Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 84: Without a Date
Abby

I’m seated on a lounge chair in the back lawn, soaking in the sun and the chirping of birds as a

soothing backdrop. The air smells of freshly cut grass, and I’m surrounded by the vibrant colors of the

garden—reds, yellows, and blues.. It’s peaceful, almost idyllic, but my mind is elsewhere.

I keep thinking about Karl’s words yesterday, how he never made an official announcement about my

fidelity. All morning, I’ve been getting strange looks from members of the staff—aside from Elsie, who

has never been anything but pleasant.

Part of me wants to announce it myself to set the record straight, but something tells me that most of

the staff who are unabashedly loyal to Karl wouldn’t believe me. And besides, he should do it himself.

He should be the one who admits to his shortcomings, not me.

Suddenly, my phone rings, breaking me out of my reverie. I glance down and let out a soft sigh. Ethan’s

name is flashing on the screen.

“Hey Ethan, what’s up?” I answer, my voice casual, but inside I’m wondering if something went wrong

after all. Perhaps the restaurant went up in flames, or that food critic came back for another bad

experience, or the place got robbed. Maybe all three.

“Abby, sorry to bother you on your time off. Quick question—how would you like us to handle the

supplier transition for next week? The new seafood vendor is offering different terms.”

I open my mouth to dive into a detailed explanation, logistics dancing at the forefront of my mind, when

I remember Karl’s words about taking time off. A moment of conflict grips me, but I decide to heed his

advice.

“Um, go ahead and negotiate the best terms possible but keep it in line with our usual arrangements.

And if you could, save any future questions for when I’m back. I’m supposed to be taking a break.”

“Ah, right. I apologize for interrupting your vacation. Where’d you wind up going anyway, if you don’t

mind me asking?”

“I’m… visiting family,” I lie smoothly, guilt settling somewhere in my stomach. I can’t tell Ethan—or

anyone, for that matter—that I’m visiting my old home with my ex-husband.

Just then, the phone rustles, and a new voice bursts through. “Abby! It’s Chloe. Are you with Karl?”

My cheeks flush involuntarily at her abrupt, and astute, question. “Chloe, what—”

the cr ap. You and Karl taking time off simultaneously?

laugh. “It’s just a

Karl’s been gaining brow nie points

h o oking

you, I’m not with

say.

I hang up the phone, Chloe’s words ringing all too clearly in my head. She’s right;

stu pid. Which is why it hasn’t even crossed

crossed my mind. But that was

Karl back to my bed, to reignite our old passions,

won’t act

Gerald

of iced tea. His

he says, but his voice is laced with a tone that I can’t quite

The butler never was the

so much, Gerald,” I respond kindly,

mind clear,” he says. “One wouldn’t

pause for a moment,

also pauses, but it’s almost for dramatic effect

especially with matters of fidelity,” he adds, his

unyielding.

heart drops a notch. Gerald has been with the

opens to question him, but he turns sharply

into the house before I

me, I realize that Karl’s

way that these people see me; especially Gerald,

Karl’s side for years.

Gerald. He’s worked with Karl’s adoptive family for decades,

here. He’s

anger is founded

the better.

trips to visit, then I need to confront

doesn’t come clean, then it’s high time that I

stop. And they will, even

one to stop them.

of iced tea, its contents shimmering in

but not my need for rectification. As I set the glass down,

mind.

Karl gets home, we’re going to have to talk. And this time, there’ll be

to make this announcement today, or I’m leaving.

…

walks through the door, I can almost feel the

practicing in my head what I’ll say

I’m opening my mouth

but I’m hosting

the h ook beside

dinner. I feel a sudden jolt of excitement that momentarily overpowers my need to

to prepare a

saute,

that sounds fantastic. What’s the