Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 54: Cookoff?!
Abby novelbin

“This… Isn’t a prank, right?”

Even as I utter those words, I feel like an idiot. But I can’t help myself; I just can’t wrap my head around

this whole situation. My little restaurant was chosen as one of four finalists for the Alpha gathering out

of all of the amazing restaurants in the city?

The rich timbre of Calvin’s chuckle fills the room. “A prank? No, ma’am, this is as real as it gets. But, I’d

advise you not to pop the champagne just yet.”

I raise an eyebrow, my heart still pounding hard. “Why’s that?”

“The selection process requires a cook-off,” he explains. “Each of the four chosen restaurants will

compete to showcase their culinary prowess. Based on this, we’ll decide which establishment will have

the honor of catering for the Alpha gathering. It will be quite rigorous.”

The gravity of the competition he’s describing does little to dampen my excitement. This is an incredible

opportunity, and even just being considered feels like a massive win. “So, what you’re saying is that

there’s a chance, even if it’s one in four?”

“Exactly. And considering the caliber of dishes you serve here, I’d say you stand a good chance.”

Calvin’s smile is enigmatic, but it’s clear he’s not just trying to flatter me. “If you accept our offer to

participate, I’ll make sure all the details and requirements are sent to you ASAP.”

A whirlwind of thoughts race through my mind. The dishes I’d prepare, the strategies I’d employ, the

possible reactions of the judges. But even amidst this rush, the answer is clear.

“Of course I accept,” I say, my voice firm and decisive.

“Excellent. I believed you would,” Calvin nods, pulling out a sleek card from his pocket and placing it on

my desk. “This is my direct contact. Should you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate

to reach out.”

I take the card, the cool, smooth texture a stark contrast to the warmth of my fingers. “Thank you, Mr.

Thompson. I won’t let you down.”

counting on it.” With

that makes me all the more aware of

weight of what’s just

silent, too still. I gently shut the door and then, unable to contain the

back in my chair, covering my face with both hands. A m uffled yell of

joy escapes

validation of every sacrifice I’ve

poured into this establishment. Winning this cook-off would

business. It would be the realization of a dream, a testament to the love

for the culinary arts.

idea of my restaurant’s name being spoken in the same breath as the city’s elites,

credibility—the

it’s the recognition. Every

This is as

uncertain, even though the competition

the universe’s way of telling

overcame, was leading up

yes. But

burst into the bar

an amusing chat, judging by their smiles. But all that is forgotten as

on the bar counter, grabbing

will not believe what just happened in my office!” I nearly shout, my voice an

sheer excitement makes it difficult

of curiosity while Chloe’s eyes

recount my meeting with Calvin. “We’ve

going to

the elation

pair’s expressions morph from surprise to pure shock. “Are

searching my face for any

“Oh my Go d, Abby!” She squeals, wrapping

of her hug only adds to the fuzzy happiness

me.

of you!” she gushes, pulling away but

though she’s seeing

clears his throat, a playful tw inkle in his eye. “Do I get a hug,

his lanky frame bending to accommodate mine. “Of course, you

Pulling back, I add, “I’m going to need all hands on deck.

change everything for us!”

way,” Ethan promises, his

of clinking dishes and muted

of a

of my eye, I spot Karl, clad in his bandana

furrowed, presumably from the loud