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 hue, casting

chatter of customers combines with the clink of cutlery,

both lively

fills the restaurant with both families

famous blueberry pancakes or a hearty

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

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

all a testament to the

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

door. A touch of annoyance bubbles up; I was in no mood for interruptions. And

in the eyes, no matter how beautiful and

coffee cup in his hand.

chair opposite me.

places the coffee

coffee mug, then back at him, a teasing smirk

all set, but thanks.”

eyes hold a twi nkle, a silent acknowledgment of our

wanted to check on you after last night,” he says. “I’m…

I don’t want to

about it.

Karl’s gesture. His concern feels genuine, a

have been

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

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

rant, I’m here.”

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

hesitates for a moment, as if weighing his

okay? I appreciate the concern, but

got a brunch

a knowing smile. “Alright,

…

drawn and pale. “Abby, we’ve got a problem. John’s down with

fever.”

out on what promises to be one of our busiest days of the week is

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

shrugs, chewing his lips. “I think so, but he

be out for

line cooks, overhears, his face mirroring my concern. “What’re we

We’re fully booked tonight.”

“We adapt. That’s all we

That’s when I spot Karl in the corner, working

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

“Karl!”

the kitchen before settling

the kitchen,” I state, my tone allowing no room

as if hoping to find an

I clarify. “You can chop,

slowly, almost warily. “Sure, but are you sure about

reply with

takes a deep breath, adjusting the bandana he’s started wearing