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.

here. The windows filter in a golden hue, casting

wooden floors. The melodious chatter of customers combines with

ambiance that’s both lively and

fills the restaurant with both families and lone

blueberry

of paperwork—invoices, supplier orders, and

no one ever romanticizes, but there’s a comfort in the routine of it.

I check, it’s all a testament to

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

bubbles up; I was in

the eyes, no matter

then I see the takeout coffee cup in his hand. “Can

I gesture towards the chair opposite

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

coffee mug, then back at him, a teasing smirk

all set, but thanks.”

eyes hold a twi nkle, a silent acknowledgment of our

on you after

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

about it.

something unexpectedly sweet in Karl’s gesture.

others have been throwing my way sinceI got

smile. “Just another bump in

“True. But if you ever need to talk or… well, even

rant, I’m here.”

soft chuckle from me.

moment, as if weighing his words. “Look,

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

a brunch crowd

smile. “Alright, boss lady. Let’s

…

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

fever.”

what promises to be one

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

he didn’t look

probably be out

his face mirroring my concern. “What’re we gonna

We’re fully booked tonight.”

a deep breath. “We adapt. That’s all

a solution. That’s when

but he’s the only other pair of

“Karl!”

the

I state, my tone allowing

hoping

clarify. “You

slowly, almost warily. “Sure, but

reply with a

a deep breath, adjusting the bandana he’s started wearing when doing his tasks. He’s