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.”

With that, he rises, the action

all the more aware of the

weight of what’s just transpired

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

covering my face with both hands. A

escapes my

a validation

poured into this establishment. Winning this cook-off

be the realization of a dream, a testament

for the culinary arts.

my restaurant’s name being spoken in the same breath as the city’s

credibility—the implications are

Every chef, every restaurateur dreams of being

And this? This is as big as it

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

feels golden. It feels like the universe’s way

I overcame, was leading

yes. But

pumping through me, I burst into the bar area. Ethan and Chloe are engaged

judging by their smiles. But all that is forgotten

on the bar

in my office!” I nearly shout, my voice

than usual. The sheer excitement makes

of curiosity while Chloe’s eyes widen.

breath, I recount my meeting with Calvin. “We’ve been chosen as one

Alpha gathering! There’s going

the elation bubbling within

from surprise to pure shock. “Are

my face for

eyes sparkle with shared excitement. “Oh my Go d, Abby!” She squeals, wrapping

warmth of her hug only adds

me.

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

as though she’s seeing me for

inkle in his eye.

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

“I’m going

change everything for us!”

Ethan

clinking dishes and muted conversation from the kitchen is momentarily

of a door

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

furrowed, presumably from the loud commotion we were