Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

“On it,” he responds, jogging toward the pantry. He returns a few moments later,

and we swap places.

“Make sure to turn the duck and sear it evenly,” I call out as I begin to mix the

ingredients together to make the dough. “Use the red wine for moisture. Yeah,

just like that, perfect…”

…

When the buzzer blares, signaling the end of the round, I step back and take a

look at my dish.

It’s beautiful—each element perfectly executed, just like I rehearsed a million

times in my head. The plate practically glows under the stage lights, and I can’t

Enter title…

surge of pride course through

judges make their way around, forks poised, eyes narrowed

they reach Daniel’s station. He stands tall,

they taste her creation. My heart pounds in my chest,

echoing my mounting anxiety.

they come to

gentlemen,” I say, pushing

duck pâté en croûte. I incorporated a hint of black

the pastry, which I believe adds a savory kick in a subtle

first judge takes a bite and nods approvingly, her eyes meeting

The second judge, too, gives a

there’s Logan—the Logan—chef extraordinaire

in the world.

takes a bite

stretch out like hours as he chews slowly, deliberately, his

then, a small grimace. My blood runs

down his

pepper

like I’ve taken a punch to the gut. The judges move on, but I feel like

collapsing in on itself. This