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

servers swoop in to whisk the

voice, commanding but not overbearing,

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

much that it’s

pause to listen, holding my

earnest. He adjusts

the plate, a garnish of parsley providing the

beams, clearly

like a giant leap forward for both of them—and for

Karl and John weave around each other in a sort of

meals

overcooked.

past nine and the last few diners are

and take it all

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

not perfect,

sign of what could

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

eyes crinkling at the corners as he allows himself a small

…

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

I’m about to

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

forth.

over,

serving table nine. Just give me

says, grimacing with

face, her ankle swelling before my eyes,

home. Put that leg up. I’ll

to protest, her eyes filled

on tonight, I’ll cover. Just go home and take

yourself.”

hesitates for a moment before finally nodding, gratitude

say as she limps out of

an apron and grab a notepad, turning my attention

of mine, sitting there with her friends, smirking as if

owns the place.

Here we go.

to see you all again,” I greet, forcing

If it isn’t Abby,” Emily says, a stiff smile taking

you.”

manage an equally stiff smile and tuck a strand of

good things.”

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

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you

wines, a cosmopolitan, and a gin and tonic,” Emily says, her

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making a

I move away, my ears catch snippets of their conversation, laced

a fluke, but

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

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

Letting Alpha Karl run

eyes.”

my hands start to tremble. I head