#Chapter 175: The First Course

Abby I swallow hard, my palm slick with nervous sweat as I reach for the door handle. “Ready?” Karl asks, his voice low. His eyes meet mine, and I can feel a sense of calm wash over me, although it’s not quite enough to allay the anxiety that’s blooming in my chest. “Ready.” The door swings open and the evening light spills into the hallway, carrying with it the judges. Vanessa, with her air of understated elegance; Xavier, with his calm and quiet demeanor; and then there’s Logan. Logan. His gaze scans over me, and suddenly I feel like I’m back on stage again beneath his heavy scrutiny. How does he feel about this second chance that Vanessa pushed for? Did he fight it? Will he scrutinize me again? Humiliate me again? But then, Logan’s eyes slide over to Karl. There’s a flicker of something between them, and it reminds me of the supposed conversation they had. What more was said between the two of them that I don’t know about? Either way, it doesn’t matter—beca