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—”

Karl

laugh.

right,” she snorts. “Listen, Karl’s been gaining brow nie

No h o

I assure you, I’m not

whatever you say.

ringing all too clearly in my head. She’s right;

Which is why it hasn’t even

maybe it has crossed my mind. But that was just last night, after dinner and too much wine.

thought about what it would be like to invite Karl back

moments. I won’t act on those fantasies.

I notice Gerald standing

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

tea,” he says, but his voice is laced with

was the warmest with

Gerald,” I respond kindly,

mind clear,” he says. “One wouldn’t want to make foolish choices,

pause for a moment,

almost for dramatic effect more than

straight; especially with matters of fidelity,” he adds, his gaze

unyielding.

notch. Gerald has been with the family for years, but never

Not to me, at least. My mouth opens to question him, but he turns

before I

untouched beside me, I realize that

way that these people see me; especially Gerald, who has

Karl’s side for years.

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

in here. He’s steadfastly loyal, and clearly

is founded

sooner that Karl makes his official announcement, the better. If I’m going to become

trips to visit,

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

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

one to stop them.

back at the glass of iced tea, its contents shimmering in the afternoon light. I take a sip,

need for rectification. As I

mind.

to talk. And

or I’m leaving. And

…

Karl walks through the door, I can almost feel the air shift. I’ve been preparing

head what I’ll say

as I’m opening my mouth to talk to him,

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

the h ook beside the

I feel a sudden jolt of excitement that momentarily overpowers my

long since I had the chance to prepare a feast for the Alphas. My fingers

saute,

that sounds fantastic. What’s the