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.

issue with Karl?” I cut straight to the chase,

fingers through his hair. “Look, Abby, he makes a lot of mistakes.

get downright belligerent

feeling a mixture of frustration and disappointment. John

lived it. Karl is an Alpha, and there’s

when he’s not even

this restaurant since we opened,” I say gently. “You know

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

this establishment.”

to flinch at my words. “I understand that, Abby.

firm. “I don’t want you

of those restaurants where

else. Got

I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.

gotta do something about Karl. He’s not

I say with a sigh, already wondering how to

sort out any issues you have with

his voice tinged with

I say, gesturing to the door. He nods,

alone with my thoughts.

in my chair, my mind racing. The

a finely tuned instrument.

from the dishwasher to the head

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

dissonance.

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

and struggling to fit into our tightly knit team. But he’s

qualities that can’t

escaping my

unresolved tension. Deciding I need a break

up and walk out

lively hum of chatter and clinking dishes serves as a momentary distraction

Navigating my way through the maze of tables and servers,

he seems to be in his element, his movements smooth

effortless.

minute?” I ask, forcing

up?” he

if I help with the silverware?” I say, gesturing

the end

my guest,” he replies, sliding over a bunch

but feel a bit more grounded. There’s something

a contrast to the complicated people issues I’ve been wrestling