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

I yell, and servers swoop in to whisk the

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

it’s all about balance. You want

so much

listen,

He adjusts the angle of his

garnish of

comments, and Karl beams, clearly pleased by the

like a giant leap forward

around each other in a

to get the meals out, and not a single

overcooked.

last few

back and take it

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

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

a sign of what could be rather

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

corners as he allows

…

frenetic energy of the kitchen into the

about to congratulate myself

the bar, clutching her

forth.

over, my eyes narrowing

table nine. Just

says, grimacing with

her flushed face, her ankle swelling

that leg up.

to protest, her eyes filled

worry about that. Whatever tips you miss out on tonight, I’ll

yourself.”

for a moment before finally nodding,

she limps out of the restaurant, supported by

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

of mine, sitting there with her

owns the place.

Here we go.

see you all again,” I greet, forcing a smile as

says, a stiff smile taking over

you.”

equally stiff smile and tuck a strand of hair behind my

good things.”

exchange glances, their eyes tw inkling with a fakeness that

“Of course,” Emily says.

you started

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

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making a

snippets of their conversation, laced with contempt.

was just a fluke, but

doesn’t even get to run

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

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

eyes.”

hands start to tremble.