Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 65: Apologies
The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering tomato sauce fills the air as I sit at my desk,

reviewing the inventory for the week.

It’s still early in the day, but the restaurant has already started to come alive. My eyes flit over numbers

and figures, but my thoughts keep drifting to the chaos of last night—Karl, John, Ethan, and that cook-

off looming in the future like a beacon of both opportunity and uncertainty.

As I’m about to turn my attention to the newly arrived email from Calvin, there’s a soft knock on my

door. “Come in,” I call out, hoping it’s not another crisis that needs immediate attention.

The door opens, and it’s John, looking a little sheepish. “Hey, Abby, you got a minute?”

I nod, gesturing for him to take a seat. “Sure, what’s on your mind?”

He hesitates, choosing his words carefully. “Look, about last night—I lost my cool, and I shouldn’t have

said what I did. I was…riled up, and I didn’t mean it. It was a long evening.”

I eye him skeptically, remembering his cutting remarks and confrontational demeanor. “You think?”

He winces. “I do. And I’m sorry. If you’re willing to forgive an old dog for his foolishness, I promise I’ll

train Karl properly and be more respectful. To everyone.”

The sincerity in his voice tips the balance for me. We’ve been through a lot, John and I, and though

he’s far from perfect, he’s an important part of this restaurant’s soul.

“Alright,” I say, extending my hand across the desk. “Apology accepted. Let’s move on and make this a

great place for everyone. Deal?”

“Deal,” he agrees, shaking my hand firmly.

“Great. Let’s get back out there; dinner service won’t prep itself,” I say, and we both stand to head back

to the kitchen.

As the door swings shut behind him, I can’t help but feel a small sense of relief. One hurdle cleared, but

still so many more to go.

…

The evening begins like any other, the staff bustling around the kitchen as orders start pouring in.

But there’s a palpable change in the atmosphere. John’s tone is softer, more instructive, less caustic. I

see him explaining the finer points of sauce reduction to Karl, who listens intently. My eyes meet John’s

for a moment, and he gives me a nod.

The dinner rush kicks in, and everyone springs into high gear. Plates are flying, stoves are blazing, and

the air is thick with the tantalizing smells of grilled meat, sautéed vegetables, and melting cheese.

But despite the chaos, there’s an underlying current of teamwork that wasn’t there before.

“Table six is ready to go, Abby,” Ethan calls out, sliding the plates onto the counter. I do a quick check

everything looks

yell, and servers

commanding but not overbearing,

balance.

much

pause to listen, holding my

tone earnest. He adjusts

on the plate, a garnish of parsley providing

and Karl beams,

feels like a giant leap forward for both of them—and for me. As

I watch Karl and John weave around each other in a sort of uneasy

communicating, working together to get the meals out, and not

overcooked.

clock ticks past nine and the last few diners are savoring their

and take it

time in a long while, the kitchen is humming with the sort of collaborative

place to eat. It’s not perfect, far from it, but it’s

sign of what could be

this time it’s me who gives the nod of approval.

at the corners as he allows himself a small

…

the kitchen into the main

air. I’m about to congratulate

behind the bar, clutching

forth.

rush over, my eyes

serving table nine. Just give me five minutes and

grimacing

her flushed face, her ankle

home. Put that leg up. I’ll take

her eyes filled with worry. “But the

tips you miss out on tonight, I’ll cover.

yourself.”

a moment before finally nodding, gratitude

limps out of

apron and grab a notepad, turning my attention to Daisy’s tables. And then I see

acquaintance of mine,

owns the place.

Here we go.

to see you all again,” I greet, forcing a smile as I approach the

says, a stiff smile taking

you.”

I manage an equally stiff smile and tuck a

good things.”

exchange glances, their eyes tw inkling

“Of course,” Emily says.

you started with some

wines, a cosmopolitan, and a gin and tonic,” Emily says,

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making a note on

away, my ears catch snippets of their conversation, laced with contempt. “Wow.

was just a fluke, but she’s waiting

an ex-Luna doesn’t even get to run her own restaurant, but has

giggle. “Maybe she can’t handle running the place. Probably gave

always like that, you know. Letting Alpha Karl

eyes.”

start to tremble. I head into the back room to catch