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

stand-off, a powder keg

with a finality that allows no room for

my surprise, they both comply, although the atmosphere is

to make

either of you would rather walk out that door than make this

door with an outstretched arm. “But understand that

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

team.”

practically hear the gears grinding in their heads, weighing options,

and I see it—the unspoken understanding, the awareness

stake here for him.

For us.

for John, he’s worked with me for years. I’ve seen him passionately

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

core.

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

take a deep breath.

I say, setting my words in

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

all, you’ll both answer for them. Am

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

the territory of teamwork, of personal

John

eyes never leaving mine, sending a silent message

say, exhaling a tiny sigh of relief that feels like it’s been trapped inside of me for

Get

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

and what-ifs, but it’s done. The decision is made. Only time will tell

Or maybe a little

of the chair, needing to distance

into the storeroom, I find Chloe knee-deep in

she takes

Abbs,” she says, glancing up at

top of a crate, my

eyes meeting mine. “You look like you’ve

okay?”

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

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

force