I look into Karl’s eyes. “What, like I did with you?” I murmur.

Karl’s eyes widen for a moment. His expression shifts from skepticism, to anger, and finally to

understanding before his gaze drops to the floor. I can tell I struck a chord with him, and maybe it’s for the

best; to remind him that I let him come here, let him walk back into my life, against all odds.

“I know it’s a risk, Karl, but what if it’s worth it?” I continue. “What if he’s exactly what we need? His

cooking is transformative, and you know as well as I do that the dishes he could help us create could be a

game-changer. I don’t just want to win the cook-off; I want to leave the judges stunned. I want them to

remember my food for the rest of their lives.”

Karl is silent for a few moments, his eyes darting back and forth as though the gears are turning in his

he sighs and meets my gaze again, and there’s more understanding there than ever

Enter title…

is what you want, Abby, then I’ll support you. No

and reassuring. There’s a hint of

the cave again, too close for our own good. I have

creeping into

I

he continues, “I’ll even pay for a hotel room for Anton temporarily until he

It’s the least we can do if we’re going

generous of you. But

but I see the glint of something warm and tender in his

him,

“Wow… Thank you, Karl.

he reaches out and squeezes my arm,

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