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 taking time off simultaneously? Very

nervous laugh. “It’s just a

Karl’s been gaining brow nie points lately in my

h o oking

assure you, I’m not with

say. Just

words ringing all too clearly in my head. She’s

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

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

to invite Karl back to my bed, to

moments. I won’t act

dwell on it further, I notice Gerald standing in the doorway that leads to the

a tray with a glass of iced tea. His

Abby, your iced tea,” he says, but his voice is laced with a tone that I

cold. The butler never was the warmest with me, but

I respond kindly, taking the glass

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

pause for a

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

especially with matters of fidelity,” he adds, his

unyielding.

the family for years, but never

My mouth opens to

house before

sit there, the iced tea untouched beside me, I realize

did make an impact on the way that these people

Karl’s side for years.

with Gerald. He’s worked with Karl’s

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

is founded on

makes his official announcement, the better. If

trips to visit, then

then it’s high time that I set the record straight. The whispers,

And they will, even if I have to be

one to stop them.

iced tea, its contents shimmering

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

mind.

we’re going to have to talk. And this

today, or I’m

…

the door, I can almost feel the air shift.

in my head what I’ll say to

my mouth

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

on the h ook beside the

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

it’s been so long since I had the chance to prepare

chop, saute, and

fantastic. What’s the