Read Dining with Joy for Free Online

this was going too far. Wasn’t it?
    â€œYou’re more than a foodie or a cook. You’re an entertainer, Joy. A star. We all see it. You’re the girl next door meets glamour and fame. I’m surprised Duncan let me steal you away so easily.”
    â€œI’ve done all I can with the show.” Duncan cleared his voice as he stared out the window. “Besides, we all have our dreams to chase, Allison.”
    His tone didn’t soften, nor did his stance give a little. How could Joy not see how much he’d wanted out? After last season, with their growing fan base, stronger market share, and distinctive brand, Joy finally exhaled and believed the whole scheme of her posing as a cooking show host might be a good idea. Duncan had been full of ideas for the future. Never once did he hint of selling out. But gazing at him now, Joy saw the reflection of his heart in his eyes.
    â€œJoy, are you with us?” Allison snapped the air. “I know this is a lot to grasp, but the best news is yet to come. Contract negotiations. The entire crew is getting a raise, and if we make our financial goal at the end of the season, bonuses all around.”
    â€œRaises and bonuses.” She pressed her hand against her diaphragm. “That’s really generous, Allison.” The floor rumbled beneath her feet. “Duncan, can I see you for one second?” Joy barreled toward her office.
    He treaded heavily behind her, entering her office and closing the door. “Don’t blow this, Joy. It’s a great deal. What’s wrong? You look green.”
    â€œTruReality? Raises. Bonuses. I can’t do this, Duncan.” Joy walked around her desk. “She has to know.”
    â€œIs she asking to know?”
    â€œWhy would she ask, Duncan? How many cooking show hosts do you know who can’t cook?”
    â€œYou for sure, but I have suspicions about a few others. Have you seen that woman from—”
    â€œDuncan.” Joy’s plea hissed through the cool office air. “I care about this host. Me.” She patted her hand against her chest.
    â€œThen keep quiet. Why does Allison have to know?”
    â€œWhy do I have to keep quiet? If it’s not a big deal, then let’s tell her, get it on the table.”
    â€œShe’ll walk. She won’t risk her reputation with TruReality on a fake cook.”
    â€œThen why do I want to do this? Risk my reputation, the good Ballard family name?”
    Duncan’s countenance darkened and he came around the corner of Joy’s desk, bearing down on her. “I sold the show to Allison. Now you sell you , all your charm and star quality, to her. She’s halfway there as it is. Then, have at it, confess. But you tell her now, it’s over for everyone. You, me, the crew. Do you want to destroy everything we’ve all worked so hard to achieve?”
    â€œYou mean, what you’ve worked to achieve.”
    â€œNo, Joy, all of us. You are on the verge of fame. People have done way more for way less than their fifteen minutes. Who knows, you might just learn to cook one day. Give this season a chance. Once you win everyone over, then, well, you know, confess. By then, they’ll be star-crossed in love with you and won’t care you can’t make toast.”
    â€œI can make toast, Duncan.” Joy sank down into her chair. “You’re awfully arrogant for a man no longer holding the keys.”
    He lowered his nose to hers. “I’ve worked with a lot of hungry artists and actors before, Joy. But I’ve never seen one as starving as you. You won’t walk because it’s not in you to quit. That ability made you a great ballplayer, an entertaining show host, and a determined aunt, but—”
    â€œNot a great cook?” Joy glared at him.
    â€œJoy, just do the show.” Duncan stood back. “See what happens. Let the routine roll like it has for the past three years. By