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.

in a golden

of customers combines with the clink of

that’s both

occasion that fills the restaurant with both families and

our famous blueberry pancakes or a hearty

a drawer, I retrieve a stack of paperwork—invoices, supplier orders, and the like. This is

ever romanticizes, but there’s a comfort in the

check, it’s all a testament to the

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

annoyance bubbles up; I was in no mood for

him in the eyes, no matter how beautiful and chocolatey they

coffee cup in his hand. “Can I come in?” he

I gesture towards the chair opposite me. “Do

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

at my almost full coffee mug, then back at him,

all set, but thanks.”

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

to check on you after last night,”

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

about it.

something unexpectedly sweet in Karl’s gesture. His concern feels genuine, a

glances others have been throwing my way sinceI got

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

softening. “True. But if you ever need to

rant, I’m here.”

me. “Thanks. I’ll keep that

if

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

brunch

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

…

drawn and pale. “Abby,

fever.”

promises to be one of our busiest days of the week is

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

think so, but he didn’t look good. Said he’s been

be out

one of my other line cooks, overhears, his

We’re fully booked tonight.”

deep breath. “We

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

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

“Karl!”

eyes scanning the kitchen before settling on me.

you in the kitchen,” I state,

looks around, as if hoping

clarify. “You

“Sure, but are you

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bandana he’s started wearing when doing