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.”

…

simple yet elegant dress, floats around, chatting with everyone. Her joy is

seeing her this happy makes every

from behind the bar, a contented smile tugging at

eyes catch a familiar

far wall, nursing his drink. Our eyes

of emotions

of delicious food wafts through the air as waiters begin to bring out

lobster tails, crab cakes,

the food lands on the table, Chloe’s eyes light up like a kid on Christmas

together and squeals with

Abby, you made my

I reply, sharing a knowing smile

stands up, raising her glass. “I just want to say, I have the best friends in the

of us, “you two

and fabulous

and for a moment, all is right

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

fiddling with it, trying to find the

prop it against a glass, angling it

after a few failed attempts—it slips, tips over, or just gives a skewed angle—I sigh in

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

answer, her eyes land on Karl, who’s leaning against the wall, sipping his

Karl.”

he says, taking another sip

the picture for

him not to take the photo, or

tension fills the

over a captivated audience.

I sense a little animosity, a subtle standoff between Chloe

me uneasy.

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

this night. And he’s helped

as if he reads my thoughts. His face softens, and he puts

happy

collective sense

around!” Chloe announces, her excitement

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

the thread

into position. “Ready? One, two,

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

handing the

through the pictures.

frozen snippets

there’s something missing, and for a moment, I think to myself that the

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

his tone casual but carrying a depth I can’t quite

heart twinges with a mixture of gratitude

in and help, to be a part of

the feeling

be part of this memory we’ve