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

servers swoop in

voice, commanding but not overbearing, instructing Karl on the

linguini. “Remember, Karl, it’s all about balance. You want enough sauce so it’s flavorful

so much that it’s

pause to listen, holding

earnest. He adjusts the angle of his tongs and the

the plate, a garnish of parsley

comments, and Karl beams,

a small interaction, but it feels like a giant leap forward for both of them—and for me.

Karl and John weave around each

to get the meals out, and not a single

overcooked.

past nine and the last few diners are savoring their desserts, I take a

back and take it

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

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

a sign of what could be rather than what has

kitchen, and this time it’s me who gives the nod

the corners as he allows himself

…

energy of the kitchen

of conversation filling the air. I’m about to congratulate

seated awkwardly behind the bar, clutching her ankle

forth.

rush over, my

erm… I rolled my ankle while serving table nine. Just

grimacing

at her flushed face, her ankle swelling before

that leg up. I’ll take over

to protest, her eyes filled with worry.

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

yourself.”

before finally nodding, gratitude

limps out

and grab a notepad, turning my attention to Daisy’s

used to be an acquaintance of mine, sitting

owns the place.

Here we go.

you all again,” I greet, forcing a smile

stiff smile taking over her features.

you.”

an equally stiff smile and tuck a

good things.”

glances, their eyes tw inkling with

“Of course,” Emily says.

you started with

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

sweetness.

up,” I reply, making a note

ears catch snippets of

it was just a fluke, but she’s

get to run her own restaurant,

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

you know. Letting Alpha Karl run everything, always giving

eyes.”

their words, my hands start to tremble. I head into the back room to