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

that makes me all the more aware

he leaves, the weight of

too still. I gently shut the

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

escapes my

a validation of every sacrifice I’ve made,

every ounce of passion I’ve poured into this

would be the realization of a dream, a

for the culinary arts.

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

credibility—the

it’s the recognition. Every chef, every restaurateur dreams of

craft. And this? This is as

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

the universe’s way of telling me that every challenge I

was leading

yes. But the thrill? The

I burst into the bar area. Ethan and

But all that is forgotten as I dramatically slam

on the bar counter, grabbing their

just happened in my office!” I

The sheer excitement makes

curiosity while

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

going to

the elation

pure

for any sign of

with shared excitement. “Oh my Go d,

me in a tight embrace. The warmth of her hug only adds to

me.

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

as though she’s seeing me

clears his throat, a playful tw inkle in his eye.

a hug, his lanky frame bending to accommodate mine.

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

change everything for us!”

you every step of the way,” Ethan promises, his tone sincere.

cacophony of clinking dishes and muted conversation from

of a

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

the loud commotion we