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 warm patches

of customers combines with the

both lively and

an occasion that fills the restaurant with both families

famous blueberry pancakes or a hearty

of paperwork—invoices, supplier

one ever romanticizes, but there’s a comfort in the routine

sign, every number I check, it’s all a testament to the world I’ve built brick

My gaze flickers up to

up; I was in no mood for interruptions. And

don’t want to look him in the eyes,

I see the takeout coffee cup in his

the chair opposite me.

coffee on my desk. “Thought you

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

all set, but thanks.”

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

you after last night,”

tinge of embarrassment floods my cheeks. I don’t want to talk about it. Hell, I don’t even

about it.

in Karl’s gesture. His

have been

smile. “Just another bump in the road. We all have

“True. But if you ever

rant, I’m here.”

soft chuckle from me.

as if weighing his words.

cutting him off. “Let’s not, okay? I appreciate the concern, but I’d rather focus on

got a brunch crowd

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

…

pale. “Abby, we’ve

fever.”

to be one of our busiest

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

he didn’t look good. Said he’s been throwing

probably be out for a

overhears, his

We’re fully booked tonight.”

a deep breath. “We adapt.

That’s when I spot Karl in

in his task, but he’s the only other pair of hands I can

“Karl!”

head jerks up, eyes scanning the kitchen before settling on me.

need you in the kitchen,” I state,

hoping to find an

“You

“Sure,

times,” I reply with

deep breath, adjusting the bandana he’s started wearing