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

and servers swoop in to

I hear John’s voice, commanding but not

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

so much that

pause to listen, holding

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

on the plate, a garnish of parsley

beams, clearly

feels like a giant leap forward for both of them—and for me. As the

watch Karl and John weave around each other in a sort of

working together to get the meals out, and not

overcooked.

last few diners are savoring their desserts,

and

time in a long while, the kitchen is

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

of what could be rather than

from across the kitchen, and this

his eyes crinkling at the corners as he

…

the frenetic energy of the kitchen into the main dining area,

the air. I’m about to congratulate

the bar, clutching

forth.

I rush over,

serving table nine.

says, grimacing with

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

home. Put that leg up. I’ll take over your

her eyes

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

yourself.”

moment before finally nodding, gratitude flooding her

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

turning my attention to Daisy’s tables.

acquaintance of mine, sitting there

owns the place.

Here we go.

to see you all again,” I greet,

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

you.”

manage an equally stiff smile and tuck a strand

good things.”

glances, their eyes tw

“Of course,” Emily says.

you started with some

a gin and tonic,” Emily

sweetness.

right up,” I reply, making a

ears catch snippets of their conversation, laced

fluke,

even get to run her own restaurant,

giggle. “Maybe she can’t handle running the place. Probably gave it

Letting Alpha

eyes.”

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