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

chatter of

ambiance that’s both

an occasion that fills the restaurant with both families and lone diners

famous blueberry pancakes or a hearty

I retrieve a stack of paperwork—invoices, supplier orders, and the

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

every number I check, it’s all a testament to the

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

up; I was in

to look him in the eyes,

I see the takeout coffee cup in his hand.

I gesture towards the chair opposite

the coffee on my desk. “Thought you might

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

all set, but thanks.”

acknowledgment

to check on you after

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

about it.

in Karl’s gesture. His concern feels

the pitying glances others have been throwing my

lie, managing a faint smile. “Just another bump

nods, the seriousness in his gaze softening. “True. But if you ever need to

rant, I’m here.”

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

a moment, as if weighing his words. “Look,

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

brunch crowd to

lips curl into a knowing smile. “Alright, boss

…

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

fever.”

on what promises to be one of our busiest days

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

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

He’ll probably be out for

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

We’re fully booked tonight.”

a deep breath. “We adapt.

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

the only other pair

“Karl!”

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

I state, my tone allowing

if hoping

I clarify. “You

nods slowly, almost warily. “Sure,

reply with a

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