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

“Look, Abby, he makes a lot of

belligerent when anyone tries to

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

it. Karl is an Alpha, and there’s no doubt

he’s not even around to defend

been with this restaurant since we opened,” I say gently.

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

this establishment.”

“I understand

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

This isn’t one of those restaurants where

everyone else.

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

do something about Karl. He’s

say with a sigh, already wondering how to broach the subject with

ground. “We’ll sort out any issues you

his voice tinged

the door. He nods, stands up, and exits

alone with my thoughts.

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

a finely tuned instrument.

to the head chef,

and right

dissonance.

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

the culinary arts, and struggling to fit

willing to learn, two qualities

sigh escaping

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

out into

of chatter and clinking dishes serves as a momentary distraction from my

tables and servers,

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

effortless.

got a minute?” I ask, forcing a

lady. What’s up?” he replies, looking up and

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

on the end of

guest,” he replies, sliding over a bunch of cloth

we start rolling silverware, I can’t help but feel a bit more grounded.

the simple, repetitive action, a contrast to