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 to the chase,

his fingers through his hair. “Look, Abby, he

downright belligerent when anyone tries to

arms over my chest, feeling a mixture of frustration and

I’ve lived it. Karl is an Alpha, and there’s no doubt about it.

when he’s

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

here to defend themselves. That’s

this establishment.”

“I understand

voice firm. “I don’t want

restaurants where

else.

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

something about Karl.

sigh, already wondering how to broach the

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

his voice

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

alone with my thoughts.

mind racing. The atmosphere in the

a finely tuned instrument.

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

can disrupt the entire composition, and right now,

dissonance.

even if I don’t appreciate the way he’s expressed

to fit into our tightly knit

willing to learn, two qualities that can’t always

heavy sigh escaping my lips. The confined space of my office

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

and walk out into the bustling

and clinking dishes serves as a momentary

maze of tables and servers, I find Ethan

glasses. As always, he seems to be in

effortless.

Ethan, got a minute?” I ask,

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

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

end

replies, sliding over a bunch of cloth napkins

but feel a bit more grounded. There’s something

contrast to the complicated people issues I’ve