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

from perfect, he’s an important part of this

desk. “Apology accepted.

for everyone.

he agrees, shaking my

out there; dinner service won’t prep itself,”

to the kitchen.

the door swings shut behind him, I can’t help but feel a small

many

…

like any other, the staff bustling around

there’s a palpable change in the atmosphere. John’s tone is softer, more

him explaining the finer points of sauce reduction to Karl,

a moment, and he gives me

rush kicks in, and everyone springs into high gear. Plates are flying,

air is thick with the tantalizing smells of grilled meat, sautéed vegetables, and melting

the chaos, there’s an underlying current of teamwork that wasn’t

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

presentation; everything

move, people!” I yell, and servers

then, I hear John’s voice, commanding but not overbearing,

balance. You want enough sauce so

much that

pause to listen,

tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of

the plate, a garnish of parsley providing

beams, clearly

but it feels like a giant leap forward for