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

yell, and servers swoop in to whisk the

not overbearing, instructing Karl

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

much

listen, holding

adjusts the angle of his tongs and

a garnish of

and Karl beams,

a giant leap

watch Karl and John weave around each

working together to get the meals

overcooked.

the last few diners are savoring their desserts, I take

step back and take it all

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

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

of what could be

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

his eyes crinkling at the corners

…

step out from the frenetic energy of the kitchen into the main dining area, the

the air. I’m about to

spot Daisy seated awkwardly behind the bar,

forth.

rush over, my eyes narrowing with

my ankle while serving table nine. Just give me five minutes

grimacing with each

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

leg up.

starts to protest, her eyes filled

worry 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

okay?” I say as she limps out

and grab a notepad, turning my attention

an acquaintance of mine, sitting

owns the place.

Here we go.

see you all again,” I greet,

a stiff smile taking over her features. “We were

you.”

and tuck a strand of hair behind my

good things.”

glances, their eyes tw inkling with

“Of course,” Emily says.

you started

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

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making a note

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

just a fluke, but she’s

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

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

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

eyes.”

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