Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Abby

The stage lights are blinding, but I try to focus on the announcer standing across

from me. His voice reverberates through the microphone as he begins his script.

“Ladies and Gentlemen… Welcome to the annual Alpha party cooking

competition! I’m your host, Heinrich Williams, and today I’m proud to

announce…”

One by one, the contestants and judges are introduced. Their faces are

projected onto giant screens that hang above us, and with each announcement,

the audience cheers and applauds excitedly. The announcer then asks each

Enter title…

person a couple of questions, giving them time to promote themselves before

the show begins.

As I’m waiting for my turn, though, all I can feel is crippling, soul-crushing fear.

How do I look? How will the audience respond? What will I say when it’s my turn

of this, and all I can think is that maybe if I

this morning, maybe I wouldn’t

all the while, Karl stands beside me,

glinting in

it is

way, I’m almost glad to have him here. I

by my side, but this

of me at his presence, attracted to his scent

in

me back to reality, “a chef

hearts with her interview yesterday. With her unconventional

inclusivity in the culinary world—please give a

welcome to Abby!”

the crowd erupts into cheers, louder

have ever imagined.

I blink in surprise.

my name on them, being held up

written in colorful letters,

Abby!” and

Karl nudge my arm gently, a signal for me to step forward. My

I move

a different way than

true? Do people…