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 effort worth

room from behind the bar, a contented smile tugging at my lips. But

eyes catch

drink. Our eyes lock

of emotions churns

enough, the smell of delicious food wafts through the air as waiters

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

light

and squeals

my G od, Abby,

please,” I reply, sharing a knowing

just want to say,

locking eyes with each of us, “you two are the best anyone could

friendship and

and for a moment, all

declares, her eyes scanning

fiddling with it, trying to find the perfect spot where we can all

against a glass,

attempts—it slips, tips over, or

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

on Karl, who’s leaning against the wall, sipping

Karl.”

up?” he says, taking another sip of his

picture

daring him not to take the photo,

photo. A weird tension fills the air for a split second,

over a captivated audience.

sense a little animosity, a subtle standoff between Chloe and Karl that

me uneasy.

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

this night. And he’s helped me

if he reads my thoughts. His

be happy to take

replaced by a collective sense of relief

around!” Chloe announces, her excitement returning in full

crew of chefs, servers, friends, and

connected through the thread of

into position.

smiles, joy, and a room full of people

handing the phone

softly, flipping through the

frozen

a moment, I think to myself

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

he replies, his tone casual but

spot, my heart twinges with a mixture of

step in and help, to be a part of

feeling that he

of