Page 3 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

"Okay. Let’s do this."

For the next hour, we fall into our usual rhythm. The lunch rush hits hard, like it always does, and the food truck comes alive with the sizzle of pans, the clattering of utensils, and the sound of people placing orders. For a brief moment, it’s easy to forget about the looming deadline, about the fact that I’m standing on the edge of losing everything.

Sophie works beside me like a whirlwind, prepping, serving, cracking jokes with the customers. She’s always been like that—lighthearted, never taking life too seriously, but somehow managing to get things done. Her laughter fills the truck, lifting my spirits just enough to get through the rush.

Just breathe, Lila. You've got this.

As the lunch rush finally starts to slow down, I allow myself a moment to catch my breath. The adrenaline that's been pumping through my veins begins to ebb, replaced by a heavy weariness that settles into my bones.

I'm just about to turn back to the stove when a familiar voice cuts through the air, making my blood run cold.

"Well, well, if it isn't Lila Taylor."

I know that voice. The voice that's been giving me nightmares. It's Gio Rossi, my biggest rival. This day just keeps getting better and better.

I turn around slowly, steeling myself for the confrontation. Gio stands there, leaning against the counter with a smug grin on his face. His dark hair is slicked back, his suit impeccable. He looks like he just stepped out of a high-end restaurant, not a food truck.

"Gio," I say, my voice tight. "What brings you here?"

His grin widens, and he pushes himself off the counter, sauntering closer.

"Oh, just thought I'd stop by, see how my competition is doing. I heard you had a little run-in with the health inspector."

I feel my cheeks flush with anger and embarrassment.How does he know about that already?

"I'm handling it," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's nothing I can't fix."

Gio chuckles, the sound grating on my nerves.

"Sure, sure. But you know, Lila, running a successful food truck isn't just about good cooking. It's about attention to detail, about following the rules."

He picks up a jar of Nonna's special sauce, turning it over in his hands.

"Homemade sauces, unlabeled? Tsk, tsk. That's a rookie mistake."

I snatch the jar out of his hands, slamming it back down on the counter.

"I said I'm handling it. I don't need your advice, Gio."

He holds his hands up in mock surrender, but the smirk never leaves his face.

"Hey, I'm just trying to help. I know how hard it can be, starting out. I've been there. But I learned quickly that you have to play by the book if you want to make it in this business."

Sophie, who's been watching the exchange with a scowl on her face, steps forward.

"She doesn't need your help," she snaps. "Lila's the best chef in the city. She's going to blow your overpriced paninis out of the water.”

Gio laughs, the sound harsh and condescending.

"Is that so? Well, I guess we'll see about that."

I feel my hands clench into fists at my sides.How dare he come in here and talk to me like that?

"I don't need your help in anything," I say, my voice low and determined. "And I'll keep my business running. You can count on that."

Gio's eyes narrow, his grin turning into something more menacing.

"We'll see about that. Good luck, Lila. You're going to need it."