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

wooden floors. The melodious chatter of customers

ambiance that’s both

means brunch, an occasion that fills the restaurant with both families

our famous blueberry pancakes or a

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

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

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

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

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

I don’t want to look him in the eyes, no matter how beautiful and chocolatey

then I see the takeout coffee cup in his

towards the chair opposite

a slight smile, he places the coffee on my

at my almost full coffee mug, then back at

all set, but thanks.”

silent acknowledgment of our shared moment in my

to check on you after last night,” he says.

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

about it.

unexpectedly sweet in Karl’s gesture. His concern feels genuine, a

to the pitying glances others have been throwing my

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

“True. But if you ever

rant, I’m here.”

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

if weighing his

“Let’s not, okay? I appreciate the

got a brunch crowd

smile. “Alright, boss lady. Let’s get

…

face drawn and pale. “Abby, we’ve got

fever.”

John being out on what promises to be one of our

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

think so, but he didn’t look

He’ll probably be

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

We’re fully booked tonight.”

deep breath. “We adapt. That’s all

That’s when I spot Karl in

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

“Karl!”

the kitchen before settling

state, my tone

hoping to find

I clarify. “You can

“Sure, but are

reply with

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