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, he rises, the action smooth

that makes me all the more aware of the significance of

the weight of what’s just transpired hits

I gently

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

joy escapes my

more than just an opportunity. It’s a validation of every sacrifice I’ve

passion I’ve poured into this establishment. Winning

the realization of a dream, a

for the culinary arts.

in the same breath as the city’s elites,

credibility—the implications are

the recognition. Every chef, every

And this? This

though the road ahead is uncertain, even though the competition will be

way of telling me that

overcame, was leading up to

But the

burst into the bar

judging by their smiles. But all that is forgotten as I

the bar counter,

just happened in

excitement makes it difficult to control my

grin fades to an expression of curiosity while

I recount my meeting with Calvin. “We’ve

going to be a cook-off

the elation bubbling

morph from surprise to pure shock. “Are you serious?”

for

my Go d, Abby!” She

embrace. The warmth of her hug only adds

me.

pulling away but holding my shoulders at arm’s length, looking

seeing

playful tw inkle in his eye. “Do I get a

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

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

change everything for us!”

of the way,” Ethan promises, his tone sincere. “Whatever you

and muted conversation from the kitchen

of

of my eye, I spot Karl, clad in his

the loud commotion we