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

not overbearing,

balance. You

much

to listen, holding

adjusts

garnish of parsley

Karl beams, clearly pleased by

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

around each

meals out,

overcooked.

last few diners are savoring their

back and take it all

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

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

sign of what could be rather than

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

the corners as he

…

the frenetic energy of the kitchen into the main

about to congratulate myself on a

when I spot Daisy seated awkwardly behind the bar, clutching her

forth.

happened?” I rush over, my

while serving table nine. Just give me five

grimacing with each

take one look at her flushed face, her ankle swelling before my eyes, and shake my

home. Put that leg up. I’ll take over your

protest, her eyes filled with worry.

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

yourself.”

finally nodding,

limps

tie on an apron and grab a notepad, turning my attention to Daisy’s

be an acquaintance of mine, sitting there with her friends, smirking as

owns the place.

Here we go.

all again,” I greet, forcing a smile

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

you.”

stiff smile and tuck a strand of hair behind

good things.”

tw inkling with a fakeness that makes

“Of course,” Emily says.

I get you

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

sweetness.

up,” I reply, making

move away, my ears catch snippets of

fluke, but

even get to run her

the place. Probably gave it over to

always like that, you know. Letting Alpha Karl run

eyes.”

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