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!”

bristling like a cornered animal, inches away from lunging

a volatile stand-off, a powder keg ready

I snap, my voice laced with a finality that

comply, although the atmosphere is still buzzing with palpable animosity.

to make my stance abundantly

you would rather walk out that door

the door with an outstretched arm. “But understand that this

team. If either of you can’t adapt, then you’re the ones who

team.”

the gears grinding in

mine, and I see it—the unspoken understanding, the awareness

stake here for him.

For us.

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

the team. Quitting now would be admitting

core.

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

take a deep breath.

you’ll be apprenticing under John,” I say, setting

to put your differences aside for the good of this restaurant. And

issues, any at all, you’ll both answer for them.

men lock eyes with me, the reality of my ultimatum sinking in. It’s a bitter

with the territory of teamwork, of personal

John finally mutters,

his eyes never leaving mine, sending a

that feels like it’s been trapped inside of me

both dismissed. Get

exit my office, I sink back into my chair with a sigh.

made. Only time will tell if I’ve

or growth. Or maybe a little bit of

distance myself

Stepping into the storeroom, I find Chloe knee-deep in bottles and cans, jotting down notes on

as she takes

she says, glancing up

a

“You look like you’ve

okay?”

rub my temples, hesitating before I finally spill. “It’s fine. I just had

decided to make

would force them to get