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

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

he can get downright belligerent when anyone tries to correct

my chest, feeling a mixture of frustration

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

when he’s not

with this restaurant since we opened,”

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

this establishment.”

at my words. “I

not,” I reply, my voice firm. “I don’t want you making a bad impression

isn’t one of those restaurants where it’s

everyone else.

do. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. But Abby,

do something about Karl. He’s

wondering how to broach the subject with

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

his voice tinged

to the door. He nods, stands up, and exits my office,

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

disrupt the entire composition, and right now,

dissonance.

appreciate the way he’s

in the culinary arts, and struggling to fit into our tightly knit team.

learn, two qualities that can’t

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

tension. Deciding I need a break

up and walk out into the bustling

hum of chatter and clinking dishes serves as a

through the maze of tables

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

effortless.

Ethan, got a minute?” I

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

with the silverware?” I say, gesturing toward

on the end of

he replies, sliding over a bunch of cloth napkins for me to

silverware, I can’t help but

action, a contrast to the complicated people