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 looks

move, people!” I yell, and servers

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

Karl, it’s all about balance. You want enough sauce so it’s

so much that it’s

to listen, holding

John,” Karl replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his

the plate, a garnish

and Karl beams, clearly pleased

but it feels like a giant leap forward for both of

around each other

get the meals out, and not a single steak

overcooked.

nine and the last

back and take

a long while, the kitchen is humming with

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

could be rather than what

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

back, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he allows himself a small

…

of the kitchen into the main dining area, the clinking of

filling the air. I’m about to congratulate myself

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

forth.

over, my eyes

nine. Just

she says, grimacing with each

look at her flushed face, her ankle swelling before my

up. I’ll take

to protest, her eyes filled with

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

yourself.”

moment before finally nodding, gratitude

better, okay?” I say as she limps out

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

used to be an acquaintance of mine, sitting

owns the place.

Here we go.

again,” I greet,

a stiff smile taking over her features. “We were just

you.”

you?” I manage an equally stiff smile and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

good things.”

her friends exchange glances, their eyes tw inkling with a fakeness that makes

“Of course,” Emily says.

I get you started with some

and tonic,” Emily says,

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making

my ears catch snippets of their conversation, laced with

a fluke, but she’s waiting

to run her own restaurant,

handle running the place. Probably gave it over to one of the

was always like that, you know. Letting Alpha Karl run everything, always

eyes.”

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