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

servers swoop in to whisk the dishes

voice, commanding but not

balance. You want enough sauce so it’s flavorful

so much that

listen, holding my

Karl replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his tongs and

garnish of

and Karl beams, clearly pleased

small interaction, but it feels like a giant leap

and John weave around each other in a sort

together to get the meals

overcooked.

ticks past nine and the last few diners are savoring their desserts, I take a

back and take it

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

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

could be rather than what has

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

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

…

energy of the kitchen into the main dining area,

of conversation filling the air. I’m about to congratulate

the bar, clutching

forth.

I rush over,

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

grimacing with

one look at her flushed face, her ankle swelling

up. I’ll take over

her eyes filled

that. Whatever tips you miss out on tonight, I’ll

yourself.”

before finally nodding,

okay?” I say as she limps out of the restaurant, supported

a notepad, turning my

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

owns the place.

Here we go.

again,” I greet, forcing a smile

Abby,” Emily says, a stiff smile taking over her features.

you.”

stiff smile and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Hopefully

good things.”

glances, their eyes tw inkling with

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you started with

gin and

sweetness.

making a note on

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

fluke, but she’s waiting tables

to run

handle running the place.

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

eyes.”

start to tremble. I head into the