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

the more aware of

the weight of what’s

feels too silent, too still. I gently shut

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

escapes

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

I’ve poured into this establishment. Winning this

would be the realization of

for the culinary arts.

being spoken in the same breath as the city’s

the credibility—the

the recognition. Every chef, every

craft. And this? This is as big as it

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

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

was leading up

stakes are high, yes. But the thrill? The thrill is

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

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

the bar

believe what just happened in

sheer excitement makes it difficult to control

fades to an expression of curiosity

meeting with Calvin. “We’ve been chosen as

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

the elation bubbling within

morph from surprise to pure shock. “Are

for any

my Go d,

embrace. The warmth of her hug only adds

me.

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

seeing me

playful tw inkle in

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

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

change everything for us!”

Ethan promises, his tone sincere. “Whatever

of clinking dishes and muted conversation from the kitchen

of a door

in his bandana and t-shirt, striding into the dining

is furrowed, presumably from the loud commotion we