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 looks

and servers swoop

not overbearing, instructing

“Remember, Karl, it’s all about balance.

much

listen, holding

replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his

plate, a garnish of parsley providing the

beams, clearly

it feels like a giant leap forward

on, I watch Karl and John weave around each other in a

communicating, working together to get the meals out, and

overcooked.

the last few diners are savoring their desserts, I take a

back and take it

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

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

could

this time it’s me who gives the nod

his eyes crinkling at the corners as he allows himself

…

step out from the frenetic energy of the kitchen into the main

filling the air. I’m about

when I spot Daisy seated awkwardly behind the

forth.

happened?” I rush over, my

rolled my ankle while serving table nine. Just give me

grimacing with each

take one look at her flushed face, her ankle swelling before my eyes, and shake my head. “No,

leg up. I’ll take over your tables

to protest, her eyes filled with worry. “But the

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

yourself.”

before finally nodding, gratitude flooding her features. “Thank

say as she limps out of the

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

an acquaintance of mine, sitting there with her

owns the place.

Here we go.

all again,” I greet, forcing a smile

Emily says, a stiff smile taking

you.”

an equally stiff smile and tuck a strand

good things.”

exchange glances, their eyes tw

“Of course,” Emily says.

you started with

a gin and tonic,” Emily says,

sweetness.

reply, making a note on my

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

a fluke,

run

“Maybe she can’t handle running the place.

know. Letting Alpha Karl

eyes.”

my hands start to tremble. I head into the back