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, my

running his fingers through his hair. “Look, Abby, he makes a lot

belligerent when anyone tries to

feeling a mixture of frustration and

Alpha, and there’s no doubt about it.

badmouthed when he’s not even

you’ve been with this restaurant since we opened,” I say gently. “You know better than

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

this establishment.”

seems to flinch at my words. “I understand that,

“I don’t want you making

those restaurants where it’s a free-for-all. Everyone needs to be

else. Got

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

do something about Karl. He’s not

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

“We’ll sort out any issues you have with Karl

John replies, his voice tinged

you can go,” I say, gesturing to the door.

alone with my thoughts.

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

a finely tuned instrument.

the head chef, plays an important role. Disharmony in

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

dissonance.

understand John’s concerns, even if I don’t appreciate the way he’s expressed them. Karl is

struggling to fit into our tightly

qualities

sigh escaping my

air thick with unresolved tension. Deciding I need a break from this

walk out into

clinking dishes

tables and servers,

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

effortless.

a minute?”

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

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

end

replies, sliding over a bunch of cloth napkins for me

but feel a bit more grounded.

action, a contrast to the complicated people issues