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.

John, what’s the issue with Karl?” I cut straight

fingers through his hair. “Look, Abby,

get downright belligerent when anyone tries

feeling a mixture of frustration and disappointment.

it firsthand. Hell, I’ve lived it. Karl is an Alpha, and

when he’s not

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

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

this establishment.”

at my words. “I

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

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

else.

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

do something about Karl. He’s not exactly ‘respectful’,

wondering how

sort out any issues you have with Karl when he’s

his voice tinged

you can go,” I say, gesturing to the door. He

alone with my thoughts.

racing. The atmosphere

a finely tuned instrument.

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

composition, and right now, we’re on the

dissonance.

don’t appreciate the way he’s expressed them. Karl

culinary arts, and struggling to fit into

to learn, two qualities that can’t

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

the air thick with unresolved tension. Deciding I

and walk out

of chatter and clinking dishes serves as a momentary distraction

the maze of tables and servers, I find Ethan by the

As always, he seems to be in

effortless.

got a minute?” I

he

if I help with the silverware?” I say, gesturing toward the pile of spoons, knives, and forks

end of

guest,” he replies, sliding over a bunch

but feel a bit more grounded. There’s

contrast to the complicated people issues