Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 61: The Apprentice
It’s Friday afternoon before the dinner rush, both the best—and worst—time to get this over with. The

idea, planted in my head by Ethan, has been rolling around in my head for two days. Finally, I decide to

set it into motion.

I lean against the door frame of my office, taking a deep breath before calling out, “Karl, John, could

you both come in here for a moment?”

I don’t miss the sidelong glances exchanged between the two men as they cross the threshold. It’s as if

the air thickens, charged with an electricity that neither wants to acknowledge but can’t ignore.

“Please have a seat,” I instruct, nodding toward the two chairs across from my desk.

Karl takes a seat, folding his arms over his chest as if steeling himself for battle. John follows suit but

not before shooting Karl a disdainful look, one that he returns with equal measure. The atmosphere is

so tense I could snap it with a knife.

I lean forward, resting my elbows on the desk, my eyes shifting from one to the other. “Listen, both of

you have been valuable members of this team. But we’ve got a problem—a serious one. Karl, you can

be as stubborn as a mule, and John, you have a knack for being, well, grating.”

The looks on their faces tell me they both want to protest, but I hold up a hand to stop them.

“And so I’ve made a decision,” I continue, locking eyes with each of them in turn. “Starting today, Karl,

you will be working under John to learn the ropes as a line cook.”

For a moment, stunned silence fills the room. And then, as if a fuse has been lit, both men spring to

their feet.

“No way, Abby,” Karl growls, his jaw set and his eyes narrowed. “No way in hell am I working under

him.”

“You can’t be serious, Abby!” John chimes in, red-faced and incredulous. “I’d rather be fired than work

with this jackas s!”

each man bristling like a cornered animal,

It’s a volatile stand-off, a powder keg ready

laced with a finality that allows no room for

comply, although the atmosphere is still buzzing with

moment to make my stance abundantly

would rather walk out that

an outstretched arm. “But understand that

then you’re the

team.”

the gears grinding in

understanding, the awareness

stake here for him.

For us.

with me for years. I’ve seen him passionately involved in

in the team. Quitting now would be admitting defeat, something I

core.

the men move to leave. I feel a slight twinge of both relief and

take a deep breath.

under John,” I say, setting

the good of this restaurant. And let me be

you’ll both

reality of my ultimatum sinking in. It’s

territory

John

sending a

of relief that feels like it’s been

dismissed. Get back to

Karl and John exit my office, I sink back into my chair with a sigh. My

decision is made. Only time

Or maybe a little

needing to distance myself from the tense atmosphere still clinging

the storeroom, I find Chloe knee-deep

as she

says, glancing

onto the top of a crate, my shoulders sagging.

look like

okay?”

fine.

been tension, and well, I’ve decided to make Karl

force them to