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

people!” I yell, and servers swoop

but not overbearing, instructing Karl on the proper

the linguini. “Remember, Karl, it’s all about balance.

so much that

listen, holding my

tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his tongs and the pasta

plate, a garnish of parsley providing

John comments, and Karl beams, clearly pleased

feels like a giant leap forward for both

weave around each other in

to get the meals out, and

overcooked.

as the clock ticks past nine and the last few

step back and

kitchen is humming with the sort

It’s not perfect, far from it, but it’s a step in

of what could be rather

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

the corners

…

of the kitchen into the main dining area, the clinking of glasses

I’m about to

seated awkwardly behind the bar, clutching her ankle

forth.

I rush over, my eyes

rolled my ankle while serving table nine. Just give me five minutes and I’ll get back

grimacing

ankle swelling before

home. Put that leg up. I’ll

eyes filled

tips you miss out on tonight,

yourself.”

hesitates for a moment before finally nodding, gratitude flooding

say as she limps out of

notepad, turning my

of mine, sitting there with her friends, smirking as

owns the place.

Here we go.

to see you all again,” I greet, forcing a

Abby,” Emily says, a stiff smile taking over

you.”

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

good things.”

exchange glances, their eyes tw inkling

“Of course,” Emily says.

you started

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

sweetness.

reply, making a

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

just a fluke, but she’s waiting

even get to run her

place.

like that, you know. Letting Alpha Karl run everything,

eyes.”

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