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?”

“I had a question about the bar, but if

busy—”

not wanting to raise her suspicions further, I quickly interrupt Mr. Lin, “I’m sorry,

back?” I hang up

her eyes, her

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

you need?”

she proceeds with her query about the bar. As we talk, I can’t help but

my desk, scanning the various notes and lists.

a pile of papers—the design for

she asks, pointing at the

the paper and stuff it into

get when I’m brainstorming.”

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

smirks, retreating from my

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

design I’d spent hours perfecting. The close calls

Chloe discovering everything grows with each passing

options.

Every single detail could

start stowing away the

work in the quiet hours

walking in on me.

sky outside, I steel myself for the long

smile on her

…

the dim light of my cluttered office, I sit hunched over a

a half-finished

the only sound

past midnight, but sleep is a distant luxury,

heavy on my

usually abuzz with patrons and staff, feels eerily quiet now, save for

clatter from the kitchen.

and me rests beside

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

of

to reality

my fingers brushing against the intricate

Chloe after one of her overseas trips. Everything in

gaze away, I refocus on the list of

of sea blue… Every detail counts. The looming

tangible weight on

was spoiled. I won’t let that happen

so it’s a bit of a milestone. I want it to

from the

I stand and stretch, my muscles protesting from hours of inactivity.

lemon scented cleaner wafts

a shine, reflect the ambient lighting from overhead

call out as I approach the kitchen, spotting a silhouette moving

emerges, wiping his hands

just me,” he responds, looking surprised to see me. The stainless-steel backdrop of

and dark hair stand out