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.

windows filter in a golden hue, casting warm

wooden floors. The melodious chatter of

that’s both lively

means brunch, an occasion that fills the restaurant with

our famous blueberry

drawer, I retrieve a stack of paperwork—invoices, supplier orders,

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

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

thoughts. My gaze flickers

up; I was in no mood for interruptions.

the eyes, no matter how beautiful and chocolatey

in his hand. “Can I come

I gesture towards the chair opposite me.

slight smile, he places the coffee on my desk. “Thought you might need

at

all set, but thanks.”

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

you after last night,” he says. “I’m…

tinge of embarrassment floods my cheeks. I don’t want to

about it.

in Karl’s gesture.

have been throwing my way sinceI got

good, Karl,” I lie, managing a faint smile. “Just another bump in

softening. “True. But if

rant, I’m here.”

soft chuckle from me. “Thanks.

as if weighing his words. “Look, about

him off. “Let’s not, okay? I

got a brunch

smile. “Alright, boss lady. Let’s get to

…

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

fever.”

out on what promises to be one of our

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

“I think so, but he didn’t look good.

food poisoning or something. He’ll probably be

my other line cooks, overhears, his face

We’re fully booked tonight.”

deep breath. “We adapt. That’s all

solution. That’s when I spot Karl in the corner, working away at

He’s caught up in his task, but he’s the only

“Karl!”

head jerks up, eyes scanning the

need you in the kitchen,” I state, my tone

looks around, as if hoping to find an escape

“You

warily. “Sure, but are

times,” I reply with a

adjusting the bandana he’s started wearing when doing his