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

his fingers through his hair. “Look, Abby,

downright belligerent when

my chest, feeling a mixture of frustration and disappointment.

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

when he’s not even around to

this restaurant since we opened,” I say

to defend themselves. That’s

this establishment.”

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

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

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

else.

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

gotta do something about Karl.

a sigh, already wondering how to

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

John replies, his voice

go,” I say, gesturing to the door. He

alone with my thoughts.

The atmosphere in the

a finely tuned instrument.

head chef, plays

the entire composition, and right now,

dissonance.

I don’t appreciate the way

the culinary arts, and struggling to fit into our tightly knit

learn, two qualities that can’t always

desk, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. The confined

the air thick with unresolved tension. Deciding I need a break from

and walk out into

clinking dishes

through the maze of tables and

he seems to be in his element, his

effortless.

Ethan, got a minute?” I ask, forcing

he replies, looking up and

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

on the end of the

he replies, sliding over a

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

repetitive action, a contrast to the complicated people issues