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 the chase,

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

downright belligerent when

arms over my chest, feeling a mixture of frustration and disappointment. John isn’t

firsthand. Hell, I’ve lived it. Karl is an Alpha, and there’s no

badmouthed when he’s

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

when they’re not here to defend themselves.

this establishment.”

to flinch at my words. “I understand that, Abby. It

“I don’t

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

everyone else. Got

do. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen

do something about Karl.

how to

any issues you have with Karl when he’s

his voice

you can go,” I say, gesturing to the door. He nods, stands up, and exits my office, leaving

alone with my thoughts.

racing. The atmosphere in the restaurant,

a finely tuned instrument.

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

the entire composition, and right now,

dissonance.

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

and struggling to fit into our

willing to learn, two qualities that

a heavy sigh escaping my lips. The confined

the air thick with unresolved tension. Deciding I need a

and walk out into the bustling

clinking dishes

tables and servers, I find Ethan by the

arranging glasses. As always, he seems to be

effortless.

Ethan, got a minute?”

up?” he replies, looking up

gesturing toward the pile of spoons, knives, and forks

on the end

a

I can’t help but feel a bit

action, a contrast to the