Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 99: Help in Strange Places
Abby

The weight of the world feels like it’s pressing down on my shoulders like a leaden weight, and just

when I think it can’t get any heavier, Karl appears in the doorway of my office.

“Is everything okay, Abby?” he asks, and there’s a genuine concern in his eyes that almost—almost—

makes me want to believe in him again.

I hesitate, my eyes darting to my phone with Chloe’s unsent text. But there’s also a cook-off I need to

win, friendships to mend, and a restaurant to run. “I’m fine,” I lie, although my voice betrays me,

cracking slightly.

“Come on, Abby.” He steps into the room, closing the door behind him. “You and I both know that’s not

true.”

I sigh, shifting my gaze to my computer screen where an article on black truffles glares back at me. I

already promised to myself that I wouldn’t let Karl get closer, and everything in my body is screaming at

me right now to send him away.

But before I can stop him, Karl moves closer, leaning on the edge of my desk. “Look, if you don’t want

to talk about it, fine. But if there’s any way I can help—”

“Help?” I snort, incredulous. “You’ve done enough, don’t you think?”

He winces, stung by the harshness of my words.”Alright, fair point,” he concedes, pausing. “But let’s

not pretend that I’m the only complicated thing in your life right now.”

His eyes flicker to my computer screen, then back to me. “Now, what’s this about black truffles?”

I exhale deeply, a mixture of relief and frustration swirling within me. As much as it pains me to admit it,

he’s right; I’m in desperate need of help. “I need them for a dish I’m working on for the cook-off,” I

“But they’re rare, expensive, and the

the article. “You know, I

I was

at the mention of Adam’s name. Every memory of that

of not only the breakup, but the fact that Karl played a role in

know,” he catches himself, shaking his head. “But Abby, the point is, I

If you let me, I can try to secure these

accepting Karl’s help churns my stomach. Can I trust him? Should I? But there’s

I’m in. “Fine,”

he’s been waiting for this tiny chance at redemption. He

number. I can hear the

Jack,” he says. “It’s Karl.

as I listen to him speak to the supplier.

I remember all too well. It’s the

same confidence that I’ve been

feels like an eternity, Karl hangs up and looks at me, his eyes filled with a mix of

supplier can’t get them. There are none available on

market right now.”

slump, as if hit by an invisible wave of defeat. “So that’s it, then,” I

on my own

and gazes at me, a

I know you have no reason to trust

are against you, you can

at him, then back at the article about black truffles on my screen, then

say, my voice tinged with an exhaustion I can no longer hide. “I

do.”

we just sit in silence. But the room feels like it’s

it in

that has finally burst.

looks startled, his eyes widening as he takes in my sudden emotional collapse.

wrong?”

between s obs, taking a deep breath before I let it all spill out. “It’s Chloe,” I manage

stormed out. And Leah sided with her; she said it’s either

friends, Karl. I

air. The fact that

from his seat.

he can take another step, I’m on my feet too, rushing to stand between him