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

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

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

balance. You want

so much

listen, holding

his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of

a garnish of parsley providing

and Karl beams, clearly pleased

a small interaction, but it feels like a giant leap forward

Karl and John weave around each other in a sort

the meals out, and not

overcooked.

ticks past nine and the last few diners are

step back and take it all

first time in a long while, the kitchen is

a restaurant more than just a place to eat. It’s not perfect,

a sign of what could

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

his eyes crinkling at the corners as

…

kitchen into the main dining area,

the air. I’m about

when I spot Daisy seated awkwardly behind the bar, clutching her ankle and rocking back

forth.

over, my eyes narrowing

nine. Just give me five

she says, grimacing

ankle swelling before

Put that leg up. I’ll

protest, her eyes filled with

you miss out on tonight,

yourself.”

nodding,

limps out of the restaurant, supported by

tie on an apron and grab a notepad, turning my attention to Daisy’s tables.

used to be an acquaintance of mine, sitting there with her

owns the place.

Here we go.

see you all again,” I greet, forcing a

stiff smile taking over her features. “We were just talking

you.”

smile and tuck a

good things.”

exchange glances, their eyes tw inkling with

“Of course,” Emily says.

you started with some

and a gin and tonic,” Emily says, her

sweetness.

up,” I reply, making a note on

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

just a fluke, but she’s

to run

running the place.

Letting Alpha Karl run

eyes.”

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