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

and servers swoop

commanding but not overbearing, instructing Karl on

all about balance. You want enough

much that

listen, holding my

adjusts the angle of his tongs

on the plate, a garnish of parsley providing

Karl beams, clearly pleased by

interaction, but it feels like a giant leap forward

I watch Karl and John weave around each other in a

meals out, and not

overcooked.

last few diners are savoring their desserts, I take

step back and

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

not perfect, far from it, but it’s

sign of what could be rather

catches my eye from across the kitchen, and this time it’s me who gives the nod

corners as

…

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

about to congratulate myself on a

behind the bar, clutching her ankle and

forth.

happened?” I rush over, my

ankle while serving table nine. Just give me five minutes and I’ll

grimacing with each

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

Put that leg up. I’ll take over your

protest, her eyes filled with

Whatever tips you miss out on tonight, I’ll

yourself.”

a moment before finally nodding, gratitude flooding

as she limps out

a notepad, turning

to be an acquaintance of mine, sitting there

owns the place.

Here we go.

greet, forcing a smile as I approach

If it isn’t Abby,” Emily says, a stiff smile taking over her features. “We were just

you.”

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

good things.”

eyes tw

“Of course,” Emily says.

I get you started with some

gin and tonic,” Emily says, her tone dripping with

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making

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

fluke,

even get to run her own restaurant, but has to wait tables

handle running the place.

Letting Alpha Karl run everything, always giving

eyes.”

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