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.

I cut straight

Abby, he makes a

he can get downright belligerent when anyone tries

a mixture of frustration and disappointment.

it firsthand. Hell, I’ve lived it. Karl is an Alpha,

when he’s not even

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

coworker when they’re not here to defend themselves.

this establishment.”

words. “I understand that, Abby. It won’t happen

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

restaurants where it’s

everyone else. Got

“I get it, Abby. I do. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen

Karl. He’s

wondering how to broach the subject with Karl

issues you have with

John replies, his voice

say, gesturing to the door. He nods, stands up, and exits

alone with my thoughts.

my chair, my mind racing. The atmosphere in

a finely tuned instrument.

dishwasher to the head

and right now, we’re on the

dissonance.

I don’t appreciate the way he’s expressed them. Karl

to fit

qualities that can’t always

heavy sigh escaping my lips. The confined

Deciding I need a break from this contained atmosphere,

up and walk out into the bustling

and clinking dishes serves as a

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

glasses. As always, he seems to be in his element, his

effortless.

a minute?” I

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

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

the end

my guest,” he replies, sliding over a

silverware, I can’t help but feel a

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