Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 60: Harmony
I’m standing over a steaming pot of ragù, stirring as I listen to the sizzle and pop of ingredients melding

together in culinary harmony.

The kitchen is a whirlwind of activity, the dinner rush in full swing. But amidst the orchestrated chaos, a

discordant note strikes my ears. It’s John, my head chef, talking to another member of the kitchen staff.

“The guy just can’t get it together,” John grumbles. “It’s like he’s deficient or something. Honestly, why

Abby even hired him of all people is beyond me.”

I immediately recognize that he’s talking about Karl. I would normally be bothered by this sort of talk to

people’s faces, but today is Karl’s day off, which makes the conversation even more inappropriate.

And despite what I think about Karl, it’s not cool to be talking behind a coworker’s back. Especially not

in my kitchen, where I value respect.

“I swear,” John continues, oblivious to the fact that I can hear him, “he’s a downright jackass. And he

can’t follow directions to save his life. Hell, my kid was watching that one movie the other night, what’s

it called… Alice in Wonderland. He reminds me of Tweedledee. Now all we need is a Tweedledum.”

John bursts out into laughter, clearly amused by his own jokes. No one else laughs; maybe because

they’ve realized that I’m right here, listening to every word.

I’m well aware that Karl is still new to the restaurant business, still trying to acclimate to the hierarchy

and flow of the kitchen. But we all started somewhere, and the last thing he—or any of us—needs is a

colleague undermining him behind his back.

With a sigh, I delegate the sauce to someone else and wipe my hands on a kitchen towel.

“John, could you come into my office for a moment?”

His face pales a fraction, as if he knows he’s been caught. “Erm… Sure, Abby,” he responds, his voice

edged with trepidation.

Once we’re behind the closed door of my office, I sink into my chair. I watch John as he hesitates,

clearly uncomfortable, before taking the seat across from me.

the issue with Karl?” I cut straight to the

running his fingers through his hair. “Look, Abby,

can get downright belligerent

my chest, feeling a mixture

an Alpha, and there’s no doubt about

should be badmouthed when he’s

you’ve been with this restaurant since we opened,” I say gently. “You know

they’re not here to defend themselves. That’s not how we handle issues

this establishment.”

seems to flinch at my words. “I understand that,

voice firm. “I don’t want you making a bad

where it’s a free-for-all. Everyone needs to be

else.

get it, Abby. I do. I’ll make

Karl. He’s not

already wondering how to broach the subject with Karl when we’re

issues you have with Karl when he’s

John replies, his

you can go,” I say, gesturing to the door. He nods, stands up, and

alone with my thoughts.

chair, my mind racing. The atmosphere in the restaurant, especially

a finely tuned instrument.

dishwasher to the head chef,

and right now, we’re on the cusp

dissonance.

concerns, even if I don’t appreciate

to fit into our tightly knit team.

two qualities that can’t always

the desk, a heavy sigh escaping my

tension. Deciding I need a break from

and walk out into the bustling

of chatter and clinking dishes serves as a momentary distraction from

the maze of tables and servers, I find Ethan by the

arranging glasses. As always, he seems to

effortless.

Ethan, got a minute?” I ask,

up?” he replies, looking up

I help with the silverware?” I say, gesturing toward the pile of spoons, knives,

end of the

my guest,” he replies, sliding over a bunch of cloth napkins for me to

start rolling silverware, I can’t help but feel a bit more

contrast to the complicated people issues I’ve