Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 68: Reconciliation
Abby

The night weighs heavy on me, each mile that separates Karl and me adding to the burden I didn’t

think I’d ever have to bear again. I spend the rest of the night tossing and turning in bed, trying to bury

the memories of our argument and the sting of his words. It’s infuriating that he would have the

audacity to be mad about my accomplishment.

He should be thrilled for me.

Shouldn’t he?

…

I wake up the next day with dark clouds lingering in my head, mirroring the ones outside my window. I

head straight to the kitchen to work it all off. When emotions get messy, the kitchen has always been

my sanctuary. But today, even my sanctuary seems to be turning against me.

The day passes by in a blur. Before I know it, the restaurant is empty, the day having been a whirlwind

of rushes and demanding customers. Finally, I find myself alone amidst a storm of spices, ingredients,

and equipment. At least now, in the empty kitchen, I can think.

But the thing is, I’ve attempted this delicate souffle five times now. It keeps collapsing.

“D amn it!” I snap, tossing my whisk into the sink with an unwarranted amount of aggression. My apron

follows, flung across the counter as I grip the edge, my knuckles going white.

This is one of the key dishes I want to practice for the competition. I’ve never had good luck with

souffles, and it seems as though that bad luck is still getting in the way.

My heart is pounding like I’ve run a marathon, and I feel so stu pidly vulnerable standing here, defeated

by eggs and sugar. Tears of frustration are dangerously close, and I hate myself for it.

I can handle a hectic dinner rush, a dysfunctional kitchen, a competition. But to add Karl’s drama onto

it? It’s too much.

“Stop being such a drama queen, Abby,” I chastise myself aloud, rolling my eyes at my own

That’s when I hear it—a soft clearing of a throat. My body stiffens;

senses more

I find Karl standing at the entrance of the kitchen,

someone can fill a space even when

things toward him whether he means to or

that gravity feels like

our eyes lock. There’s a lingering

unsaid hangs heavy in

saw the lights were still on. Thought you might be here,” he finally says, taking a

the kitchen.

ask, my voice laced with more bitterness than I intend.

stance I wish I didn’t

darting to the discarded apron, the mess in the sink, and the ingredients sca

counter like evidence of a culinary crime scene. “I came to

sore from how many times I’ve done

with a

thick.

flinches at my tone, and I almost feel bad.

you listen,” I cut him off, my pent-up emotions spilling over like a pot left

means to me? This competition, this opportunity—it’s everything I’ve

to make it

not

what you did or didn’t mean to do, Karl,” I snap, stepping closer to him. “Right now,

can’t be happy about

talk,” he finally

his presence is too overwhelming, too filled with a history I’ve

to talk? Really? Because last time we talked,

felt about my success.”

happy for you, Abby.

it?” I retort, gripping the edge of the counter to keep my hands from

that the competition would get in the way of the

slowly like he’s measuring each breath, weighing each word before

that I

more than you realize. And

meet his, searching for any sign of insincerity. All I find is a quiet

Karl. You being angry about my success tells

not supportive of me, and I don’t have room for that kind of negativity

want to be supportive, Abby. I messed

make it right.”

I can’t keep the skepticism out of my voice. “Or

me back? Because

gap between us, and I involuntarily hold my breath. “I can’t lie