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

presentation; everything

people!” I yell, and servers swoop in

hear John’s voice, commanding but not overbearing,

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

much

to listen, holding my

it, John,” Karl replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his

garnish

and Karl beams,

giant leap forward for

Karl and John weave around each other in a sort

together to get the meals out, and not a

overcooked.

ticks past nine and the last few

step back and take it all

kitchen

restaurant more than just a place to eat. It’s not

of what could be

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

back, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he allows himself

…

frenetic energy of the kitchen into the main dining area, the clinking of

about to

spot Daisy seated awkwardly behind the bar, clutching her ankle

forth.

happened?” I rush over,

while serving table nine. Just give me five minutes

she says, grimacing

one look at her flushed face, her ankle swelling before my eyes, and shake

Put that leg up.

her eyes filled with worry. “But the

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

yourself.”

finally nodding,

she limps out of the restaurant, supported

on an apron and grab a notepad, turning

mine, sitting there with her

owns the place.

Here we go.

again,” I greet, forcing a smile as I approach the

it isn’t Abby,” Emily says, a stiff smile taking over

you.”

manage an equally stiff smile and tuck a strand of hair

good things.”

eyes tw inkling

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you

red wines, a cosmopolitan, and a gin and tonic,” Emily says, her tone dripping with

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making a

of their conversation, laced with contempt.

fluke,

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

the place. Probably gave it over to

know. Letting Alpha Karl run

eyes.”

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