Page 24 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

"What if he doesn't feel the same way?" I whisper, my voice muffled against her shirt.

Sophie pulls back, looking me square in the eye. "Then you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going. You're strong, Lila. Stronger than you give yourself credit for. And no matter what happens, I'll be here for you. Always. He would be a damn fool not to see how amazing you are."

I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, overwhelmed by the depth of her friendship and support. "Thank you, Soph. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She grins, giving me a playful nudge. "You'd probably burn down the kitchen, for starters."

I laugh, the tension in my chest easing slightly. "Probably. But seriously, thank you. For everything."

Sophie nods, her expression turning serious once more. "Just promise me one thing, Lila. Don't let your fears hold you back. If there's even a chance that Axel feels the same way, you owe it to yourself to find out."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I promise."

As the students return from their break, I try to push thoughts of Axel to the back of my mind. I need to focus on guiding these eager learners through the intricacies of Italian cuisine. But as I reach for the garlic, my hand falters, and I accidentally knock over the bottle of olive oil.

"Shit," I mutter under my breath, watching helplessly as the golden liquid spreads across the countertop.

Sophie is by my side in an instant, a dish towel in hand. "It's okay, Lila," she reassures me, her voice low and soothing. "Accidents happen."

I nod, grateful for her support, but I can't shake the feeling of inadequacy that washes over me. How can I expect to navigate the complexities of a relationship with Axel when I can't even keep my head straight in the kitchen?

As I stir the sauce, I realize just how much Axel's opinion has come to matter to me. It's not just about the food truck anymore, or even about the undeniable attraction between us. It's about the way he sees me, the way he makes me feel like I'm worth something.

"Lila, I think the sauce needs a little more basil," Sophie says gently, breaking me out of my reverie.

I nod, reaching for the herb. But even as I add it to the pot, my mind is still on Axel. I wonder what he's doing right now, if he's thinking of me the way I'm thinking of him.

As I guide the students through the final steps of the recipe, I feel a renewed sense of determination. I may not be perfect, but I'm going to give this thing with Axel my all. I'm going to put myself out there, even if it means risking heartbreak.

Because if there's one thing I've learned from my time in the kitchen, it's that the greatest rewards often come from the biggest risks. And Axel? He's a risk I'm willing to take.

As the last of the students file out of the kitchen, their handmade ravioli nestled in their containers, I feel a sense of accomplishment wash over me. Despite my earlier distractions, the class was a success, and the students left with smiles on their faces and a newfound appreciation for the art of pasta-making.

"Great job today, Lila," Sophie says, bumping her hip against mine as we start to clean up the kitchen. "You really pulled it together, even with everything on your mind."

I smile, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Soph. I couldn't have done it without you."

We work in comfortable silence for a few minutes, wiping down counters and washing dishes. But as we put away the last of the utensils, Sophie turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"So, about Axel..." she begins, and I feel my heart skip a beat at the mention of his name.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation to come. "I've been thinking a lot about what you said earlier, Soph. About taking a chance, even if it's scary."

She nods, her expression turning serious. "And?"

I pause, weighing my words carefully. "And... I think you're right. I can't let my fears hold me back forever. If there's even a chance that Axel feels the same way, I owe it to myself to find out."

Sophie beams, pulling me into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you, Lila. You deserve happiness, and if Axel is the one who can give that to you, then you should go for it."

I hug her back, feeling a surge of warmth and gratitude. "Thank you, Soph. For everything."

As we pull apart, I remember Axel and a private cooking lesson. I had said yes in the heat of the moment, but now I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach. What if it's awkward? What if I make a fool of myself?

"Hey, Soph?" I say, my voice hesitant. "Remember how I promised Axel a private cooking lesson?"

She nods, her eyes widening. "Yeah, of course. Why?"

I take a deep breath. "I think I'm going to go through with it."