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.

cut straight to the chase, my eyes meeting his

through his hair. “Look, Abby, he makes a lot of mistakes. He’s

can get downright belligerent when anyone tries to correct

arms over my chest, feeling a mixture

it. Karl is an Alpha,

he should be badmouthed when he’s

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

when they’re not here to defend

this establishment.”

to flinch at my words. “I understand that, Abby. It won’t happen

I reply, my voice firm. “I don’t

isn’t one of those restaurants where it’s a free-for-all. Everyone needs to be

else.

it, Abby. I do. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. But Abby,

about Karl. He’s not

know,” I say with a sigh, already wondering how to broach the subject with Karl when we’re

ground. “We’ll sort out any issues you have

John replies, his

door. He nods, stands up, and exits my office, leaving

alone with my thoughts.

mind racing. The atmosphere in the restaurant,

a finely tuned instrument.

the head

can disrupt the entire composition, and right

dissonance.

concerns, even if I don’t appreciate the

and struggling to fit into our tightly knit team. But he’s

to learn, two qualities

desk, a heavy sigh escaping

the air thick with unresolved tension. Deciding I

up and walk out into the

hum of chatter and clinking dishes serves as a momentary distraction from

maze of tables

seems to be in his element, his

effortless.

got a minute?”

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

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

on the end

guest,” he replies, sliding over a bunch of cloth

rolling silverware, I can’t help but feel

repetitive action, a contrast to the complicated people issues I’ve been