Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

A little girl with a costume chef’s hat on. It’s a little too big for her head, causing

it to fall into her eyes. She pushes it up out of her face, shooting me a toothless

grin as she holds up a handmade sign that reads, in haphazard crayon…

“ABBY, U R MY HERO!”

Tears come to my eyes, but I blink them away. Suddenly, I’ve found my voice

again. I clear my throat, stand up straight, and start to speak.

“I want to say how grateful I am to stand here as a woman in a profession that

has long been dominated by men. And not just as a woman, but as someone

who believes in the power of diversity, of giving chances to those who are often

overlooked.”

Enter title…

I pause, choosing my words carefully. “But it’s not just about me,” I continue, “it’s

about all of us here. The incredible chefs who have come to compete, the staff

who make this show possible, and you—the audience, who make us want to be

better.”

of my eye, I see Daniel roll his eyes, his

going further, confronting

that won’t work here. It’s not right. It’s not

of the love,” I continue, “but please, I

my opponents—no, not my

of the day, we’re all here

to celebrate the art of cooking, to challenge

in a friendly

applause and cheers takes over the studio. I

sweeping across the faces of the audience,

lastly to Karl, who gives me an

matter who takes home the prize today,” I add, “what truly matters

as a community, cheering each other on, despite our

victory, and it’s one

once more. He’s still scowling at me, but

important thing is

hat too big for her head, her grin

And even if I don’t win today, I will try

the microphone

to which there’s another round of cheers before he

you, but we’re all dying to know— who is your sous

today?”

dart to Karl, whose eyes

“If you all don’t mind,

for the