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

then, I hear John’s voice, commanding but not overbearing, instructing Karl on the proper way

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

so much that

to listen, holding my

He adjusts the angle

plate, a garnish of parsley providing

beams, clearly pleased by the rare

small interaction, but it feels like a giant leap forward

around each other in a sort of uneasy

the meals out, and not a single steak comes

overcooked.

the last few diners are

and

the kitchen is humming with the sort of

to eat. It’s not perfect,

a sign of what could be rather than what

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

the corners as he allows himself a small

…

kitchen into the main dining

I’m about to

awkwardly behind the bar, clutching her ankle and rocking back

forth.

over, my eyes narrowing

while serving table nine. Just give me five minutes and I’ll get back

says, grimacing with each

flushed face, her ankle swelling before my eyes, and shake my

leg up. I’ll take over

her eyes filled with worry. “But the

Whatever tips you miss out on tonight, I’ll

yourself.”

a moment before finally nodding, gratitude flooding

she limps out of the

on an apron and grab a notepad, turning my attention

Luna who used to be an acquaintance of mine, sitting there with

owns the place.

Here we go.

I greet, forcing a

stiff smile taking over her features. “We

you.”

smile and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

good things.”

glances, their eyes tw inkling

“Of course,” Emily says.

you started with

and tonic,” Emily says,

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making a note on

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

was just a fluke, but

run her own restaurant, but

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

Letting Alpha Karl

eyes.”

to tremble. I head