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?”

expression. “I had a question

busy—”

I quickly interrupt Mr. Lin, “I’m

back?” I hang up

her eyes, her curiosity evident.

casual shrug, trying to push down the guilt.

you need?”

looks unconvinced, but she proceeds with her query about the

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

under a pile of papers—the design for her birthday

she asks, pointing at

grab the paper and stuff it into

get when I’m brainstorming.”

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

She smirks, retreating from

chair, heart pounding. I pull out the cake sketch, staring

design I’d spent hours perfecting. The close calls are becoming too frequent, and the

discovering everything grows with each passing

my options. There’s no

with Chloe around. Every single detail could potentially

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

walking in on me.

myself for

on her

…

of my cluttered office, I sit hunched over a desk

a

soft hum of the overhead light is the

midnight, but sleep is

heavy on

patrons and staff, feels eerily

clatter from the kitchen.

and me rests beside my workstation, our grinning

festival. The warmth and laughter from that

atmosphere of

jolted back to reality when a paperclip drops from

floor. I retrieve it, my fingers brushing against the

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

the list of party essentials. String lights, floral centerpieces,

blue… Every detail counts.

a tangible weight on my

the surprise was spoiled. I won’t let that happen again.

a bit of a milestone. I want it to

from the kitchen, followed by

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

scented cleaner wafts toward me. The

a shine, reflect the

Who’s here?” I call out as I approach the kitchen,

wiping his

he responds, looking surprised to see

his tanned skin and dark hair