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.

here. The windows filter in a golden hue, casting

of customers combines with the

that’s both

occasion that fills the restaurant with both families and

famous blueberry pancakes or a hearty

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

that no one ever romanticizes, but

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

my thoughts. My gaze flickers up

touch of annoyance bubbles up; I

I don’t want to look him in the eyes, no matter

then I see the takeout coffee cup in his

the chair opposite

the coffee on

almost full coffee mug, then back at him,

all set, but thanks.”

acknowledgment of our shared moment in my

you after last night,” he says. “I’m…

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

about it.

something unexpectedly sweet in Karl’s gesture.

pitying glances others have been throwing my

managing a faint smile. “Just another bump in the

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

rant, I’m here.”

me. “Thanks.

moment, as if weighing his words. “Look, about

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

brunch crowd

smile.

…

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

fever.”

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

nightmare. “Is he okay?”

his lips. “I think so, but he didn’t look good. Said he’s been throwing up

He’ll probably be

my other line cooks, overhears, his face mirroring my

We’re fully booked tonight.”

“We adapt. That’s all

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

but he’s the only other pair of

“Karl!”

eyes scanning the kitchen before settling on

I state, my tone allowing no room

hoping to find an escape

“You can

slowly, almost warily. “Sure, but

times,” I reply with

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