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 to the chase, my eyes meeting his

through his hair. “Look, Abby, he makes a lot of mistakes. He’s s

can get downright belligerent when anyone tries to

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

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

badmouthed when he’s not

since we opened,” I say gently.

a coworker when they’re not here to defend themselves.

this establishment.”

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

reply, my voice firm. “I

one of those restaurants where it’s a free-for-all.

else. Got

do. I’ll make sure it

do something about Karl. He’s not exactly

sigh, already wondering how to broach the subject with Karl when we’re

ground. “We’ll sort out any issues you have with Karl when he’s present. Is

his voice

I say, gesturing to the door. He nods,

alone with my thoughts.

back in my chair, my mind racing. The atmosphere in the restaurant, especially the kitchen, is

a finely tuned instrument.

from the dishwasher to the head chef,

disrupt the entire composition, and right now, we’re

dissonance.

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

culinary arts, and struggling to fit into our tightly knit

to learn, two qualities

a heavy sigh escaping my lips. The

unresolved tension. Deciding I need a break from

and walk out into

clinking dishes serves as a momentary

my way through the maze of tables and servers,

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

effortless.

got a minute?” I ask,

he

silverware?” I say, gesturing toward the pile of spoons, knives, and forks that

the end of the

replies, sliding over a bunch of cloth napkins

can’t help but feel a bit more grounded. There’s something

action, a contrast to the complicated people issues