Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 49: Up Late
Abby

The morning sun bathes my office in a gentle glow as I dial Leah’s number, eager to discuss Chloe’s

upcoming birthday.

The phone rings a few times before Leah’s raspy voice picks up on the other end.

“Abby? That you?”

“Leah, hey,” I greet, trying to hide my concern. “You sound terrible. What’s up?”

She lets out a congested laugh. “Caught a nasty cold. I’m in bed, sipping on some horrid chicken soup.

Can’t believe I’m missing all the action.”

“That’s terrible,” I answer. “I was hoping you could help with Chloe’s party prep.”

A pause ensues, and I hear Leah sigh. “I wish I could, Abby. I had so many ideas, but right now I can

barely lift my head off the pillow.”

I let out a quiet chuckle, trying to keep the mood light. “Don’t worry about it. Just rest up and get better,

okay? We’ll need you at the party in top form.”

“What about the cake? I know you were keen on baking Chloe’s favorite, the red velvet one.”

“I’ve got it covered,” I assure her. “And the party details too. It’s a lot, but I can handle it.”

“You sure?” Leah sounds skeptical.

“It’s no big deal,” I reply, although a nagging feeling at the back of my mind suggests otherwise.

“Alright, if you say so. Just promise you won’t burn out.”

“I promise,” I say, although the weight of responsibility is already settling in my chest. “Oh, and I’ll be

over later to bring you some chicken soup that’s not horrid, okay?”

After ending the call, I immediately switch tasks, reaching for my phone again to book a karaoke place

for the party.

The man on the other end, Mr. Lin, sounds elderly, his voice raspy but jovial.

“Lin’s Karaoke. How can I help you?”

“Hello, Mr. Lin, I’d like to rent one of your rooms for a private party,” I begin, but before I can finish, the

door to my office swings open, revealing Chloe, looking puzzled.

“Abby, do you have a minute?” she asks, her eyes darting to the various party notes strewn across my

desk.

“Um,” I falter, my attention divided between Chloe and Mr. Lin. “Just a sec,” I tell him and turn my

attention to Chloe. “What’s up?”

her gaze fixed on my flustered expression. “I had a question

busy—”

further, I quickly interrupt Mr. Lin,

back?” I hang up without waiting

her curiosity

attempt a casual shrug, trying to push down the guilt. “Oh, just a supplier. Nothing urgent.

you need?”

she proceeds with her query about the bar. As

my desk, scanning the various notes and lists. Her eyes stop on the corner of a

of papers—the design

she asks, pointing at the

I grab the paper and stuff it into my pocket. “Oh, just some doodles. You know how

get when I’m brainstorming.”

skeptical but doesn’t press further. “Alright. Well, I’ll leave

smirks, retreating

her, I sink into my chair, heart pounding. I pull out

The close calls are becoming

Chloe discovering everything grows

a deep sigh, I consider my options. There’s

around. Every single detail could

I grab my bag and start stowing away the various party-planning materials.

this surprise, I’ll have to stay late, work in the quiet hours when there’s less chance of

walking in on me.

the darkening sky outside, I steel myself for the long night

for Chloe’s smile on her

…

the dim light of my cluttered office, I sit

a half-finished cake

of the overhead light is the only sound accompanying my scribbles. The large

that it’s past midnight, but sleep

heavy on

usually abuzz with patrons and staff, feels eerily quiet

clatter from the kitchen.

Chloe and me rests beside my workstation, our grinning faces

day at a music festival. The warmth and laughter

atmosphere of my

back to reality when a paperclip drops

the wooden floor. I retrieve it, my fingers

after one of her overseas trips. Everything in this room reminds me of her in

refocus on the list of party essentials. String lights, floral

her favorite shade of sea blue… Every detail counts. The looming pressure of making

a tangible

was

so it’s a bit of

from the kitchen, followed by a muted

stretch, my muscles protesting from hours

scented cleaner wafts

reflect the ambient lighting from

Who’s here?” I call out as I

emerges, wiping his hands

surprised to see me. The

skin and dark hair stand out