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

I yell, and servers swoop in to whisk

but not overbearing, instructing Karl on the proper

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

so much

listen, holding my

it, John,” Karl replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle

the plate, a garnish of parsley providing the

John comments, and Karl beams, clearly pleased by

like a giant leap forward

around each

to get the meals out, and not a single steak comes

overcooked.

last few diners

back and

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

place to eat. It’s not perfect,

could be rather than what has

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

back, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he allows himself a small

…

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

the air. I’m about to congratulate myself on a night

Daisy seated awkwardly behind the bar, clutching her ankle and

forth.

happened?” I rush over, my eyes narrowing with

nine. Just give me five minutes

she says, grimacing

ankle swelling before my eyes,

that leg up. I’ll

her eyes filled with worry. “But

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

yourself.”

moment before finally nodding, gratitude flooding her features.

as she limps out of the restaurant, supported by

turning my attention to

used to be an acquaintance of mine,

owns the place.

Here we go.

I greet, forcing a smile as I approach

If it isn’t Abby,” Emily says, a stiff smile taking over her features. “We were just

you.”

smile and tuck a

good things.”

exchange glances, their eyes tw inkling with a

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you started with some

and tonic,” Emily says, her tone dripping

sweetness.

I reply, making

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

fluke, but

even get to run her

the place. Probably gave it

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

eyes.”

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