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

nervous laugh. “It’s just a coincidence,

brow

st upid. No h o oking

you, I’m not

you say.

words ringing all too clearly in my

is why it hasn’t even

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

about what it would be like to invite Karl back to my bed,

won’t act on those fantasies. I

Gerald

iced tea. His face is impassive as he

your iced tea,” he says, but his voice is

was the warmest with me,

you so much, Gerald,” I respond kindly,

the mind clear,” he says. “One

pause for a

but it’s almost for dramatic effect more than anything else. “Well,” he

keep one’s priorities straight; especially with matters

unyielding.

a notch. Gerald has been with the family

least. My mouth opens to question

before

iced tea untouched beside me, I realize

way that these people see me;

Karl’s side for years.

Gerald. He’s worked

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

is founded on

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

make trips to visit, then I need to

time

stop. And they will, even if I have to be

one to stop them.

the glass of iced tea, its contents shimmering in the afternoon light. I

thirst, but not my need for

mind.

have to talk. And this time,

this announcement today, or I’m

…

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

practicing in my head what I’ll say to

as I’m opening my mouth to talk

but I’m hosting an Alpha dinner

on the h ook beside

feel a sudden jolt of excitement that momentarily overpowers

since I had the chance to prepare a feast for the

saute,

sounds fantastic.