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.

John, what’s the issue with Karl?” I cut straight

his hair. “Look, Abby,

he can get downright belligerent when

feeling a mixture of frustration and disappointment. John

I’ve lived it. Karl is an Alpha,

badmouthed when he’s not even around

you’ve been with this restaurant since we opened,”

they’re not here to defend

this establishment.”

“I understand

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

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

else.

I’ll make

something about Karl. He’s

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

issues you

John replies, his voice tinged

say, gesturing to the door. He

alone with my thoughts.

my chair, my mind racing. The atmosphere in

a finely tuned instrument.

individual, from the dishwasher to the head chef, plays an important role.

and right now, we’re

dissonance.

concerns, even if I don’t appreciate the way

to fit into our tightly knit team.

willing to learn, two qualities

desk, a heavy sigh escaping my

Deciding I need a break from this

and walk out into the

lively hum of chatter and clinking dishes serves

Navigating my way through the maze of tables and servers, I find Ethan by

to

effortless.

minute?” I

boss lady. What’s up?” he

help with the silverware?” I say, gesturing toward the

end of the

a bunch of cloth napkins

silverware, I can’t help but feel

action, a contrast to the complicated