Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

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

cuts through the air, low enough so only Karl

hear.

to his sous chef,

even get her morning

in. Honestly, she has no

burns hot, a bristle of indignation

I feel Karl tense beside me, his eyes narrowing

words.

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

signaling him

in, not now. Not when it would only prove

a homemaker with no place in the kitchen, who needs a

care of business.

firmly. “Just

a look as we approach

you? Again?”

need you to fight my battles

you don’t,

nothing,” I cut him off. “Now is not

for a moment before he finally