#Chapter 170: The Switch

Abby My hand trembles slightly as I dial Mr. Thompson’s number, each ring sounding like a warning siren against my ear. The kitchen is still flooded, and the chaos is like a perfect mirror image of my inner turmoil right now. “Mr. Thomson,” I breath, my voice shaking, as the line clicks to life. “Abby?” his voice crackles through, instantly picking up on my tone. “Is everything okay?” The words spill out in a rush. “The restaurant—a pipe burst, the kitchen is flooded, and the power went out. I need to inform the judges that I can’t do this today.” “Abby, you can’t cancel now,” he cuts in sharply. “Today was chosen by the judges very deliberately. If you cancel, then they might go for another contestant instead.” A knot forms in my stomach as my mind scrambles to come up with a solution. “Okay, I won’t cancel, but I can’t do it here. I need to… I need to move the venue—to my house.” There’s a pause before he answers. “Your house? Abby, this is highly unorthodox. Res