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 action smooth and full of

that makes me all the more aware of

he leaves, the weight of what’s just transpired

silent, too still. I gently shut

covering my face with

escapes my

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

I’ve poured into

would be the realization of a dream, a testament

for the culinary arts.

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

the credibility—the implications

more than that, it’s the recognition. Every chef,

And this? This is as

uncertain, even though the competition

It feels like the universe’s way of telling me that every

was leading up to

are high, yes. But the thrill?

the bar area. Ethan and

an amusing chat, judging by their smiles. But all that

the bar

happened in my office!” I nearly shout, my voice

makes it difficult to control my

fades to an expression of curiosity while Chloe’s eyes widen. “What

for a breath, I recount my meeting

There’s going to

the elation bubbling

surprise to pure shock.

my face for any

sparkle with shared excitement. “Oh my Go d, Abby!”

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

me.

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

though she’s seeing me for the

in his eye. “Do I get a

I envelope him in a hug, his lanky

mumble against his chest. Pulling back, I add, “I’m going

change everything for us!”

Ethan promises, his tone

dishes and muted conversation from the kitchen

the sound of a

spot Karl, clad in

is furrowed, presumably from the loud commotion we