Abby

On the morning of the cook-off, I’m already awake before my alarm even starts

buzzing.

Last night, I hardly slept at all thanks to a combination of excitement over the

cook-off and my wine-induced conversation with Karl. All night, his words

swirled around my mind: “I’m really proud of you,” he had said.

Hearing Karl say those words was so unexpected, yet so heartwarming at the

same time. I can’t get them out of my mind, like a lost puppy who’s found her

home, or a shipwreck survivor lost at sea who has found a lifeline. It’s strange

how much of an impact it has had on me.

Enter title…

As soon as my alarm goes off, though, I pop out of bed and thrust myself into

cook-off mode. Today is not the day to be thinking about my ex-husband. Today,

I need to focus on winning that cook-off, otherwise all of my efforts will have

been for nothing.

After a slightly-too-hot shower, I pull my hair back into a neat and tidy bun, then

get dressed. I know I’ll be asked to change into a uniform for the cook-off, so I

opt for something simple: a t-shirt, jeans, and a jacket.

“Okay, Abby, this is it,” I murmur to myself, checking my reflection one last time

in the mirror before I head out. “Today’s the day you show them all.”

I rush down the stairs, grabbing the go-bag that I prepared last night and

heading out to the cafe down my street for a quick pick-me-up before the day

begins. The bell jingles over my head as I step inside, and I’m greeted by the

comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.

The barista, a sweet lady named Carol, is behind the counter.

“Morning, Abby! The usual?” she asks.

“Morning, Carol. Yes, please—black coffee, one sugar, and a croissant.”

The transaction is brief, and soon I’m sipping my coffee, savoring the bitter

liquid as it glides down my throat. It’s like a little cup of courage.

Then, with my coffee in one hand and a bagged croissant in the other, I start my

brisk walk toward John’s apartment. The air is crisp, the sun rising in pastel

hues, and I feel optimistic about today.

The streets of the city come alive as I walk, each step invigorating me further. I

can already imagine John’s surprised face when he sees how pumped I am,

and I hope he feels the same.

Speaking of John, I figure I should call him and check to make sure he’s awake

and ready. Reaching into my pocket, I grab my phone and dial his number,

already scripting what I’ll say in my head.

I wait. It rings and rings but goes to voicemail.

After I hang up, I let out a deep sigh. “Maybe he’s taking a shower,” I mutter,

shaking my head. John wouldn’t play hooky on me, not with something like this.

He’s never been that type.

My boots click against the pavement as I approach the subway entrance,

jogging down the steps and then stopping in front of the turnstile. I reach for my

subway card, but just as I’m about to swipe it, my phone buzzes. New chąpter

avąilable oո Draмаnоvеls.cоm

It’s John.

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