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.

the issue with Karl?” I cut straight to the chase, my eyes

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

can get downright belligerent when

a mixture of

Hell, I’ve lived it. Karl is an Alpha, and there’s no doubt about it. But it doesn’t

he should be badmouthed when he’s not

opened,” I say

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

this establishment.”

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

voice firm. “I

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

everyone else. Got

I’ll make sure it

something about Karl. He’s not exactly

already wondering how to broach the subject with

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

John replies, his voice tinged

gesturing to the door.

alone with my thoughts.

The atmosphere in the

a finely tuned instrument.

the dishwasher to the head chef, plays an

the entire composition, and right now,

dissonance.

appreciate the way he’s expressed

fit into our tightly knit team. But

to learn, two qualities that can’t always

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

Deciding I need

walk out

and clinking dishes serves as a

through the maze of tables and servers, I find Ethan

As always, he seems to be in his element, his

effortless.

a minute?” I ask, forcing a

up?” he replies, looking up and

I help with the silverware?” I say, gesturing toward the pile

on the end

replies, sliding over a bunch of

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

contrast to the complicated people issues