Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 98: One or the Other
Abby

The restaurant is buzzing with activity as we prepare for the lunch rush.

Karl’s returned to work today, and surprisingly, it doesn’t feel as awkward as I thought it would. In fact,

there’s a sense of normalcy that I didn’t expect to find. John, especially, is elated to see Karl back.

“Karl!” he exclaims, throwing his hands up in the air. “Thanks go ds! Get behind this line right now and

give me a hand, will you?”

Karl smirks and tugs his apron on, nodding. “Sure thing,” he says, crossing the kitchen to the line.

“Missed me, huh?”

“Don’t make me admit it.”

For a fleeting moment, I think to myself, maybe this won’t be so bad after all. But before the thought

even has a chance to settle in, the person I was truly dreading the most arrives.

Chloe.

Almost as though she sensed that something is off, Chloe bursts in through the front door. Her eyes

roam around the restaurant, taking in the staff, the prep work, and then they finally land on Karl. Her

expression shifts so quickly, it’s like watching a storm cloud eclipse the sun.

“Abby, can I talk to you? Now?” The temperature in her voice plunges several degrees. I motion her

toward my office. The door barely clicks shut behind us before she explodes.

“What the hell is he doing here?”

Taking a deep breath, I choose my words carefully. “Look, I know it sounds incredibly dumb of me, but

he came clean about a lot of things, Chloe. And he seemed genuinely remorseful.”

“So you just let him back after you just told me that you were done?”

I sigh, passing a hand over my face. “I know. I know it’s st upid. But he wanted to help, and trust me, I’m

keeping my distance. I swear.”

She stares at me, her face a mask of incredulity. “Are you out of your mind?”

“Listen, we really need the extra help right now, Chloe,” I plead, my voice tinged with desperation. “I

can’t spend my entire day working the line with John while there are managerial duties I need to attend

new cook right now. I’m keeping my distance

upid, but what

electrified by the tension. Chloe’s eyes

thin line.

choice, Abby. You always do. And if you’re

choice is to not work here any longer. Especially not with

time again that he can’t change.” Her voice

palpable.

to bridge the gap between us, but Chloe

whispering. “It’ll be okay. Trust

when you come to your senses,” she

unshed tears.

another word, she turns on her heels and storms out, leaving me standing

much too large

…

the time Leah walks in. The sight of her usually brings

of chaos. But today, it just serves as

sure that Chloe sent her, without a doubt. She catches my eye and

talk?” she

and make my way over, signaling to Ethan to take over

and Leah

Chloe called me and told me

course she

blame her? After everything Karl

frustrated. “No, of course I don’t blame

all hands

a good worker.”

water, looking thoughtful. “Abby, you might have to make a

who have stood by you, or

over again.”

he can change, Leah,” I say, my voice tinged

mistakes, right?”

fork, her eyes locking onto mine. “You thought

chances are you going to give

tightens, as if it’s being gripped by an

head as tears threaten to spill out.

glances at her watch and starts to get up. I can see

to go. But

have

like that, she’s gone, leaving me alone in a restaurant full of people. The

my guidance, patrons who love my food, and yet

I’ve never

…

the front door behind them, flipping the sign to

sanctuary that is my office, a

My phone’s screen