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

move, people!” I yell, and servers swoop in

commanding but not overbearing, instructing Karl on

the linguini. “Remember, Karl, it’s all about balance. You want

much

pause to listen,

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

a garnish of

comments, and Karl beams, clearly pleased

giant leap

around each other in a sort of uneasy

get the meals out,

overcooked.

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

and take

first time in a long while, the kitchen is humming

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

what could

and this time it’s me who gives

crinkling at the corners

…

step out from the frenetic energy of the kitchen into the main dining area, the

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

the bar, clutching her ankle and

forth.

I rush over,

I rolled my ankle while serving table nine. Just give me five

she says, grimacing with each

look at her flushed face, her ankle swelling before my eyes,

that leg up. I’ll

her eyes filled with worry. “But the

worry about that. Whatever tips you miss out on tonight,

yourself.”

a moment before finally nodding,

okay?” I say as she limps out of the

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

be an acquaintance of mine, sitting

owns the place.

Here we go.

see you all again,” I greet, forcing a smile

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

you.”

equally stiff smile and tuck a strand

good things.”

eyes tw

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you started

and a gin and tonic,” Emily

sweetness.

reply, making a note on

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

was just a fluke, but she’s

run her

the place. Probably gave it over to one of the

like that, you know. Letting Alpha Karl run

eyes.”

tremble. I head into