Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 41: Sparks Fly
Abby

Pushing the restaurant’s door open, I’m immediately enveloped by the scent of fresh bread and

brewing coffee.

The day beckons, promising a hustle that I’m both dreading and anticipating. Each wooden table is

adorned with a fresh bunch of flowers, the gentle hum of the morning preparations playing softly in the

background.

“Morning, Abby!” Jake, my ever-efficient waiter, calls out, balancing a tray of fresh pastries on his palm.

His smile reaches his eyes, but there’s an underlying tension behind his gaze. Word travels fast, and

I’m sure the staff knows about the disaster that was last night.

From behind the bar, Chloe shoots me a sheepish grin. I narrow my eyes at her, knowing that she likely

blabbed to someone, but I can’t stay mad at her.

“Hey, Jake,” I reply, forcing brightness into my voice, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep and the

emotional hangover.

Daisy joins Jake, her apron already smudged with the morning’s work. “Need a coffee?” she asks, a

knowing glint in her eyes.

“Wouldn’t say no to that,” I respond with a weary chuckle.

She swiftly moves to the espresso machine, her hands practiced and sure, and within moments I’m

cradling a warm cup of comfort. The aroma alone gives me the pick-me-up I desperately need.

“Thanks, Daisy. Oh, and get a new apron from the back before customers start coming, alright?”

“Sure thing, boss!”

The warmth of my office is a welcome reprieve from the bustling chaos of the restaurant. I step inside,

immediately relishing the sense of solitude it offers.

My small haven is dimly lit, decorated with tasteful artwork and an impressive array of certificates that

vouch for my culinary skills. Yet, right now, they feel like mere props to a play that’s become all too real.

Sliding the door shut, I exhale a long, deep sigh. My feet carry me to the plush leather chair behind my

oak desk. As I sink into it, every muscle in my body seems to let go of the tension it’s been holding

onto. My temples throb, a painful reminder of the tears and restless tossing of the previous night.

Yet, there’s a silver lining to my gloomy clouds. My restaurant. My sanctuary.

special here. The windows filter in a golden hue, casting warm

The melodious chatter of customers combines with the

both lively and

that fills the restaurant with both families and lone

famous blueberry pancakes or a hearty

stack of paperwork—invoices, supplier orders,

job that no one ever romanticizes, but there’s a

number I check, it’s all a testament to the world I’ve built

interrupts my thoughts. My gaze flickers up to find Karl’s

A touch of annoyance bubbles up; I was in no mood for interruptions. And after

don’t want to look him in the eyes, no matter how beautiful and

then I see the takeout coffee cup in

towards the chair opposite me. “Do you need

coffee on my desk. “Thought you might need

my almost full coffee mug, then back at him, a teasing smirk playing on my

all set, but thanks.”

hold a twi nkle, a silent acknowledgment of our shared moment in my apartment last

on you after

don’t want to talk about it.

about it.

there’s something unexpectedly sweet in Karl’s gesture. His

have been

“Just

But if you

rant, I’m here.”

elicits a soft chuckle from me. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in

hesitates for a moment, as if

a hand, cutting him off. “Let’s not, okay? I appreciate the concern, but

brunch

into a knowing smile. “Alright, boss lady. Let’s get

…

kitchen, his face drawn and pale. “Abby, we’ve got a problem. John’s

fever.”

on what promises to be one of our busiest days

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

he didn’t look

He’ll probably be

other line cooks, overhears, his

We’re fully booked tonight.”

breath. “We

trying to figure out a solution. That’s when I spot Karl in the corner, working away

he’s the only other pair

“Karl!”

eyes scanning the kitchen before settling on me. “Something

kitchen,” I state, my

looks around, as if hoping to find an escape

clarify. “You can chop,

“Sure, but are

reply with a

bandana he’s started wearing when doing