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—”

and Karl taking time off

a nervous laugh.

brow

upid. No h o

assure you, I’m not

whatever you say. Just

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

is why it

mind. But that was just last night, after

invite Karl back to my bed, to reignite our old

moments. I won’t act on

I can dwell on it further, I notice Gerald standing in the doorway

glass of iced tea.

says, but his voice is laced with a tone that I can’t quite place.

was the warmest with me, but this is

Gerald,” I respond kindly, taking

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

for a moment, confused.

effect more than

priorities straight; especially with matters of

unyielding.

Gerald has been with the family for years,

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

before I get

sit there, the iced tea untouched beside me, I realize that Karl’s failure to set the record

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

Karl’s side for years.

He’s worked with Karl’s adoptive family for

grow up once he was taken in here. He’s

anger is founded on

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

trips to visit, then I need to confront

come clean, then it’s high time that I

glances, the underlying tension—they have to stop. And they will,

one to stop them.

contents shimmering in the afternoon

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

mind.

going to have to talk. And this time,

announcement today, or I’m leaving. And I

…

through the door, I can almost feel the air shift.

head what I’ll

opening my mouth

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

jacket on the h ook beside

jolt of excitement that momentarily overpowers

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

saute,

sounds fantastic.