Chapter 0223


    Karl


    The incessant buzzing of my phone’s rm is drowned out by the pounding inside my head—a


    lingering reminder ofst night’s… festivities.


    Why did I think that having one more whiskey was a good idea? I was already pretty drunkst night by


    the time I got home, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Abby.


    In a feeble attempt to drown those thoughts out and get some sleep, I guess I thought one more drink


    was the way to go. I still remember raiding the minibar in my apartment and pouring a rather tall ss


    of whiskey—no ice—which I proceeded to knock back while giving half of my attention to a crappy


    movie I found on N*****x.


    Oh, how I wish I didn’t drink that whiskey. I feel like shit, and I’m not even fully awake yet.


    When I finally crack open my eyes, the red digits of the bedside clock re back at me: 7:15 a.m.


    “Shit,” I groan, rubbing my eyes and yawning. “I’m never drinking again.”


    My wolf grumbles inside of me, equally as perturbed by myziness. “You always say that, and then a


    week from now, you’ll be saying that a ‘little whiskey never hurt anybody.’”


    I roll my eyes, running a hand through my unkempt hair. “Thanks, Captain Obvious. I swear, it’s like


    drinking a sleeping pill or something. I can never get up early enough when I drink, and yet I also feel


    like I didn’t sleep a wink.”


    My wolf chuckles softly. “Maybe so, but you should get up. You might want to check on Abby before the


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    cook-off.”


    Abby. Just the mere mention of her name sends a weird tingle down my spine. Memories ofst night


    brick wall, her blonde hair awash like the sunset in the light of the streemps.


    I wanted to kiss her so badly, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Not after what happenedst time, and


    especially not when she has thispetition to worry about today.


    “Yeah,” I say, although hesitantly. “But I don’t think it’s a good idea to bug her right now. She’s probably


    already at the studio, caught up in a whirlwind of preparations for thepetition. I’ll see herter while


    I’m watching thepetition from the audience.”


    Ah, the audience. I wanted to give Abby a little surprise, so I bought a front-row ticket. Actually, I bought


    tickets for everybody. I figure she will be looking for a familiar face when she steps off the stage, crystal


    trophy in hand—because she’ll be winning first ce, I’m sure of it.


    “Yeah, well, it wouldn’t hurt to send a text,” my wolf says. “Something nice to wish her luck before the


    might appreciate it. Especially since you’re leaving soon…”


    I consider my wolf’s words, agreeing inwardly. I am going to be leaving soon, so leaving a good


    impression before I go might be a good move. Who knows, maybe I can convince her toe back


    with me. But I’m not holding my breath.


    “Just think of it this way,” my wolf continues, “if you show your support today, she’ll be so grateful for


    you. And maybe, after the cook-off…”


    “Okay, okay, I get it,” I growl, pushing my fists lightly into my eyes. “Fine, I’ll text her.”


    My wolf bristles with excitement. “Good.”


    Sighing, I roll over and reach for my phone.


    ?