Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 56: Pity Party
The restaurant buzzes with an energy that I haven’t felt in a long while. Streamers hang from the

ceiling, twi nkling fairy lights wrap around the bar, and the laughter of friends and colleagues fills the air.

Tonight is more than just another party; it’s a celebration of someone I hold dear, and I can’t help but

get swept up in the excitement.

“So,” Ethan says as we complete the finishing touches on some balloons. Leah is on her way with

Chloe, who thinks that it’s just going to be the three of us girls going out for drinks. She has no idea.

“You hear anything yet about the cook-off?”

Instinctively, I lower my voice and shoot Ethan a wary look. Karl is floating around here somewhere,

and I haven’t mentioned the cook-off to him yet.

I’m not entirely sure why, other than the fact that I did promise that I would go to the Alpha party with

him, and potentially catering it would get in the way of that.

“Not yet,” I answer as I tie an intricate knot on one of the bundles of balloons. “Still waiting to get the

details.”

“Well, either way, I’m excited for you,” Ethan says gently. His leg seems to be hurting him, and he takes

a moment to lean on the bar. “If you need any help, let me know.”

I can’t help but smile. Ethan has always been one of my most faithful employees, and I’m glad to have

made him the new restaurant manager. He deserves it.

“Thanks, Ethan.”

Just then, a voice cuts through the room.

“Everyone get ready! Chloe is coming!”

In an instant, the room falls into a hush. People dart behind tables, the lights go off, and Ethan and I

duck down behind the bar with smirks on our faces. I can hear the sound of the door opening, followed

by Chloe’s confused voice.

“What the hell? Why is it so dark in here?”

The lights flick on. Everyone jumps out from their hiding places, yelling “Surprise!” at the top of our

lungs. Chloe gasps and claps her hand over her mouth.

“You guys!” she shrieks, spotting me and closing the distance between us to throw her arms around my

neck. “This is so nice!”

“It’s the least we could do,” I say into her ear, hugging her tight. “Happy birthday, Chlo.”

…

floats around, chatting with everyone. Her

happy makes every ounce of

the room from behind the bar, a contented smile tugging

my eyes catch

far wall, nursing his drink. Our eyes lock for a fleeting

of emotions churns within

through the air as waiters begin to bring out

mouthwatering dishes: lobster tails, crab cakes, rice pilaf and

on the table, Chloe’s eyes light up

and squeals

Abby, you made

please,” I reply, sharing a knowing smile

just want to say, I have the

scans the room, locking eyes with each of us, “you two are

and fabulous

and for a moment,

capture this,” Chloe declares, her eyes scanning the room. “I want a picture

phone and start fiddling with it, trying to find the perfect spot where we can all fit in the

against a

a few failed attempts—it slips, tips over, or just gives a skewed

it?” Chloe notes, sensing

can answer, her eyes land on Karl, who’s leaning against the

Karl.”

says, taking another

the picture

demanding, as though daring him not to take the

want him in her photo. A weird tension fills the air for a split second, like a

over a captivated audience.

I sense a little animosity, a

me uneasy.

I start

the team, part of this night.

my thoughts. His face softens,

worries. I’d be happy

sense of

Everyone, gather around!” Chloe announces, her excitement

together, a motley crew of chefs, servers, friends, and family, each one

the thread of this

grabs the phone, getting into position.

flash goes off, capturing smiles, joy, and a room full of people

before handing the phone back

I say softly, flipping through the pictures. They’re perfect, capturing

frozen

something missing, and for a moment, I think

days. I push the thought away, though, and offer Karl a stiff

but carrying a

spot, my heart twinges with a

step in and help, to be a

same time, I can’t shake the feeling that he should have been in those

part of this