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 warm patches

floors. The melodious chatter of customers combines with the clink of cutlery,

ambiance that’s both lively and

occasion that fills the restaurant with both

blueberry pancakes or a

a drawer, I retrieve a stack of paperwork—invoices, supplier orders,

one ever romanticizes, but

all a testament to the world I’ve built brick by brick, dish

my thoughts. My gaze flickers

door. A touch of annoyance bubbles up; I was

to look him in the eyes, no matter how beautiful

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

chair opposite me. “Do you need something,

slight smile, he places the coffee on my

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

all set, but thanks.”

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

check on you after last night,” he

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

about it.

sweet in Karl’s gesture. His concern

have been throwing my way

Karl,” I lie, managing a faint smile. “Just another bump in

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

rant, I’m here.”

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

as if

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

got a brunch crowd to

lips curl into a knowing smile. “Alright, boss

…

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

fever.”

being out on what promises to be one of

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

“I think so, but he

or something. He’ll probably be out for a few

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

We’re fully booked tonight.”

breath. “We

figure out a solution. That’s when I spot Karl in the corner, working away at

his task, but he’s the only other

“Karl!”

the kitchen before settling

you in the kitchen,” I state,

looks around, as if hoping

I clarify. “You can

slowly, almost warily. “Sure, but are

reply with a

deep breath, adjusting the bandana he’s started