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.”

…

in a simple yet elegant dress, floats around,

this happy makes

from behind the bar, a contented

my eyes catch a

leans against the far wall, nursing his drink. Our eyes lock for

and a mixture of

wafts through the air as waiters begin

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

eyes light up like a kid on Christmas morning.

and

G od, Abby, you made my

please,” I reply, sharing

stands up, raising her glass. “I just want to say, I have

locking eyes with each of us, “you

friendship and

and for a moment, all is right with

declares, her eyes scanning the room.

and start fiddling with it, trying to find the

against a glass,

over, or just gives

to work, is it?” Chloe notes, sensing my

can answer, her eyes land on Karl,

Karl.”

he says, taking another sip

the picture

somewhat demanding, as though daring him not to

tension fills the air for a split second, like a

over a captivated audience.

it’s just me, but I sense a little animosity, a subtle standoff between

me uneasy.

in the picture,” I start to say, not wanting Karl

this night. And he’s helped me immensely

as if he reads my thoughts.

I’d be happy

sense of relief that ripples

around!” Chloe announces, her

huddle together, a motley crew of chefs, servers, friends,

through the thread

the phone, getting into position.

and a room full of

handing the

I say softly, flipping through the

in frozen

a moment, I think to myself that the picture feels terribly

him by my side, just like old days. I push the thought away, though, and offer Karl

casual but carrying

my heart twinges with a mixture of gratitude and

and help, to be a part of this moment

feeling that he should have been in

of