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 patches

floors. The melodious chatter of customers combines with

both

occasion that fills the restaurant with both families

our famous blueberry

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

that no one ever romanticizes, but

check, it’s all a testament to

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

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

him in the eyes, no

then I see the takeout coffee cup in

gesture towards the chair opposite

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

then back at him, a teasing smirk

all set, but thanks.”

silent acknowledgment of our shared moment in my

after last night,” he says.

don’t want to talk about it. Hell, I don’t even want

about it.

sweet in Karl’s gesture. His

have been throwing my way sinceI got

managing a faint smile. “Just another bump in the road. We all

gaze softening. “True. But if you ever need

rant, I’m here.”

me. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in

a moment, as if weighing

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

a brunch crowd

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

…

drawn and pale. “Abby, we’ve got a problem.

fever.”

be one of our busiest days of the

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

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

He’ll probably be out for a few days

one of my other line cooks, overhears, his face mirroring my concern.

We’re fully booked tonight.”

take a deep breath. “We adapt. That’s

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

his task, but he’s the only other

“Karl!”

up, eyes scanning the kitchen

I state, my tone allowing no room for

if hoping

clarify. “You

nods slowly, almost warily. “Sure,

reply with

adjusting the bandana he’s started wearing