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—”

cr ap. You and Karl taking time off

let out a nervous laugh. “It’s

Karl’s been gaining brow nie points lately

st upid. No h o oking up.

I assure you, I’m not

say. Just

as I hang up the phone, Chloe’s words ringing all too clearly in

Really, really stu pid. Which is

that was just last night,

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

briefest of moments. I won’t act on

I notice Gerald

a glass of iced tea. His face is impassive

says, but his voice is

the warmest with me,

much, Gerald,” I respond kindly, taking

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

a moment, confused.

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

one’s priorities straight; especially with matters of fidelity,” he

unyielding.

the family for years, but never has he been

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

into the house before I get

the iced tea untouched beside me, I realize

these people see me;

Karl’s side for years.

Gerald. He’s worked with Karl’s

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

anger is

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

trips to visit, then I

come clean, then it’s high time

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

one to stop them.

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

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

mind.

home, we’re going to have to talk. And

or I’m leaving. And I won’t be coming

…

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

head what I’ll say to

just as I’m opening my mouth to talk

for the short notice, Abby, but I’m hosting an Alpha dinner tonight at our place,” he

jacket on the h ook

I feel a sudden jolt of excitement

to

chop, saute,

fantastic. What’s