Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 288

Abby

The silence in the room is thick with tension as we wait for Logan’s verdict.

Vanessa’s and Xavier’s praises still echo in the back of my mind, but it’s Logan’s opinion that really seems to hold the weight of the world. I can’t explain why, but it somehow feels as though Logan’s opinion holds more sway than the others’; or maybe that’s just how it feels to me, seeing as how slow he is to dole out praise, just like Professor Hawthorne all those years ago.

Without warning, Karl’s hand finds my knee under the table. It’s a brief touch, but it grounds me. I don’t pull away, not yet.

Vanessa’s voice is soothing as she picks up on the tension and fills the silence, taking another bite of her souffle. “Really, Abby, it’s exquisite,” she says with a warm smile.

Xavier nods in agreement. “Definitely. I might just need to ask you to make a few more of these for me to bring home. My wife and daughter would be angry if I didn’t share.”

I laugh in response, but it’s a hollow sound. Nothing will feel right until I hear what Logan has to say, and I hope beyond all hope that it’s more than just ‘it’s fine’ again.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Logan leans back in his chair and looks poised to speak. His gaze lifts to meet mine, and there’s something new in his eyes that I haven’t seen before. He looks less cold now, but only ever so slightly.

“Good job, Abby,” he says with a curt nod. “I have to say, I’m more impressed than I was at the cook-off.”

The relief that floods through me is almost dizzying, but his words aren’t a complete balm. There’s still an underlying tension there that gives me pause.

“Really?” I ask, my voice wavering slightly.

Logan nods again. “Yes, really. Overall, I’d give tonight a seven out of ten.”

Seven out of ten? I repeat the number in my head. That should be good, right?

But it doesn’t feel good. I poured my heart and soul into tonight. A seven out of ten is good, but not good enough. Not for me. I try to keep my expression neutral and professional, but inside, my thoughts whirl around like a tornado.

“That’s… Thank you, Logan. I appreciate your feedback,” I manage to say, even though the words feel hollow.

He nods, a ghost of a smile on his lips, and then leans forward again with his elbows on the table. “Of course, I’ll need to spend the night considering my final verdict. Whether or not you’re fit to cater the Alpha party.”

“Yes,” Vanessa says, nodding along with him. “Of course. We should all discuss this privately before we can make our final decision. I hope you can understand, Abby.”

I nod. “Absolutely. It’s an important event to be catered. Take all of the time you need.”

There’s a moment of silence in the room as Logan’s words linger in the back of my mind. Seven out of ten. It’s a good score, isn’t it? Yet why does it feel like a failure rather than a victory?

“Would you like some coffee?” I find myself asking, more out of a need to break the tension than anything else.

“That would be lovely, Abby,” Vanessa says, and Xavier agrees with a nod. Logan, of course, says nothing, but also makes no motion to leave.

I stand, my legs a little unsteady, and make my way to the kitchen after gathering the empty dishes. I can feel Karl’s eyes on me, and I wish I knew what was going through his mind.