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.”

…

radiant in a simple yet elegant dress, floats around, chatting with everyone. Her

her this happy makes every ounce

a contented smile tugging at

catch a

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

of emotions churns within

through the air as waiters begin to bring

mouthwatering dishes: lobster tails, crab

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

together and squeals

od, Abby, you made my

aims to please,” I reply,

just want to say, I have the best friends in the entire

of us,

friendship and fabulous

clink, and for a moment, all is right with

Chloe declares, her eyes scanning the room.

trying to find the

prop it against a glass, angling it just

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

it?” Chloe

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

Karl.”

up?” he says, taking another sip of

picture for

are somewhat demanding, as though daring him not to take the photo, or

she doesn’t want him in her photo. A weird tension fills the air for a split

over a captivated audience.

sense a little animosity, a subtle standoff

me uneasy.

picture,” I start to say, not wanting Karl to feel left out.

part of this night. And he’s helped me immensely

meets my eyes, and it’s as if he reads my thoughts.

happy to

sense of relief that ripples through the

gather around!” Chloe announces,

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

story but connected through the

grabs the phone, getting into position. “Ready? One,

flash goes off, capturing smiles, joy, and a room full of people who matter. He takes a

before handing the phone back

softly, flipping through the pictures. They’re perfect, capturing the essence of

in frozen snippets

I think to myself that

like old days. I push the thought away, though, and offer

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

original spot, my heart twinges

in and help, to be a part of this moment

at the same time, I can’t shake the feeling that he should have

part of