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

I yell, and servers swoop in to whisk the dishes

commanding but not

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

much that

pause to listen, holding my

tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his tongs and

plate, a garnish of parsley providing

Karl beams,

like a giant leap forward for both of

on, I watch Karl and John weave around each other in a sort of uneasy

together to get the meals out, and not a single steak

overcooked.

past nine and the last few diners are savoring their desserts,

back and take it

a long while, the kitchen is

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

a sign of what could be rather than

catches my eye from across the kitchen, and this time

crinkling at the corners as he allows himself

…

energy of the kitchen into

about to congratulate myself on a

I spot Daisy seated awkwardly behind the bar, clutching

forth.

rush over, my

table nine.

she says, grimacing

her ankle swelling before my eyes, and shake my head.

that leg up.

eyes filled

Whatever tips you miss out on

yourself.”

hesitates for a moment before finally nodding, gratitude flooding her features. “Thank you,

limps

notepad, turning my attention to Daisy’s tables.

acquaintance of mine, sitting there with her friends, smirking

owns the place.

Here we go.

all again,” I greet, forcing

Emily says, a stiff

you.”

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

good things.”

eyes tw

“Of course,” Emily says.

I get you

a gin and tonic,” Emily

sweetness.

I reply, making

snippets of

was just a fluke, but she’s waiting tables

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

a giggle. “Maybe she can’t handle running the place. Probably gave it over to one of the

like that, you know. Letting

eyes.”

I listen to their words, my hands start to tremble. I head into the back room to catch my breath,