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 about the bar, but

busy—”

raise her suspicions further, I quickly interrupt Mr. Lin,

back?” I hang up without

her eyes, her curiosity evident. “Who was

down the guilt. “Oh, just a supplier.

you need?”

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

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

pile of papers—the design

asks, pointing at the

into my pocket. “Oh, just some

get when I’m brainstorming.”

squints, clearly skeptical but doesn’t press further.

She smirks, retreating

chair, heart pounding. I pull out the cake

spent hours perfecting. The close calls are

everything grows with each passing

out a deep sigh, I consider my options. There’s no way I can continue planning during

with Chloe around. Every single detail could potentially blow

and start stowing away the various party-planning materials. If

I’ll have to stay late, work in

walking in on me.

steel myself for the

on her birthday, it’ll be

…

light of my cluttered office, I sit hunched over a desk piled high with sc

a half-finished

is the only sound accompanying my

past midnight, but

heavy on my

usually abuzz with patrons and staff,

clatter from the kitchen.

framed picture of Chloe and me rests beside my workstation, our grinning faces captured

festival. The warmth and laughter

of my

to reality when a paperclip drops

retrieve it, my fingers brushing against the intricate rug

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

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

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

tangible weight

celebrated together, the surprise was spoiled. I

of a

the kitchen, followed by a muted

muscles protesting from hours of inactivity. As

the smell of lemon scented cleaner wafts toward

to a shine, reflect the ambient lighting from

Who’s here?” I call out as I approach the kitchen, spotting a silhouette moving

wiping his hands

he responds, looking surprised to

and dark hair