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

hear.

at her,” Daniel mutters to his sous chef,

even get her

she has no business being

burns hot, a bristle of indignation bubbling beneath the

feel Karl tense beside me, his eyes

words.

something,” he growls, ready to pounce, but

him to stand

Not when it would only prove

place in the kitchen, who needs a man to

care of business.

I say firmly. “Just ignore

look as we approach our station. “And just

you? Again?”

need you to fight my battles

you

cut him off. “Now is not the

mine for a moment before he finally nods,

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