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.

I cut straight to the chase,

through his hair. “Look, Abby, he makes a

can get downright belligerent

a mixture

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

be badmouthed when he’s not even around

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

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

this establishment.”

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

better not,” I reply, my voice firm. “I don’t want you

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

everyone else.

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

about Karl. He’s not exactly

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

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

his

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

alone with my thoughts.

racing. The atmosphere in the restaurant,

a finely tuned instrument.

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

entire composition, and right

dissonance.

don’t appreciate the

to fit into

learn, two qualities

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

unresolved tension. Deciding I need

walk out into the

and clinking dishes

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

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

effortless.

minute?” I ask, forcing

he replies,

gesturing toward

the end

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

silverware, I can’t help but feel

to the complicated people issues