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 time off simultaneously?

nervous laugh. “It’s

been gaining brow nie points lately in my book

No h

I assure you, I’m not with

you say. Just be

hang up the phone, Chloe’s words ringing all too clearly in my head.

Really, really stu pid. Which is why it hasn’t even crossed

But that was just last night, after dinner and too much

to invite Karl back to

briefest of moments. I won’t act on

it further, I notice Gerald standing in the doorway

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

he says, but his voice is laced with a tone that I can’t

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

so much, Gerald,” I respond

the mind clear,” he

a moment,

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

keep one’s priorities straight; especially with matters of fidelity,” he adds, his gaze

unyielding.

been with the family for years, but never has

opens to question him, but he

into the house before

the iced tea untouched beside me,

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

Karl’s side for years.

I can’t be angry with Gerald. He’s worked with Karl’s adoptive family for

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

is founded on

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

visit, then I

it’s high time that

And they will, even if

one to stop them.

of iced tea, its contents

my thirst, but not my need for rectification. As

mind.

to have to talk. And this time, there’ll

or I’m

…

door, I can almost feel the air

my head what

just as I’m opening my mouth to talk

but I’m hosting an Alpha dinner

jacket on the h ook beside the

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

so long since I had the chance to prepare a feast

chop, saute,

fantastic. What’s the