Abby The restaurant has long since closed, but the aroma of sauteed onions and garlic still lingers in the air. The sound of sizzling oil on the stove and the faint melody of a song that I don’t like wafting from a speaker in the corner mix together to create a tense symphony that I absolutely d
We both dip spoons into the sauce, tasting it simultaneously. It’s… alright. The paprika adds an unexpected depth of flavor. But it’s just not what I wanted. None of this is what I wanted. I had really thought for a while that Karl would wind up being my sous chef for the competition, but that had t
Abby “Need a hand?” Just as I’m about to toss the greasy pan into the soapy water to soak overnight and call it a night, I hear the all-too-familiar voice call out from behind me, and everything seems to stop. It’s all I can do to stiffly turn around, my eyes widening and my heart pounding.
Karl Abby’s face is a picture of complete and utter betrayal as she looks at me from across the metallic countertop. “Why are you really here, Karl?” she hisses, her voice wavering ever so slightly. “What else could you possibly want from me?” For a moment, I almost consider telling her
I found myself sitting at my desk, a weighty leather bound folder sitting in front of me. “Gianna, Gerald, come in,” I called out, prepared to reveal my discoveries and see how it all unfolded. They walked in, and it was then that I saw it: they really did look like father and daughter. I was su
Abby The room is dead silent when Karl finishes telling his story. I’m in utter shock, and I think he is, too. In a way, now that I think of it, it all makes sense. And yet, all these years, neither of us ever saw it coming. “So your butler…” I pause, swallowing. “Conspired with your secreta
Abby The restaurant is buzzing with activity as we prepare for the lunch rush. Karl’s returned to work today, and surprisingly, it doesn’t feel as awkward as I thought it would. In fact, there’s a sense of normalcy that I didn't expect to find. John, especially, is elated to see Karl back.
Leah takes a sip of her water, looking thoughtful. “Abby, you might have to make a choice here—between your best friends who have stood by you, or the man who’s ruined everything for you over and over again.” “I really think he can change, Leah,” I say, my voice tinged with a desperate hope. “Pe