Karl chuckles. The production assistant is waving her clipboard frantically,

checking her watch like we’re about to count down to an explosion. Karl takes

my hand and we run down the hall, bursting through the doors to the stage. The

assistant gestures to where our station is, all the way on the other end.

Composing ourselves, we walk stiffly onto the stage.

As we walk into the blinding lights, I can see the other contestants—waiting,

watching at their stations. Vanessa is watching from the judges’ stand, and for a

moment I expect her to shake her head with disappointment. But instead, she

shoots me a subtle wink and a thumbs-up. That alone is enough to make me

feel more at ease.

Enter title…

But then, just as we’re passing by the other stations, I hear it: Daniel’s voice, a

through the air, low enough so only Karl

hear.

look at her,” Daniel mutters to his sous chef, not even

even get her morning straight

she has no business

face burns hot, a bristle of

feel Karl tense beside me, his eyes narrowing as he registers

words.

he growls, ready to pounce, but

him to stand

in, not now. Not when it would only prove Daniel’s

with no place in the kitchen, who needs a man

care of business.

I say firmly. “Just ignore

look as we approach our

you? Again?”

don’t need you to fight

you don’t,

I cut him off. “Now is

mine for a moment before he finally nods, although I

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