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

servers swoop in to

but not overbearing, instructing Karl on

about balance. You want enough sauce so it’s

much

to listen,

replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle

a garnish

Karl beams, clearly pleased by the rare

interaction, but it feels like a giant leap forward for both of them—and for

John weave around each other in a

working together to get the meals out,

overcooked.

nine and the last few diners are savoring their desserts, I

step back and

in a long while, the kitchen is humming with the sort of collaborative energy

place to eat. It’s not

could

my eye from across the kitchen, and this time

his eyes crinkling at the corners as he allows himself

…

of the kitchen into the main dining area, the clinking

I’m about to congratulate myself on a

seated awkwardly behind the

forth.

I rush over, my eyes narrowing

ankle while serving table nine. Just give me

she says, grimacing with

ankle swelling before my eyes, and shake

that leg up. I’ll take over your tables

eyes filled with worry. “But the

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,

as she limps out of the restaurant,

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

used to be an acquaintance of mine, sitting there

owns the place.

Here we go.

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

isn’t Abby,” Emily says, a stiff smile taking over her features.

you.”

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

good things.”

exchange glances, their eyes tw inkling with a fakeness that

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you started with some

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

sweetness.

making a

of their

just a fluke, but

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

“Maybe she can’t handle running the place. Probably gave it

you know. Letting Alpha Karl run everything, always giving him

eyes.”

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