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

I yell, and servers swoop in to whisk the dishes

commanding but not overbearing, instructing Karl on the proper way

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

so much

to listen, holding

earnest. He adjusts the

a garnish of parsley providing the finishing

Karl beams, clearly pleased by

like a giant leap forward for both

Karl and John weave around each other in a sort

to get the meals out, and not a single

overcooked.

the clock ticks past nine and the last few

and take it

the kitchen is humming with the sort

It’s not perfect, far from it,

a sign of what could

and this time

back, his eyes crinkling at the corners as

…

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

of conversation filling the air. I’m about

seated awkwardly behind the bar, clutching

forth.

happened?” I rush over,

erm… I rolled my ankle while serving table nine. Just give me five

she says, grimacing

one look at her flushed face, her ankle swelling before my eyes, and shake my head.

leg up. I’ll take over

to protest, her eyes

worry about that. Whatever tips you miss out on tonight, I’ll cover. Just go home

yourself.”

nodding, gratitude flooding her features.

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

apron and grab a notepad, turning

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

owns the place.

Here we go.

see you all again,” I greet, forcing a smile

stiff smile taking over her features. “We were

you.”

and tuck a strand of hair behind my

good things.”

glances, their eyes tw inkling with a fakeness

“Of course,” Emily says.

I get you

wines, a cosmopolitan, and a gin and

sweetness.

reply, making

I move away, my ears catch snippets of their conversation, laced with

fluke, but she’s waiting

get to run her own restaurant,

she can’t handle running the place. Probably gave it over

know. Letting Alpha Karl run everything, always

eyes.”

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