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.

what’s the issue with Karl?” I cut straight to

hair. “Look, Abby, he makes a lot of mistakes. He’s s

belligerent when anyone tries to

over my chest, feeling a mixture of

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

he should be badmouthed when he’s not

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

a coworker when they’re not here to defend themselves. That’s not how we handle issues

this establishment.”

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

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

isn’t one of those restaurants where it’s a free-for-all. Everyone

else.

Abby. I do. I’ll make

about Karl.

with a sigh, already wondering how to broach the subject with

any issues you have with Karl when he’s present. Is

replies, his voice tinged

say, gesturing to the door. He nods, stands

alone with my thoughts.

racing. The atmosphere in the restaurant, especially the kitchen, is

a finely tuned instrument.

to the head chef, plays an important role. Disharmony in

can disrupt the entire composition, and right now, we’re

dissonance.

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

arts, and struggling to fit into our tightly knit team. But

learn, two qualities that can’t always be

escaping my lips. The confined space of

tension. Deciding I need a break from this contained atmosphere,

out

lively hum of chatter and clinking dishes serves as a momentary

tables and servers, I find Ethan by the

always, he seems to be in his element,

effortless.

a minute?” I ask, forcing

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

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

the end of

he replies, sliding over a bunch

start rolling silverware, I can’t help but feel a bit more grounded. There’s something

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