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 to the chase,

Abby, he makes a lot of mistakes.

downright belligerent when anyone

chest, feeling a mixture of

is an Alpha, and there’s no doubt

be badmouthed when he’s not even

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

coworker when they’re not here to defend themselves. That’s not how

this establishment.”

to flinch at my words. “I

“I don’t want you making a bad impression on the

where it’s a free-for-all. Everyone

else. Got

I do. I’ll make sure it

gotta do something about Karl. He’s not exactly

already wondering how to broach the subject with

you have with Karl when he’s present. Is

John replies, his voice tinged

to the door. He nods,

alone with my thoughts.

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

a finely tuned instrument.

the dishwasher to the head chef,

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

dissonance.

don’t appreciate the

and struggling to fit into our tightly knit team. But

qualities that can’t always

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

Deciding I need

walk out

lively hum of chatter and clinking dishes serves as

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

seems to be

effortless.

got a minute?” I ask, forcing

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

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

end of the

a bunch of

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

to the complicated people issues