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—”

ap. You and Karl taking time off

laugh. “It’s just a coincidence,

right,” she snorts. “Listen, Karl’s been gaining brow nie points lately in my book

No h o oking

assure you, I’m

say. Just

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

is why it hasn’t

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

about what it would be like to invite Karl

briefest of moments. I won’t

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

glass of iced tea. His

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

never was the warmest with

much, Gerald,” I respond

keeps the mind clear,” he says. “One

pause for a moment, confused.

for dramatic effect

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

unyielding.

notch. Gerald has been with the family for years, but

mouth opens to

into the house before I get

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

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

Karl’s side for years.

angry with Gerald. He’s worked with Karl’s adoptive

here. He’s

anger is founded

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

visit,

then it’s high time that I

And they will, even if I have to be

one to stop them.

back at the glass of iced tea, its contents

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

mind.

to have to talk. And

announcement today, or I’m leaving.

…

door, I can almost feel

head

I’m opening my mouth to talk

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

jacket on the h ook

jolt of

chance to prepare

chop, saute,

that sounds fantastic. What’s the