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.

cut straight to the

“Look, Abby, he makes

can get downright belligerent when anyone

fold my arms over my chest, feeling a mixture of frustration and disappointment. John

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

when he’s

we opened,”

to defend themselves. That’s not how we handle

this establishment.”

seems to flinch at my words. “I

firm. “I don’t want you making a bad impression

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

everyone else.

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

something about Karl.

wondering how to broach the

issues you

his voice tinged

to the door. He nods,

alone with my thoughts.

back in my chair, my mind racing. The atmosphere

a finely tuned instrument.

to the head chef, plays an important role.

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

dissonance.

understand John’s concerns, even if I don’t appreciate the way he’s expressed them. Karl is

culinary arts, and struggling to fit into

willing to learn, two qualities that can’t always

heavy sigh escaping my lips. The confined space

I need a break

out into the bustling

of chatter and clinking dishes serves as a momentary distraction

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

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

effortless.

Ethan, got a minute?”

up?” he replies, looking up and catching my

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

the end

guest,” he replies, sliding over a

help but feel

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