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?”

my flustered expression. “I had

busy—”

raise her suspicions further, I quickly interrupt

hang up without

eyes, her curiosity evident. “Who was

the guilt.

you need?”

unconvinced, but she proceeds with her query about the bar.

on my desk, scanning the various notes and lists. Her eyes

from under a pile of papers—the design

she asks, pointing at

into

get when I’m brainstorming.”

clearly skeptical but doesn’t press further. “Alright. Well,

She smirks, retreating

the door shuts behind her, I sink into my chair, heart pounding. I pull out the cake sketch,

spent hours perfecting. The close calls are

grows with each passing

deep sigh, I consider my options. There’s no

Every single detail could potentially blow

and start stowing away

work in the quiet hours when there’s less chance

walking in on me.

at the darkening sky outside, I steel myself for

for Chloe’s smile on her

…

cluttered office, I sit

and a half-finished cake

hum of the overhead light is the only sound accompanying my scribbles.

that it’s past midnight, but sleep is a

on my

staff, feels

clatter from the kitchen.

Chloe and me rests beside my workstation, our

a music festival. The warmth and laughter from that day feels a world apart from

of my

reality when a paperclip drops from the

the wooden floor. I retrieve it, my fingers

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

on the list of party essentials. String

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

a tangible weight

we celebrated together, the surprise was spoiled. I won’t let that happen

of a milestone. I want it

from the

muscles protesting from hours of inactivity. As I step into

scented cleaner wafts toward

a shine, reflect the ambient lighting

out as I approach the kitchen, spotting

his hands

just me,” he responds, looking surprised to see me.

skin and dark hair