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—”

ap. You and Karl taking time off simultaneously? Very suspicious,

laugh. “It’s just

been gaining brow nie points lately

st upid. No h o oking up. Got

assure you,

whatever you say. Just

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

Which is why it hasn’t even crossed

crossed my mind. But that was just last night, after dinner and

it would be like to invite Karl back to my bed, to reignite

moments. I won’t act

Gerald standing in the

a glass of iced tea. His face is impassive as he

says, but his voice is laced with a tone that I

butler never was the warmest with me, but

Gerald,” I respond kindly, taking

as it keeps the mind clear,” he says. “One wouldn’t

pause for a moment, confused.

effect more than

straight; especially with matters of

unyielding.

a notch. Gerald has been with the family

me, at least. My mouth opens to question him, but he

before

untouched beside me, I realize that Karl’s failure to set the record

did make an impact on the way that these people see me; especially Gerald,

Karl’s side for years.

can’t be angry with Gerald. He’s worked with Karl’s adoptive family for decades,

once he was taken in here. He’s steadfastly loyal, and clearly angry with

anger is founded

official announcement, the better. If I’m going to

to visit,

clean, then it’s high time that

have to stop. And they will,

one to stop them.

of iced tea, its contents shimmering in the afternoon

liquid quench my thirst, but not my need for rectification. As I set the

mind.

gets home, we’re going to have to talk. And this time, there’ll be no

or I’m leaving. And I

…

can almost feel the air shift. I’ve been preparing

my head what

mouth to talk to him,

notice, Abby, but I’m hosting an Alpha dinner tonight at

the

dinner. I feel a sudden jolt of excitement that momentarily

had the chance to prepare a feast

chop, saute, and

that sounds fantastic. What’s the