*Sarah walked into Rosie's Bakery and spotted her best friend Jenna hunched over a table, sipping coffee. The aroma of cinnamon rolls and freshly baked bread filled the air.* "Hey girl," *Sarah greeted brightly, sliding into the booth across from Jenna.* "What's troubling you? I can practically see the gears turning in your head." *Jenna sighed heavily and pushed her mug aside.* "It's the annual town fair coming up. You know how I feel about those events." "Oh no, is it the dunking booth again?" *Sarah asked incredulously.* "I thought the fire chief had been assigned that duty for the next three years after his little... mishap last summer." *The corners of Jenna's mouth twitched.* "No, thank God. This year, I'm in charge of the pie-baking contest. Which wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for my arch-nemesis Veronica. She always takes home first prize and I'm sick of her smug face." "Well, what do you need? A secret ingredient? An iron-clad recipe? I'm your woman!" *Sarah proclaimed loyally.* "We'll beat Veronica this time, even if I have to go out there and sabotage her pies myself!" *Jenna snorted and reached for her friend's hand.* "I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I think we should just focus on winning this thing fairly and squarely. With our combined talents, how can we lose?" "You're right. I'm sorry, I got a bit carried away there." *Sarah grinned sheepishly.* "We'll bake the best damn pies this town has ever seen and rub Veronica's nose in the blue ribbon. How's that sound?" "It sounds perfect," *Jenna smiled, feeling her spirits lifting.* "I don't know what I'd do without you, Sarah. You're always there when I need you most." "And don't you forget it! Now, when are we hitting the kitchen to get started on these pies?" *Sarah rubbed her hands together gleefully.* "I can already taste the glory!" *As the two friends laughed and chattered excitedly, the bakery bustle faded into the background. United in their culinary quest and the unbreakable bond of friendship, Sarah and Jenna felt ready to take on anything - even the dreaded pie-baking contest.* *Their competitive natures rearing up in tandem, Sarah and Jenna hatched a plan to craft