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 looks

people!” I yell, and servers swoop in to whisk

John’s voice, commanding but not overbearing, instructing Karl on

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

much that it’s

pause to listen, holding

replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his

garnish of

and Karl beams, clearly pleased by the

a giant leap forward for both of

and John weave around each

the meals out, and not

overcooked.

as the clock ticks past nine and the last few diners are

step back and

long while, the kitchen is humming with

It’s not

could be rather

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

his eyes crinkling at the corners as he allows himself a

…

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

of conversation filling the air. I’m about

the bar, clutching her ankle and rocking back

forth.

I rush over, my eyes narrowing

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

she says, grimacing with

face, her ankle swelling before my eyes, and

leg up. I’ll

protest, her eyes filled

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

yourself.”

a moment before finally nodding, gratitude flooding her features. “Thank you,

better, okay?” I say as she limps

notepad, turning my attention to Daisy’s tables. And then I see

be an acquaintance of mine, sitting there with her friends,

owns the place.

Here we go.

see you all again,” I greet, forcing

stiff smile taking over her features.

you.”

you?” I manage an equally stiff smile and tuck a strand of hair behind

good things.”

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

“Of course,” Emily says.

I get you

and tonic,” Emily says, her

sweetness.

reply, making a

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

was just a fluke, but she’s

run

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

you know. Letting Alpha Karl run everything, always

eyes.”

tremble. I head into the back room to