#Chapter 128: Bitter & Sweet

Abby Applause begins to ripple across the studio audience, but all I see is Karl, sitting in the back, staring down at me. He’s wearing a blue surgical mask, but I know it’s him. I can tell by his eyes, by the way that my wolf stirs ever so slightly just from looking at him. “Wow, Abby,” Sarah says, drawing me back to the present, back to the interview. “That was lovely. Your staff must be really grateful to have you.” I shake my head. “No. I’m lucky to have them.” “Well, that’s all, folks,” Sarah says, turning back to face the crowd. “Everyone give a big round of applause for Abby, the owner of La Belle Vie Bistro!” Another wave of applause washes over the room, smattered with a few cheers. The cameraman gives me my cue, and I stand, waving as I jog off stage. Once backstage, the assistant from before gives me a nod and a thumbs-up, then points for me to head back to the greenroom. As I head down the hall to the greenroom, I feel like I'm floating on air. So th