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, chatting

happy makes every ounce of effort

bar, a contented smile tugging at my lips. But amid the

catch

nursing his drink. Our eyes lock for a fleeting moment before he

of

food wafts through the air

dishes: lobster tails, crab cakes, rice pilaf and

light up like a kid on Christmas

together and

od, Abby, you made

I reply, sharing a

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

the room, locking eyes with each of us, “you two

friendship and

clink, and for a moment, all is right with

scanning the room. “I want

find the

a glass, angling it

tips over, or just gives

not going to work, is it?” Chloe notes,

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

Karl.”

says, taking another sip of

picture

words are somewhat demanding, as though daring him not

A weird tension fills the air for

over a captivated audience.

a little animosity, a subtle standoff between Chloe and

me uneasy.

start to say, not wanting

part of the team, part of this night.

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

worries. I’d be happy to take the

sense of

around!” Chloe announces, her excitement

of chefs, servers, friends, and family, each one of us with

through the thread of this very

the phone, getting into position. “Ready?

joy, and a room

before handing the phone back

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

frozen snippets

something missing, and for a moment, I think to myself that the picture feels

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

but carrying

heart twinges with a mixture of gratitude and

willingness to step in and help, to be a part of this moment

feeling that he should

be part of this memory