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.

issue with Karl?” I cut straight

hair. “Look, Abby,

downright belligerent when

my chest, feeling a mixture of frustration

an Alpha, and there’s no doubt about it. But

he should be badmouthed when he’s not even around to

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

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

this establishment.”

“I understand that, Abby.

I reply, my voice firm. “I don’t want

of those restaurants where

else. Got

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

do something about Karl. He’s not

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

issues you have with Karl when

his voice tinged

I say, gesturing to the door. He nods, stands up,

alone with my thoughts.

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

a finely tuned instrument.

individual, from the dishwasher to the head chef,

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

dissonance.

even if I don’t appreciate the way

arts, and struggling to fit into our tightly

two qualities that can’t always be

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

I need

up and walk out

clinking dishes serves

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

glasses. As always, he seems to be in his

effortless.

Ethan, got a minute?” I ask,

he replies,

with the silverware?” I say, gesturing toward the

on the end of the

he replies, sliding over a bunch of cloth napkins for

silverware, I can’t help but feel

simple, repetitive action, a contrast to the