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?”

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

busy—”

I quickly interrupt Mr. Lin, “I’m sorry,

back?” I hang up without waiting

her

shrug, trying to push down the guilt.

you need?”

about the bar.

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

pile of papers—the design for her birthday

asks, pointing

and stuff it into my

get when I’m brainstorming.”

but doesn’t press further.

retreating from my

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

close calls are becoming

discovering everything grows with each passing

consider my options. There’s no

with Chloe around. Every single

I grab my bag and start stowing away the various

stay late, work

walking in on me.

steel myself for

Chloe’s smile on her birthday,

…

cluttered office, I sit hunched over a desk piled

a

of the overhead light is the only sound accompanying my

wall informs me that it’s past midnight, but sleep is

heavy on my

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

clatter from the kitchen.

framed picture of Chloe and me rests beside my workstation,

The warmth and laughter from that day feels a world

atmosphere of my

reality

the wooden floor. I retrieve it, my fingers brushing against the intricate

trips. Everything in this room reminds me

my gaze away, I refocus on the list of

shade of sea blue… Every

a tangible weight on my

was spoiled. I won’t let that happen

a bit of a milestone. I want it

the kitchen, followed by

muscles protesting from hours of inactivity. As

scented cleaner wafts toward me. The restaurant’s aged

to a shine, reflect the ambient lighting from overhead

here?” I call out as I approach the kitchen,

his hands on

responds, looking surprised to see

dark hair