person this year, and the planning committee is delighted to see how much fun we can have. Come, everyone. Purchase tickets before they sell out!

Meghan clapped her hands in delight. Jackie, Paula Brown is from Texas, my home state. She was Miss Texas years ago, and then she became an actress in Hollywood. She is so beautiful. I grew up with a picture of her on the wall in my bedroom.

Jackie smiled. Thats adorable, Meghan. Maybe you can sneak into the Governors Ball and meet her?

Meghan raised an eyebrow. I would have to sneak in, she admitted. I cannot afford a five-thousand dollar ticket to the ball. Maybe someday.

The television screen turned to black, and then it revealed a middle-aged man in a white chefs hat. Look at that, Meghan, Jackie said as she pointed to the screen. Its Claude Boucher. Hes that famous chef from Paris. He must be in town as a celebrity guest at the ball.

I know who Claude Boucher is, Meghan boasted. I do own a bakery. Claude Boucher is one of the most famous chefs and bakers in the world right now.

The two women watched as Claude sat across from a red-headed reporter on a green leather couch. Mr. Boucher, the reporter asked. You will be a guest at the ball this year, but a little bird tells me that you are assisting the planning committee in designing the menu? What can you tell us about this?

Claude leaned back and brushed the silver hair from his forehead. He smiled, and Meghan noticed the deep dimples in his cheeks. Well, it is an honor to design the menu, Claude declared as he crossed his right leg over his left leg. And unlike other years, we are not going to be exclusively importing the foods from France.