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

people!” I yell, and servers swoop

John’s voice, commanding but not overbearing, instructing Karl on the proper way

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

much that

to listen, holding my

Karl replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts

on the plate, a garnish

John comments, and Karl beams,

like a giant leap forward for both of

I watch Karl and John weave around each other

get the meals

overcooked.

last few diners are savoring their

back and

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

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

a sign of what could be rather than what

and this time it’s me who gives the nod of

eyes crinkling at the corners as he allows himself a small

…

the kitchen into the main dining area, the clinking

air. I’m about to congratulate myself on a night

awkwardly behind the bar, clutching her ankle and

forth.

over, my eyes

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

she says, grimacing

at her flushed face, her ankle swelling

leg up. I’ll take over

eyes filled with worry. “But

tips you miss out on tonight, I’ll

yourself.”

nodding, gratitude flooding her

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

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

who used to be an acquaintance of mine, sitting there

owns the place.

Here we go.

you all again,” I greet, forcing a smile as I approach the

well! If it isn’t Abby,” Emily says, a stiff smile taking over her

you.”

you?” I manage an equally stiff smile and tuck

good things.”

exchange glances, their eyes tw inkling with a fakeness that makes

“Of course,” Emily says.

get you started

cosmopolitan, and a gin and tonic,” Emily says, her

sweetness.

I reply, making

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

it was just a fluke,

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

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

like that, you know. Letting Alpha Karl run

eyes.”

hands start to tremble. I head into