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

laugh. “It’s

gaining brow nie

h o oking up.

I assure you, I’m

whatever you say. Just be

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

really stu pid. Which is why

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

what it would be like to invite Karl back to my

I won’t act on those

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

a tray with a glass of iced

he says, but his voice is laced with a

butler never was the warmest with

you so much, Gerald,” I respond

the mind clear,” he says. “One

for a moment, confused.

it’s almost for dramatic effect more than

straight; especially with matters

unyielding.

has been with the family for years, but

Not to me, at least. My mouth opens to

house before I get

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

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

Karl’s side for years.

Gerald. He’s worked with Karl’s

was taken in here. He’s

is founded

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

visit, then I need

it’s high time that

to stop. And they will, even if I have

one to stop them.

its contents shimmering in the afternoon light. I take a sip,

thirst, but not my need for rectification. As I set

mind.

we’re going to have to talk. And this time, there’ll be no room for waiting.

make this announcement today, or I’m leaving. And I won’t

…

the door, I can almost feel the air shift. I’ve

my head what I’ll

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

for the short notice, Abby, but I’m hosting an

jacket on the h ook

I feel a sudden jolt of excitement that momentarily overpowers my need to

had the chance to prepare a feast for the Alphas. My fingers already

chop, saute, and

fantastic.