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

move, people!” I yell, and servers swoop in

then, I hear John’s voice, commanding but not overbearing, instructing Karl on the proper way

Karl, it’s all about balance. You want enough sauce so it’s

much

pause to listen, holding

He adjusts the angle of his tongs and the pasta

plate, a garnish of parsley providing the

comments, and Karl beams, clearly pleased

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

weave around each other

together to get the meals out, and not a

overcooked.

clock ticks past nine and the last few diners

and

while, the kitchen is humming with the sort

a place to eat. It’s not perfect,

sign of what could be rather than what

the kitchen, and this time it’s me who

corners as he allows himself

…

frenetic energy of the kitchen into

the air. I’m about to congratulate

the bar, clutching her ankle and rocking

forth.

I rush over, my eyes

rolled my ankle while serving table nine.

grimacing with each

look at her flushed face, her ankle swelling

leg up. I’ll

eyes filled

about that. Whatever tips you miss out on tonight, I’ll cover. Just go home and

yourself.”

for a moment before finally nodding, gratitude flooding her

as she limps out

grab a notepad, turning my attention to Daisy’s tables.

Luna who used to be an acquaintance of mine, sitting there with her friends,

owns the place.

Here we go.

you all again,” I greet,

stiff smile taking over her

you.”

manage an equally stiff smile and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Hopefully

good things.”

and her friends exchange glances, their eyes tw inkling with a fakeness that makes my

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you started with

a gin and

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making

catch snippets of

it was just a fluke, but

doesn’t even get to run her own restaurant, but has

running the place.

you know. Letting Alpha Karl run

eyes.”

hands start to tremble. I head into