It’s the question I’ve been dreading because the answer isn’t going to be something that they want to hear. But everyone is staring at me, and I can’t bring myself to lie. “Stories,” I say finally. “Real stories about real people. That’s what matters to me.” There’s a moment of silence, and a fl
Abby My hands tremble slightly as I reach the door, my thoughts racing a mile a minute. The apartment still looks like a hurricane just blew through, the ingredients aren’t prepped, I’m still a mess myself, and the judges are an hour and a half early. Great. Just great. I hope that whoever sho
Abby I shuffle from one foot to the other, still shocked by Karl’s sudden appearance. But the flowers in my hand are grounding, like a lifeline. “Are you sure about this?” I find myself asking. “Your Alpha duties… You’ve already given up so much to help me. I don’t want to jeopardize your status
“Okay, I’ll... get ready then. You’ll be okay out here?” Karl waves a hand dismissively. “Go ahead. You got a mirror somewhere so I can get to work on…” He gestures to himself, to his tousled hair, his white button-down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. “...This?” I nod and point to the
Abby I swallow hard, my palm slick with nervous sweat as I reach for the door handle. “Ready?” Karl asks, his voice low. His eyes meet mine, and I can feel a sense of calm wash over me, although it’s not quite enough to allay the anxiety that’s blooming in my chest. “Ready.” The door swings
Abby The judges are sitting in front of me, spoons poised, and I can’t help but hold my breath. Every moment that they taste the soup without a word feels like an eternity. My palms are sweating, and it’s all I can do to not show them that I feel like I’m about to pass out. Vanessa is the first
His words give me pause. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, I’m lost in his brown gaze. But then, I realize that he’s right; Logan just wants to throw me off my game. This isn’t the cook-off. There are no fellow contestants switching my spices, no real reason to let one judge’s comments make me doubt
Abby A warmth rushes over me as I carry the extra plates to the table where the judges are sitting. Karl follows close behind with a jug of water and two extra glasses. The scent of rosemary and thyme hangs in the air as I slide the plates down and pull up a chair. My heart’s doing somersaults,