Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 177

Abby

My heart pounds as the room goes quiet. What on earth is happening right now?

We’re all looking at each other—me, Karl, John, and the homeless man. His eyes meet mine, full of a sort of knowing energy that leaves me speechless. Is this a joke? He really has experience cooking with black truffles, some of the rarest and most expensive in the world?

“You look confused, so I’ll explain,” he says, smiling through his beard. “I was once a chef in France and Italy. Emphasis on was. But I’ve still got my skills.”

Karl scoffs, breaking the silence. “You’ve got to be kidding me. A chef? You expect us to believe that?”

The man just shrugs, a tiny smile on his lips. “Believe what you want. I know how to cook with black truffles, and you, my friends, are missing a crucial ingredient. That’s all I’m saying.”

Karl snorts. “Yeah, right. What’s next? Are you a secret millionaire, too?”

I shoot Karl a glance. His skepticism is understandable, but there’s something about this man that captivates me. Maybe it’s the sincerity in his eyes, or maybe it’s the unexpected way that we just met him. But if there’s even the tiniest chance that he knows something, then why not listen?

“Karl, come on. What’s the harm in hearing him out?” I say, finally breaking my silence. My voice is soft but certain, and I hope it conveys how genuinely curious I am. “I mean, we’re stumped, aren't we?”

Karl grumbles, clearly not thrilled with the idea, but nods. “Fine, whatever. It’s not like we’re making any progress on this dish anyway.”

John, who’s been silently observing the exchange, finally speaks. “I say let’s give him a shot. What do we have to lose?”

Karl throws his hands in the air. “My last shred of sanity, probably. But go on, enlighten us, Chef... what should we call you?”