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.

issue with Karl?” I cut straight

fingers through his hair. “Look, Abby,

he can get downright belligerent when

my chest, feeling a mixture

Karl is an Alpha, and there’s no doubt about it. But it doesn’t

should be badmouthed when he’s not

been with this restaurant since we opened,” I say gently. “You

here to defend themselves.

this establishment.”

flinch at my words. “I understand

not,” I reply, my voice firm. “I don’t want you making

one of those restaurants where

else.

I do. I’ll make

something about Karl. He’s

know,” I say with a sigh, already wondering how to broach the subject with

you have with Karl when he’s present. Is that

John replies, his voice tinged with

door. He

alone with my thoughts.

in my chair, my mind racing. The atmosphere in

a finely tuned instrument.

dishwasher to the head chef, plays an important

entire composition, and right now, we’re on the cusp of some

dissonance.

even if I don’t appreciate the

to fit into our tightly

willing to learn, two qualities that

from the desk, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. The confined space of my office

with unresolved tension. Deciding I

walk out into the bustling

chatter and clinking dishes serves as

of tables and servers, I find

he seems to be in his

effortless.

Ethan, got a minute?” I

course, boss lady. What’s up?” he replies, looking

I say, gesturing toward the pile of

end

he replies, sliding over a bunch of

help but feel a bit more grounded.

action, a contrast to