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,

a volatile stand-off, a powder

I snap, my voice laced with a finality that allows

my surprise, they both comply, although the atmosphere is still buzzing with

make my

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

say, gesturing toward the door with an outstretched arm. “But understand that

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

team.”

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

I see it—the unspoken understanding, the awareness that there’s something

stake here for him.

For us.

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

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

core.

to leave. I feel a slight

take a deep breath.

today, Karl, you’ll be apprenticing under John,” I

for the good of this restaurant. And let

you’ll both answer

of my ultimatum sinking in. It’s

the territory of teamwork,

John finally

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

relief that feels like

Get back to

my office, I sink back into my chair with

made.

maybe a little bit of

of the chair, needing to distance myself

I find Chloe knee-deep in bottles and

she takes

says,

the top of a crate, my shoulders sagging.

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

okay?”

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

I’ve decided to make Karl apprentice under

it would force them