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.

The windows filter in a golden hue, casting

The melodious chatter of customers combines with

both

the restaurant with

famous blueberry

stack of paperwork—invoices, supplier orders, and the like.

no one ever romanticizes,

it’s all a testament to the world I’ve built brick by brick, dish by

my thoughts. My gaze flickers up to find Karl’s familiar face peeking through

bubbles up; I was

don’t want to look him in the eyes,

I see the takeout coffee cup in his

chair opposite me. “Do you need something,

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

at him, a teasing smirk playing on my

all set, but thanks.”

silent acknowledgment of our shared moment in

you after last night,” he

to talk

about it.

Karl’s gesture. His concern feels genuine, a

pitying glances others have been throwing my way sinceI

“Just another bump in the

his gaze softening. “True. But if you ever need to

rant, I’m here.”

chuckle from me. “Thanks.

moment, as if weighing his

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

a brunch crowd

smile. “Alright, boss lady. Let’s get

…

pale.

fever.”

be one of our busiest days of the week

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

think so, but he didn’t look

be out for a

my other line cooks, overhears, his face

We’re fully booked tonight.”

breath. “We adapt. That’s all we can

trying to figure out a solution. That’s when I spot Karl

caught up in his task, but he’s the only other pair of

“Karl!”

up, eyes scanning the kitchen before settling on me. “Something

kitchen,” I state, my tone allowing no room for

if hoping to find an escape route.

clarify. “You can chop,

warily. “Sure, but are you sure

reply

takes a deep breath, adjusting the bandana he’s started wearing when doing