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,

wooden floors. The melodious chatter of customers combines with

that’s both lively and

the restaurant with both families and lone diners

our famous blueberry pancakes or a hearty

of paperwork—invoices, supplier orders, and the like. This is

romanticizes, but there’s a

it’s all a testament to the world

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

I was in no mood for interruptions. And

him in the eyes, no matter how beautiful and chocolatey

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

the chair opposite me. “Do

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

my almost full coffee mug, then back at him, a teasing smirk playing on my lips.

all set, but thanks.”

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

to check on you after last night,” he

want to

about it.

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

others have been throwing my way

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

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

rant, I’m here.”

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

hesitates for a moment, as if weighing

not, okay? I appreciate the concern, but I’d rather focus on

brunch

smile. “Alright, boss lady. Let’s get

…

enters the kitchen, his face drawn and pale.

fever.”

on what promises to be one of our busiest days of

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

chewing his lips. “I think so, but he didn’t look

probably be out for a few days

cooks, overhears, his

We’re fully booked tonight.”

deep breath. “We

to figure out a solution. That’s when I spot Karl in the

task, but he’s the only other

“Karl!”

eyes scanning the kitchen before settling on me. “Something

in the kitchen,” I state, my tone

looks around, as if hoping

clarify. “You

warily. “Sure, but are you

times,” I reply with

bandana he’s started wearing when doing his