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.”

it.” With that, he rises, the

all the more aware of

leaves, the weight of what’s

too silent, too still. I gently shut the

my chair, covering my face with both hands. A m uffled

escapes

an opportunity. It’s a validation of every sacrifice I’ve made, every late

of passion I’ve poured into this establishment. Winning this

would be the realization of a

for the culinary arts.

spoken in

the credibility—the implications are

the recognition. Every chef, every restaurateur dreams of being

This is as big as

even though

like the universe’s way of telling me that

was leading up

yes. But the thrill? The thrill is

burst into the bar area. Ethan

smiles. But

bar counter,

believe what just happened in my office!” I nearly shout, my voice

makes it difficult to control my

to an expression of curiosity

pausing for a breath, I recount my meeting with

the Alpha gathering! There’s going to be a cook-off and everything!”

elation bubbling

expressions morph from surprise to pure shock. “Are

my face for any

eyes sparkle with shared excitement. “Oh my

tight embrace. The warmth of her hug only adds to the fuzzy happiness that

me.

of you!” she gushes, pulling away but holding my shoulders at arm’s

she’s seeing me for the first

in his eye. “Do

him in a hug, his lanky frame bending to accommodate

mumble against his chest. Pulling back, I add, “I’m going to need all hands on deck. This

change everything for us!”

Ethan

dishes and muted conversation from the kitchen is

sound of a door

I spot Karl, clad in his bandana and t-shirt, striding into the

from the loud commotion