I blush, nodding. “I remember. You’d spin me around till I was dizzy, and we’d laugh like kids, not caring about anyone watching.” Karl chuckles, his grip tightening around my waist for a brief moment. “There was that one time...” he begins, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “at that club downtow
Abby Sitting in the dimly lit kitchen, the soft clinking of our utensils is a comforting lullaby against the evening's silence. I sneak glances at Karl every now and then, his features illuminated with a gentle glow from the overhead light. He seems lost in his thoughts, enjoying every bite. “
Karl winks at me from across the room. “Efficiency, Abby. I learned from the best.” The list grows, and at some point, Karl comes closer, presumably to look into a nearby cabinet. That’s when I notice the sheen of sweat on his forehead. His dedication to help me, especially after a long day, i
Abby The sun’s barely peeking over the horizon as I pull open the door to the restaurant. I can already feel the hustle of a new day, the potential for a fresh start. Walking in, I expect the familiar comfort of an empty space, but I’m met instead with Ethan’s brooding form. His jaw is set t
Then there’s a knock, crisp and assertive. “Come in,” I call out, expecting to see Ethan or even Karl. But the door swings open to reveal a tall, commanding figure that I don’t recognize. Dressed in a sharp charcoal suit, with an air of unquestionable authority, the stranger’s steel blue
Abby “This… Isn’t a prank, right?” Even as I utter those words, I feel like an idiot. But I can’t help myself; I just can’t wrap my head around this whole situation. My little restaurant was chosen as one of four finalists for the Alpha gathering out of all of the amazing restaurants in the ci
Ethan’s grin fades to an expression of curiosity while Chloe’s eyes widen. “What is it, Abby?” Without pausing for a breath, I recount my meeting with Calvin. “We’ve been chosen as one of the finalists to cater for the Alpha gathering! There’s going to be a cook-off and everything!” I can barely
Abby The ambiance of the restaurant after hours is one of muted stillness, a stark contrast to its bustling daytime persona. I absolutely cherish these moments, where the world seems to fade, and it’s just me and my culinary creations. Tonight, it’s not about a new dish or preparation for t