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!”

like a cornered

a volatile stand-off, a powder keg ready

laced with a finality that allows no room for

they both comply, although the atmosphere is still buzzing with

moment to make my stance abundantly

rather walk out that door

toward the door with an

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

team.”

grinding in their heads,

unspoken understanding, the awareness that there’s

stake here for him.

For us.

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

team. Quitting now would be admitting

core.

feel a slight twinge of both relief and trepidation in my core,

take a deep breath.

be apprenticing under John,” I say, setting my words in stone. “I

your differences aside for the good of this

you’ll both answer for

of my ultimatum sinking in. It’s

territory of teamwork,

understand, Abby,” John finally mutters, albeit

mine, sending a silent message that

sigh of relief that feels like it’s been trapped inside of me

dismissed. Get back to

into my chair with a

what-ifs, but it’s done. The decision is made.

Or maybe a little

needing to distance myself from the tense atmosphere

Chloe knee-deep

as she

Abbs,” she says,

the top of a crate, my shoulders sagging.

“You look like you’ve just been through a war. Is

okay?”

“It’s fine. I just had to sit Karl

and well, I’ve decided to make Karl apprentice under

it would force them