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

servers swoop

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

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

much

to listen,

earnest. He adjusts the angle of his tongs and the pasta

a garnish of

beams, clearly pleased by the

a giant leap forward

and John weave around each other in a sort of uneasy but effective

together to get the meals

overcooked.

the last few diners are savoring their desserts,

step back and take

first time in a long while, the kitchen is

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

of what could

the kitchen, and this time

the corners as he allows

…

of the kitchen into the main

the air. I’m about to congratulate

spot Daisy seated awkwardly behind the bar, clutching

forth.

rush over,

ankle while serving table nine. Just give me five minutes and

she says, grimacing

look at her flushed face, her ankle

that leg up. I’ll take

her eyes

you miss out on tonight, I’ll cover. Just

yourself.”

finally nodding, gratitude flooding

she limps out of the restaurant, supported

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

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

owns the place.

Here we go.

greet, forcing a smile as I approach

Emily says, a stiff smile taking over her

you.”

manage an equally stiff smile and tuck a strand of hair behind my

good things.”

eyes tw inkling with a fakeness that

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you started with

gin and tonic,”

sweetness.

reply, making a note

away, my ears catch snippets of their conversation,

it was just a fluke, but

to run her own restaurant, but has to wait

running the place. Probably gave

like that, you know. Letting Alpha Karl

eyes.”

start to tremble. I head into the back room to catch my