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

my hand across the desk. “Apology accepted. Let’s move on and make this

place for

he agrees, shaking my hand

won’t prep itself,” I say, and we both stand

to the kitchen.

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

so many more to

…

staff bustling around the kitchen as orders start

John’s tone is softer, more instructive,

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

moment, and he gives me

dinner rush kicks in, and everyone springs into high gear.

tantalizing smells of grilled meat, sautéed

there’s an underlying current of teamwork

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

everything

people!” I yell, and servers swoop in

but not overbearing, instructing Karl

all about balance. You want enough

much that

to listen, holding my

He adjusts the angle

garnish

John comments, and Karl beams,

it feels like a giant leap forward for both of them—and