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

yell, and servers swoop in to whisk the

not overbearing,

all about balance. You want enough sauce so

so much that it’s

listen,

replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the

garnish of parsley providing the

beams, clearly

it feels like a giant leap forward

I watch Karl and John weave around each other in

meals out, and not a

overcooked.

and the last few diners are savoring their desserts,

and

the kitchen

not perfect,

a sign of what could be rather

this time it’s me who gives the nod of

his eyes crinkling at the corners as he allows himself

…

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

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

awkwardly behind the bar, clutching her

forth.

happened?” I rush over, my eyes narrowing with

nine. Just

she says, grimacing with

look at her flushed face, her ankle swelling before my eyes, and shake my head.

up. I’ll take

eyes filled with

miss out on tonight, I’ll cover.

yourself.”

for a moment before finally nodding, gratitude flooding her

she limps out of the restaurant,

apron and grab a notepad, turning my attention to Daisy’s tables. And

of mine, sitting there

owns the place.

Here we go.

see you all again,” I greet, forcing

Abby,” Emily says, a stiff smile taking over

you.”

an equally stiff smile and tuck a strand

good things.”

glances, their eyes tw inkling

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you started

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

sweetness.

up,” I reply, making a note

my ears catch snippets of their conversation, laced

just a fluke, but

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

running the place. Probably gave

Letting Alpha Karl run everything, always giving

eyes.”

hands start to tremble. I head into