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.”

his eyes. “I’m counting on it.” With that, he rises, the action smooth and full of

all the more aware of the

he leaves, the weight of

room suddenly feels too silent, too still. I gently shut

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

joy escapes my

a validation of every sacrifice I’ve made, every

into

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

for the culinary arts.

spoken in the same breath as the city’s

the credibility—the implications are

Every

this? This

ahead is uncertain, even though the competition will

the universe’s way

was leading up to

yes. But the thrill? The

bar area. Ethan and Chloe are engaged in

But

bar counter, grabbing their

believe what just happened in

excitement makes it difficult to

to an expression of curiosity while Chloe’s

pausing for a breath, I recount my meeting with Calvin. “We’ve been chosen

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

elation bubbling within

pair’s expressions morph from surprise to pure shock. “Are you serious?”

face for any sign of

“Oh my Go d, Abby!” She squeals,

her hug only adds to the fuzzy happiness

me.

so, so proud of you!” she gushes, pulling away but holding my shoulders

as though she’s seeing me

a playful tw inkle in his

him in a hug, his lanky frame bending to accommodate mine. “Of

“I’m going to need

change everything for us!”

with you every step of the way,” Ethan promises, his tone sincere. “Whatever you need,

clinking dishes and muted

sound of a door

eye, I spot Karl, clad in

furrowed, presumably from the