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

wooden floors. The melodious chatter of customers combines with the

ambiance that’s both lively

an occasion that fills the restaurant

blueberry pancakes

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

ever romanticizes, but there’s a comfort

I check, it’s all a testament to the world I’ve built brick by brick,

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

bubbles up; I was in no mood for interruptions.

to look him in the eyes, no matter how beautiful

in his hand. “Can

the chair opposite me. “Do

coffee on my desk. “Thought you might need

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

all set, but thanks.”

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

you after last night,” he

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

about it.

unexpectedly sweet in Karl’s gesture. His

pitying glances others have been throwing my way

smile. “Just another bump in the road. We

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

rant, I’m here.”

chuckle from me. “Thanks. I’ll keep

a moment, as if weighing

a hand, cutting him off. “Let’s not, okay? I appreciate the concern, but I’d

brunch

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

…

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

fever.”

John being out on what promises to be one of our busiest days of

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

so, but he didn’t

food poisoning or something. He’ll probably be out for

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

We’re fully booked tonight.”

“We

trying to figure out a solution. That’s when I spot

the only other pair of

“Karl!”

the

state, my tone allowing no room for

if hoping to

clarify. “You

warily. “Sure, but

reply with

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