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.”

…

elegant dress, floats

her this happy makes every

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

my eyes catch

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

of

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

with mouthwatering dishes: lobster tails, crab cakes,

food lands on the table, Chloe’s eyes light

and

od, Abby, you

chef aims to please,” I reply,

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

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

friendship and

moment, all

scanning the room. “I want

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

prop it against a glass, angling it just

slips, tips over, or just gives

it?” Chloe notes, sensing my

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

Karl.”

taking another sip

the picture

are somewhat demanding, as though daring him not to

want him in her photo. A weird tension fills the air for

over a captivated audience.

animosity, a

me uneasy.

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

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

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

worries. I’d be happy to

by a collective sense of relief

gather around!” Chloe announces, her excitement returning in

crew of chefs, servers, friends, and

the thread of

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

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

before handing

the pictures. They’re perfect, capturing the

in frozen snippets

and for a moment, I think

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

casual but carrying a depth I can’t

heart twinges with a mixture of gratitude

to step in and help, to be a part

I can’t shake the feeling that he

part of this