#Chapter 70: Soufflés and Heartaches

Abby “Let me help you.” Karl’s words hit me like a ton of bricks. Karl, of all people, wants to help me prepare for the competition that we were only just arguing about? I can’t believe it. “You’re joking,” I murmur. Karl shakes his head, his eyes darting down to the failure of a souffle sitting between us. “Nope. Not joking. Do you want my help or not?” Part of me wants to accept his offer, but another part of me, perhaps the more logical part, decides that maybe it’s not the best idea. I’m angry right now over my argument with Karl and this damned souffle, and I know that I wouldn’t exactly be the best kitchen partner tonight. “I’m fine, Karl. Just a little tired,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Besides, you’ve been working all day. You can head home.” “I don’t want to go home,” he says quietly, sliding the souffle back toward me from across the cold metallic counter. “I’m not tired, and home is boring. Let me help.” I pause. I know that I