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!”

escalates, each man bristling like a cornered

stand-off, a powder keg

I snap, my voice laced with a

my surprise, they both comply, although the atmosphere

to make my

walk out that door than

an outstretched arm. “But understand that

can’t adapt, then you’re the ones who are out of place,

team.”

the gears grinding in their heads, weighing options, simmering egos.

see it—the unspoken understanding, the awareness

stake here for him.

For us.

for years. I’ve seen him passionately

the team. Quitting now would be admitting

core.

feel a slight twinge

take a deep breath.

be apprenticing under John,” I say,

your differences aside for the good of this restaurant. And let me

any issues, any at all, you’ll both

me, the reality of my ultimatum sinking in. It’s

comes with the territory of teamwork, of personal

Abby,” John finally mutters, albeit

his eyes never leaving mine, sending a silent message that only I can

relief that feels like it’s been

both dismissed. Get back

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

it’s done. The decision is made. Only time will tell if I’ve set the

growth. Or maybe

distance myself from the tense atmosphere

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

she

Abbs,” she says, glancing up

onto the top of a crate, my

look like

okay?”

hesitating before I finally spill. “It’s fine. I just had to sit Karl

I’ve decided to make Karl apprentice under John

it would force