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

that cuts through the air, low enough

hear.

his sous

can’t even get

has no business being

of

beside me, his eyes narrowing

words.

something,” he growls, ready to pounce, but I

signaling him to stand

in, not now. Not when it would

no place in the kitchen, who

care of business.

firmly. “Just ignore

me a look as we approach our station. “And just let her

you? Again?”

don’t need you to fight my battles

know you

cut him off. “Now is not the

eyes search mine for a moment before he finally

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