Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Chapter 101
The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering tomato sauce fills the air as I sit at my desk,

reviewing the inventory for the week.

It’s still early in the day, but the restaurant has already started to come alive. My eyes flit over numbers

and figures, but my thoughts keep drifting to the chaos of last night—Karl, John, Ethan, and that cook-

off looming in the future like a beacon of both opportunity and uncertainty.

As I’m about to turn my attention to the newly arrived email from Calvin, there’s a soft knock on my

door. “Come in,” I call out, hoping it’s not another crisis that needs immediate attention.

The door opens, and it’s John, looking a little sheepish. “Hey, Abby, you got a minute?”

I nod, gesturing for him to take a seat. “Sure, what’s on your mind?”

He hesitates, choosing his words carefully. “Look, about last night—I lost my cool, and I shouldn’t have

said what I did. I was…riled up, and I didn’t mean it. It was a long evening.”

I eye him skeptically, remembering his cutting remarks and confrontational demeanor. “You think?”

He winces. “I do. And I’m sorry. If you’re willing to forgive an old dog for his foolishness, I promise I’ll

train Karl properly and be more respectful. To everyone.”

The sincerity in his voice tips the balance for me. We’ve been through a lot, John and I, and though

an important part of

the desk. “Apology accepted. Let’s move on

place for everyone.

shaking my hand

there; dinner service won’t prep itself,”

to the kitchen.

behind him, I can’t help but feel a small sense of relief.

many

…

the staff bustling around the

change in the atmosphere. John’s tone is softer, more instructive, less caustic.

him explaining the finer points of sauce reduction to Karl, who listens intently. My eyes

moment, and he

and everyone springs into high gear. Plates

smells of grilled meat, sautéed vegetables,

despite the chaos, there’s an underlying current

six is ready to go, Abby,” Ethan calls out, sliding the plates onto the counter. I

everything looks

and servers swoop in to whisk the

but not overbearing, instructing Karl on

“Remember, Karl, it’s all about balance. You

much

pause to listen, holding my

replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his tongs and

the plate, a garnish of parsley

and Karl beams, clearly pleased by

leap forward for both of them—and for me.