Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 283

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 to break the silence, and her voice is smooth and soft—an instant comfort.

“Abby, this is delightful,” she says, her spoon clinking against the bowl as she sets it down. “The balance of flavors is excellent, and the carrot really shines through. Your hint of thyme really makes the dish.”

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and a smile spreads across my lips. “Thank you, Vanessa. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

Xavier follows, his voice deep and thoughtful. “I must agree. The sour cream and green onion were a nice touch as well. An unexpected flavor combination, but delightful nonetheless.”

Their words empower me, and I can feel the knot in my chest loosening.

But then I look towards Logan, the last to comment, and his brow is slightly furrowed. The room seems to grow colder as he places his spoon down with a long sigh.

“It’s… good,” he starts, and for a moment, hope flickers inside of me, only to be immediately put out like a candle by his next words. “But if I’m being honest, it’s too… safe. Expected, rather.” As he speaks, his eyes meet mine, and there’s that glint again.

I feel a small knot twist in my gut, and it’s all I can do to keep my composure. “I see,” I manage, swallowing. “Was it the flavors, or…?”

He shakes his head, pressing his lips into a thin line. “I can’t quite say. It tasted good, but it’s just… boring.”

Suddenly, Vanessa interjects before I can offer a retort. “Not every dish needs to reinvent the wheel, Logan,” she says. “And it was quite flavorful. The ginger—”